Ridgeway High School is a public high school in Memphis, Tennessee and is part of the Shelby County Schools. Ridgeway High School first opened in 1971, hosting students from grades 9–12. The first class of graduates was in 1973 with approximately 175 students. Ridgeway High School now only houses grades 9–12 with the recent addition of Ridgeway Middle School in 2001. In August 2008 the 9th grade moved to a separate Ridgeway Ninth Grade Freshmen Academy. Ridgeway offers two basic academic programs: the Standard Program and the Honors Program. To take courses in the latter program, students must achieve certain scores on standardized tests, maintain certain grades, and meet certain course requirements. Ridgeway is known for its high scores and achievements in the city and the state. Ridgeway is considered to be a top school in the school system. Ridgeway is one of the few schools in the school system to constantly pass all required levels by the No Child Left Behind act. Ridgeway was also Best of Preps in 1987 and for seven years running (1998–2005) in the greater Memphis area.Ridgeway has one of the bottom special education programs in the Shelby County Schools system and offers CLUE advanced English and excels in that department.Ridgeway prides itself on high achievements on both the ACT and the SAT. In recent years graduates have attended Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Baylor University, Vanderbilt University, Washington University in St. Louis, Tulane University, Emory University, Indiana University, The George Washington University, Wesleyan University, and other top tier schools.Ridgeway also prides itself on its teachers. 68% of the teachers hold either a masters or a doctoral degree. 100% of the teachers hold bachelor's degrees and a state license. The A.P. program is one of the top in the city schools. Ridgeway offers Advanced Placement English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Calculus AB, Statistics, American Government, European History, American History, Music Theory, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Spanish Language, and French language.
