Curriculum:

Forest Ridge Academy prides itself with offering a rich, innovative, and rigorous academic program. Our motto of  “Learning Beyond Textbooks” actively engages each student to thoroughly investigate what they are studying in a hands-on, experiential approach.     We believe that by “doing” a child will understand and remember more. Our teachers use theme units and fields of inquiry are integrated across the curriculum.

 

Student Achievement:

Students in grades 3 through 8 take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills national achievement test.  Although Forest Ridge does not put a heavy emphasis upon achievement testing or teach to the test, our children consistently score high on these tests.  For the last several years our school has ranked in the 99^th percentile.  

 

Faculty:

Forest Ridge Academy is fortunate to be staffed by outstanding, creative, and innovative teachers.  Our teachers continually challenge themselves and actively pursue workshops and seminars to attend to grow professionally and to extend  their love of learning.  This love of learning is instilled in the children and the teachers are able to motivate their students to be the best they can be. 

 

Student/Faculty Ratio:   5:1

 

Technology: 

Children in Junior Kindergarten through 4^th grade use laptop Apple I-Books.  Students in 5^th through 8^th grade are responsible for purchasing their own Toshiba laptop computers, which they bring with them to school on a daily basis.  In this way the students are exposed to Apple computers while young and then switch to the Microsoft Office programs.  A high-speed wireless network exists throughout the school.  Electronic “Smartboards” and projectors are used to create interactive computer-based lessons.

 

Secondary School Placement:

Forest Ridge Academy graduates are actively pursued by the top high schools in the area, and many have received top honors and scholarships to independent schools.  Graduates attend Morgan Park Academy, Culver Academy, LaLumiere High School, Marian High School, Andrean High School, University of Chicago Lab School, Latin School, Munster High School, Valparaiso High School, and Lake Central High School.  Most of our students are accepted into the Honors classes and continue to excel and take on leadership roles in high school. 

 

School Traditions:

Forest Ridge offers many opportunities for parents to become involved in the school community.  Each year we host a family hayride/bonfire, have Muffins with Mom, Donuts with Dad,  Grandparents' Day, Family Science Night, a pumpkin decorating contest, and A Celebration of the Fine Arts Night.  The children also write a creative story to be published in our annual children’s anthology, Forest Treasures. 

 

Affiliations:

 

The Independent Schools Association of the Central States

Indiana Association of Independent Schools

Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools

Indiana Non-Public Education Association

North Central Association