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Public School Success Stories

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The Miracle on 1401 Ridgewood School Road: Transforming Ridgewood Middle School

Kristen Pelster, Ridgewood Middle School, Missouri

Story posted December, 2007

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Results:
• 70% drop in disciplinary referrals
• 0% retention rate the last two years
• Dramatic improvements in test scores (one of Missouri's Top Ten Most Improved Schools in four of the last five years)

Stymied by crumbling facilities, poor achievement and a general malaise, Ridgewood Middle School in Arnold, Missouri faced serious challenges in transforming the school into a safe and exciting place to learn. Angry parents regularly called the school about the poor conditions, and many demanded transfers. School administrators and teachers were equally discouraged by a rowdy and apparently apathetic student body. ...