About Our School

The Florida Ruffin Ridley School serves Brookline’s vibrant Coolidge Corner neighborhood and is the largest PreK–8 school in Brookline. The school has a distinguished reputation, welcoming students from all over the world and embracing human diversity. It is also the public school that President John F. Kennedy attended.

Florida Ruffin Ridley School is guided by its motto: “Work hard. Be kind. Help others.” Faculty, staff, students, and families demonstrate this commitment each day by creating safe, welcoming, and respectful learning environments.

As a school dedicated to developing the whole child, we use a variety of social-emotional learning approaches, including Responsive Classroom, Developmental Designs, and Second Step. These programs help foster the prosocial behaviors needed for a productive learning environment.

Through these efforts and a strong focus on community and identity, students learn to respect themselves and others while honoring the diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and learning differences that make up the Florida Ruffin Ridley School community.