At Ponus Ridge, students don’t just go to school—they grow into problem-solvers, innovators, and confident learners. Through a powerful combination of academic rigor, hands-on learning, and a deeply supportive environment, we help every student Dream big, Design with purpose, and Do the work to turn ideas into action.
Interested in learning more about Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy?
Honoring Our Principal
Award-winning Leadership:
Dr Lewis Wins National Middle School Principal of the Year
Our own Dr Damon Lewis was named 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year! Leading our school for over a decade, Dr Lewis’s dedication and personal commitment to every student’s success is evident throughout the school.
“Dr. Damon Lewis, has been named the 2025 Connecticut Association of Schools Middle School Principal of the Year. A visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to student success, Lewis has transformed his school into a model of achievement, equity, and engagement. His “Every Day Counts” culture has led to significant improvements in student attendance, academic performance, school climate and family-school partnerships.”
“Dr. Lewis has made this school great. No matter your interest, there is a class or club for you.”
-8th Grade Student at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy
“This award is a testament to your passionate leadership, dedication to student success, ability to inspire and support your staff, and heroic personal investment in your entire school community.”
-Karen Packtor,Deputy Executive Director of the Connecticut Association of Schools
“Wow! We have come a long way under Dr. Lewis’ leadership! We have gone from Ponus Ridge Middle School to Ponus Ridge Community. He has built a community. We are far more than just a school.”
-Racquel Sesler, 6th grade science teacher
“Dr. Damon Lewis, has been named the 2025 Connecticut Association of Schools Middle School Principal of the Year. A visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to student success, Lewis has transformed his school into a model of achievement, equity, and engagement. His “Every Day Counts” culture has led to significant improvements in student attendance, academic performance, school climate and family-school partnerships.”
“Dr. Lewis has made this school great. No matter your interest, there is a class or club for you.”
-8th Grade Student at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy
“This award is a testament to your passionate leadership, dedication to student success, ability to inspire and support your staff, and heroic personal investment in your entire school community,”
-Karen Packtor,Deputy Executive Director of the Connecticut Association of Schools
“Wow! We have come a long way under Dr. Lewis’ leadership! We have gone from Ponus Ridge Middle School to Ponus Ridge Community. He has built a community. We are far more than just a school.”
-Racquel Sesler, 6th grade science teacher
Exploration And Experience
Learning That Connects
Every day at Ponus Ridge, our students have the opportunity to take their education to the next level. Through project-based, hands-on learning, our students solve real-world problems. They explore solutions and work collaboratively to achieve goals bigger than those they might reach on their own.
Our STEAM approach – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math – runs through every part of our curriculum. Students learn by doing: building prototypes, coding games, engineering garden solutions, and exploring connections across disciplines.
Our students even have the opportunity to work together on a Shark-Tank style project during our spring STEAM unit! Groups of students come together to design a product using the engineering design process – thinking through all the elements they’ll need to bring their ideas to life. They then present their product ideas to a panel of community leaders and business people.
The benefits here are twofold: Students grow the technical skills needed to develop a product, as well as the ‘soft skills’ required to launch that product into the marketplace.
Boundaries. Expectations. And Support.
Our supportive school community fosters resilience, curiosity, and a growth mindset. Through extracurricular activities, mentorships, and a tight-knit community of caring administrators and staff, students develop leadership skills, build lifelong connections, and grow in confidence.
When you choose Ponus Ridge Middle School STEAM Academy for your child, you’re choosing to support your child’s individual potential, unlock their talents, and nurture their self-esteem in these critical developmental years.
Ponus Ridge is the right fit for your child if they…
- Are curious about how things work—and love asking “why?”
- Thrive when learning is hands-on, creative, and connected to the real world
- Are excited by technology, design, or building things
- Enjoy exploring coding, robotics, media production, or the arts
Our Community Partners
