10 Reasons That Make Our Centre Ridge Community Special

Centre Ridge ES is a lively and flourishing community filled with enthusiastic learners from various backgrounds. Our students contribute distinct viewpoints that enhance our educational atmosphere. We are dedicated to promoting a culture of teamwork between our educators and students, making sure that everyone gains from the shared knowledge and creativity within our community.

Inclusive Learning Opportunities

We have a nurturing, holistic approach to student success by reinforcing the importance of self-regulation, good decision-making, and other executive functioning skills across our special education preschool and pre-K-6 classrooms. Centre Ridge Elementary School has dedicated mindfulness and well-being spaces, such as our Brain Lab and Calm Café. At CRES, we believe every child can thrive! 

Empowering Student Leaders

We help students develop responsibility and civic engagement through  Safety Patrols, the Student Council Association (SCA), our News Show, and EcoAdvocates. Recently, Centre Ridge Elementary School received a Project Learning Garden grant. As leaders of environmental sustainability, our students are learning how to grow and harvest fruits and vegetables and care for our environment! 

Diverse Extracurricular Activities

Centre Ridge Elementary School’s extracurricular offerings include Science and Math Olympiad, acting club, chess club, robotics, and more! We encourage our students to explore their interests and develop skills outside the classroom.

Meaningful Family Engagement

Centre Ridge Elementary School is your cozy second home! We build strong partnerships with our families through events like our Multicultural Potluck Dinner, State of CRES Address, RAM Night (Reading and Math Night), Family Science Night, Turkey Trot, and this year’s All-Star Picnic, which bring our community together in support of student achievement. On our 2023-24 Family Engagement Survey, nearly all of our respondents agreed that “My child enjoys going to this school,” and “I feel welcome at my child’s school.” 

Dedicated and Supported Staff

Our wonderful staff at Centre Ridge Elementary School work hard to meet the needs of every one of our learners. Along with our Instructional Coach and resource staff, ongoing support and professional development give our teachers the tools and training they need to help our students set strong academic foundations!

Ready for Tomorrow’s Future

One way we prepare students for the future is through AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination), an approach to teaching and learning that equips learners with the skills and mindset necessary for both college and career readiness such as organization, communication, and collaboration. Centre Ridge Elementary School also has an established Local Level 4 Advanced Academic Program. 

Advanced Academics and Innovative Specials

Our engaging specials programs include a robust fine arts curriculum including Creatology, a unique blend of STEAM, Portrait of a Graduate skills, and Advanced Academic strategies, fostering creativity and critical thinking in our students! We provide all students access to advanced academic methods and curriculum, giving every learner the opportunity to reach their full potential!

Early Childhood Education

With two full-time grant-funded pre-K programs, in addition to our special education preschool classrooms, we provide a nurturing educational environment for our youngest learners, setting the stage for future success.

Community Partnerships

We are grateful to have a strong support network across our community, ensuring our students and families receive comprehensive care and resources. Centre Ridge Elementary School is also a Professional Development School (PDS) and collaborates with George Mason University to support teacher candidates with their transition to the classroom. This partnership is extra special as it expands the capacity of our experienced teachers as well as novice teachers.

Apple Education Partnership

We embrace technology with iPads in the classrooms, preparing students for a digital future and enhancing their learning experience with innovative tools. Additionally, as an ISTE Lighthouse School, we partner with leaders in education technology, both in and outside of our county, to transform our approach to using technology in the classroom. Our teachers access additional training to become Apple and ISTE certified!