Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Elementary Education in Stamford, CT
Founded in 1938, Long Ridge School has dedicated itself to nurturing young minds through personalized, inquiry-based education. Our mission centers on fostering a lifelong love of learning in a joyful, safe environment tailored to early childhood and elementary development. With a low student-teacher ratio, our educators prioritize individualized attention, ensuring each child thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. Our 14-acre wooded campus in Stamford, Connecticut, serves as an immersive outdoor classroom, enhancing experiential learning. Over eight decades, we have cultivated a close-knit, inclusive community where students build confidence, leadership skills, and a foundation for future success. Our progressive approach emphasizes multi-age classrooms, interdisciplinary curricula, and a commitment to developing compassionate global citizens.Parents consistently recognize us as Stamfords Best Elementary School for 16 consecutive years, reflecting our unwavering dedication to educational excellence. We collaborate closely with families to create a supportive ecosystem that celebrates childhood while preparing students for lifelong achievement. Our alumni frequently attribute their academic and personal growth to the strong relationships formed with teachers and peers during their time here. Today, we continue evolving our programs to meet the needs of modern learners while staying true to our core values of inclusivity and innovation.
Services
Early Childhood Education
Elementary School Programs
Summer Day Camp
Outdoor Learning Programs
Multi-Age Classrooms
Details
- Year established: 1938
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized learning in multi-age classrooms with a 6:1 student-teacher ratio.
- Our 14-acre campus integrates outdoor learning into daily curriculum for hands-on exploration.
- Recognized as Stamfords Best Elementary School for 16 consecutive years.
- Graduates are recruited by top regional middle schools due to strong academic preparation.
- Inclusive community prioritizes social-emotional development alongside academic excellence.
Associations and certifications
- Connecticut Association of Independent Schools
- National Association of Independent Schools
What people say
Lifelong love of learning
Dedicated, nurturing teachers
Strong community bonds
Excellent preparation for middle school
Inclusive, supportive environment
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our Beginners and Nursery programs create a warm environment for foundational learning. Children develop confidence through structured play, early literacy, and social skill development. Teachers focus on holistic growth, preparing students for seamless transitions to elementary education.
Elementary School Programs
Kindergarten through Fifth Grade curriculum emphasizes language arts, math, science, and social studies. Multi-age classrooms allow personalized pacing while fostering peer mentorship. Experiential learning combines traditional academics with creative problem-solving and character development.
Outdoor Learning Programs
Daily outdoor exploration utilizes our 14-acre campus featuring woods, fields, and gardens. Students engage in environmental science, physical activity, and imaginative play. This approach strengthens academic concepts while promoting physical health and ecological awareness.
Summer Day Camp
Our summer camp extends learning through themed activities, arts, and outdoor adventures. Children maintain educational momentum while developing new skills in a fun, supportive environment with specialized instructors and extended hours.
Multi-Age Classrooms
Two-year classroom groupings allow tailored instruction matching each child's developmental stage. Older students mentor younger peers, reinforcing their knowledge while building leadership skills in a collaborative, non-competitive atmosphere.
People
Carissa Lewis
Head of School
Dr. Carissa Lewis leads with over 20 years of experience in progressive education. She champions inclusive learning environments and has expanded the school's environmental education initiatives since joining in 2018.
Julian Shettler
Director of Admissions
Julian Shettler manages admissions and marketing with a focus on community building. A former attorney, he brings strategic vision to family engagement while maintaining personal connections with prospective families.
Kelly Falco
Assistant Head of School
Kelly Falco oversees Grades 4-5 and curriculum development. With 15+ years at the school, she specializes in differentiated instruction and has led numerous teacher training workshops on multi-age pedagogy.
Pam Chin
Director of Advancement
Pam Chin leads fundraising initiatives and alumni relations. Her strategic campaigns have increased scholarship funding by 40% since 2020, strengthening the school's financial accessibility and community engagement.
Daniel Cepeda
Director of Facilities
Daniel Cepeda maintains our 14-acre campus with emphasis on sustainability. He has implemented eco-friendly groundskeeping practices that support outdoor learning while reducing the school's environmental footprint.
Questions
What grades does The Long Ridge School serve?
We serve early childhood (Beginners and Nursery) through Fifth Grade.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, need-based financial aid is offered with applications reviewed on a first-come basis.
What makes your curriculum unique?
Our progressive, inquiry-based approach emphasizes hands-on learning, multi-age classrooms, and outdoor education.
Do you offer after-school programs?
Yes, we provide after-school activities and extended care options for enrolled students.
What are your class sizes?
We maintain a 6:1 student-teacher ratio with multi-age classrooms fostering personalized attention.
How do I schedule a campus tour?
Contact us at 203.322.7693 or complete our online inquiry form to arrange a visit.
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