Over the past decade, Ridgewood High School has undergone extensive renovations and have transformed the building into a modern learning environment. In fact, Ridgewood has been nationally recognized in American School & University magazine as well as being LEED registered with both gold and silver certifications for different projects. Due to overlapping capital improvement projects with an Federal Aviation Administration Sound Abatement Grant due to our proximity to O’Hare International Airport, the district was able to create additional spaces around the building to benefit students. Highlights of the projects included redesigning the media center as well as the addition of a brand new field house, STEM lab, auditorium, band room and student commons space and comprehensive soundproofing. A central focus of the each space was to promote interaction and collaboration through openness and flexibility. Tables and chairs in these spaces can move and be used in a variety of ways.
Recently, Ridgewood’s students have made significant contributions to the school design and facilities. Students have planned, built, and maintained a fruit and vegetable garden. The garden has tripled in size over the past three years due to the students securing a grant from the State of Illinois in conjunction with Triton College. Additionally, students in the Geometry in Construction course designed and built a baseball press box.