Rippowam Cisqua School

Rippowam is truly a special school. While COVID initially brought us to Bedford, Rippowam is why we stayed and have decided to raise our three children here. As different as our own three are, the teachers at Rippowam meet them where they are with love and support while also challenging them to be the best students and citizens they can be. There is a warmth that resonates throughout the hallways, and a sense of pride throughout the faculty, staff, parents and children for the community we are building. I see my own children's enthusiasm for the both inside and out of the classroom, something I had never seen before in previous schools. The school is full of spirit without being overly competitive, there is a desire to push kids but not have them grow up too fast. We couldn't be happier with our decision to stay!

I was sent the loveliest note about our school today. I am posting on her behalf, with her blessing. "We’ve had such a positive experience at Rippowam Cisqua for our two daughters during our last four years at the school! Both daughters joined in JPK and we’ve been impressed with the Early Childhood program. The teachers are exceptional – caring, thoughtful, and dedicated to our daughter’s development. The small class sizes and individualized attention have created an ideal environment for our daughters to thrive. It has also fostered a love of school and learning from a young age. We also love how much the school has promoted a sense of community. The 7th graders partner with SPK students to make animal puzzles in the innovation lab. Students have buddies for Field Day to promote school spirit! Rippowam Cisqua fosters a love of learning, encourages exploration, and values the development of the individual – academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe the experience will allow our daughters to explore their interests, develop their talents and be immersed in experiences that will prepare them to thrive in life. While still young, we’re already seeing this foundation and can’t wait to continue to watch them grow! My daughters are excited to go to school every day and disappointed when they are not with their teachers and classmates! Ripp students are happy, well-rounded, and engaged in learning. We feel a tremendous sense of pride to be part of this community. Our girls are thriving at Rippowam!"

We’ve had such a positive experience at Rippowam Cisqua for our two daughters during our last four years at the school! Both daughters joined in JPK and we’ve been impressed with the Early Childhood program which strikes the appropriate balance between play based learning while incorporating the key building blocks of early education. The teachers are exceptional – caring, thoughtful, and dedicated to our daughter’s development. They are also strong communicators – always keeping you apprised of the latest and providing support along the way. The small class sizes and individualized attention have created an ideal environment for our daughters to thrive. It has also fostered a love of school and learning from a young age. We also love how much the school has promoted a sense of community. The 7th graders partner with SPK students to make animal puzzles in the innovation lab. Students have buddies for Field Day to promote school spirit!My daughters are excited to go to school every day and disappointed when they are not with their teachers and classmates! Ripp students are happy, well-rounded, and engaged in learning. We feel a tremendous sense of pride to be part of this community. Our girls are thriving at Rippowam!

We love Rippowam!As an international family with Third Culture Kids, with a 5 year expat experience in Germany, England and Hong Kong, it was a chance meeting which introduced us to Rippowam 4 years ago. We had never even heard of Bedford! We were retuning to the US to give our children stability through their schooling in their teenage years, and after attending the academic, competitive Hong Kong International School, we were looking for a smaller school which would be equally challenging and yet nurturing for our two girls, entering 6th and 7th grade. To say we have been blown away by Rippowam is an understatement! From day one we were given a warm welcome into the school and greater community. There are endless ways to get involved, however much or little you would like. There are so many ways for your children to “shine” and be recognized, the school communication is excellent, I have been impressed with the additional programs, including those for DEI, and there are wonderful school-wide traditions which foster community. The beloved staff and faculty wear many hats, for example The Head of School, who not only guided us through the pandemic challenges with an open school, incredible leadership, innovation and grace, he is also teaching 9th grade humanities. Talk about having a finger on the pulse!In my opinion the hidden gem of this school is the 9th grade capstone program, it has been transformational experience for my girls. Another gem for sure is the fantastic, well-connected Secondary School Office, who will guide you and your child through a most structured application process with continuous support.Our girls have excelled beyond belief at this school, not only academically but social-emotionally they are grounded, self-confident and happy, and we couldn’t be more grateful to Rippowam for this well-rounded education. Thank you! EP

Our son has attended Rippowam since Kindergarten. After a thorough assessment of the various options in Westchester, we chose Rippowam (even though it's further from our house than other choices) due to the incredible community, the dedicated and caring faculty and staff, and the personal attention given to each and every student. Our son is thriving at Rippowam. The school is able to push him to succeed and to provide plentiful opportunities, including hands-on learning that takes advance of Rippowam's setting and community. Given the high student-to-teacher ratio, Rippowam is able to provide advanced opportunities for those students who are ready for them and to support those who need more attention.