Ridgeview Charter Middle School has earned its second re-designation as a Georgia Lighthouse and National Forum Schools to Watch honoree for 2026–2029, according to a Fulton County Schools announcement published Tuesday, July 7. The school is one of just 16 in Georgia to hold the distinction.
The designation means the school met or exceeded 37 research-based criteria across four areas: academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational structures. Schools must demonstrate continued progress every three years to keep the honor.
Rating climbed from 'C' to 'B'
Since first earning the recognition in 2019, Ridgeview has raised its school rating from a "C" to a "B," according to the district. Principal Thomas Garrett credited the staff's daily focus on academic, social, and emotional needs.
"The process is rigorous, and follow-up questions from the designating committee are focused on moving students forward," said Kathleen McCaffrey, the school's Middle Years Programme IB coordinator, who led the application for re-designation.
Georgia Lighthouse co-chairs Linda Hopping and Camille McElroy praised Garrett's leadership in their re-designation letter, noting his willingness to host visitors and share Ridgeview's practices at conferences statewide.
What it means for incoming families
For rising sixth graders entering in fall 2026, the designation covers their entire three-year middle school tenure through 2028–2029. Ridgeview offers the IB Middle Years Programme, AVID, a dual-language immersion program, talented and gifted services, performing arts, and athletics. Graduates feed directly into Riverwood International Charter School's IB Diploma Programme.
Nationally, more than 480 schools across 20 states have earned Schools to Watch recognition since the program launched in 1999. The program requires schools to identify weaknesses and show measurable improvement at each three-year checkpoint.
Award and upcoming dates
Garrett received Ridgeview's award at the National Forum Schools to Watch conference in Washington, D.C., June 25–27.
Two events remain on the school calendar for families exploring Ridgeview:
- Wednesday, July 22 — Summer Bridge for Rising 6th Graders
- Thursday, July 30 — Panther Peek open house
Enrollment details are available at ridgeview.fultonschools.org or by calling 470-254-7710.
