Located in Washington County in southwestern Pennsylvania, Ringgold School District serves 2,800 children in four schools: one high school, one middle school, and two elementary schools.

The demographics of the area create a community that is educationally, economically, and culturally diverse — and this diversity drives the district’s educational philosophy. Ringgold’s approach is rooted in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a research-based framework for designing instruction that is accessible and effective for all. Based on strong relationships, constant communication, meaningful collaboration, and data-based reflection, the “UDL classroom” goes beyond addressing curriculum standards to designing instruction that meets individual learner variability at its deepest level — including attributes like engagement, persistence, reflection, and motivation as much as skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Supported by initiatives such as Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports, Restorative Practices, Character Education, and one-to-one technology, UDL is at the heart of the district’s classroom practices and professional development.

As a result, Ringgold educators are lifelong learners who are committed to helping every child define their own path to becoming “expert learners:” citizens who believe in their capacity for achievement, possess the motivation and skills to achieve their own vision of success, and have the flexibility to grow and change with the world around them.