The Basics
We welcome students from any school district who will be in 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th or 9th grade this coming
2025-2026 school year.
Week 1: July 14th - July 18th
Week 2: July 21st - July 25th
9:00a - 2:00p
Students are welcome one or both weeks.
2025-2026 school year.
Week 1: July 14th - July 18th
Week 2: July 21st - July 25th
9:00a - 2:00p
Students are welcome one or both weeks.
What's New This Year?
ElectivesNot one, not two... but FIVE NEW electives for your student to choose from, plus some of their old favorites!
(Descriptions below.) |
Easy Online EnrollmentWe've got a new online enrollment system which we believe will make it a much better experience for our families!
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Showcase VideoEach family will receive a professionally-produced video of their week's showcase.
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Tuition
$500/week/student, and get ready for this...
You can save up to $70 per student per week the earlier you book!
Through April 30th: $430/student/week (save $70!)
May 1st - May 31st: $460/student/week (save $40!)
June 1st - June 20th: $480/student/week (save $20!)
June 21st - July 6th: $500 student/week (online payments ONLY)
Any parents who wish to save on processing fees may choose “Pay Later” (after you hit "Proceed to Payment") during registration and send a check POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE FRIDAY, 6/20/2025. Any checks postmarked 6/21/25 or later will be subject to the full tuition rate of $500.
PLEASE NOTE:
Your spot is NOT confirmed until we receive payment, and electives are being filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can save up to $70 per student per week the earlier you book!
Through April 30th: $430/student/week (save $70!)
May 1st - May 31st: $460/student/week (save $40!)
June 1st - June 20th: $480/student/week (save $20!)
June 21st - July 6th: $500 student/week (online payments ONLY)
Any parents who wish to save on processing fees may choose “Pay Later” (after you hit "Proceed to Payment") during registration and send a check POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE FRIDAY, 6/20/2025. Any checks postmarked 6/21/25 or later will be subject to the full tuition rate of $500.
PLEASE NOTE:
Your spot is NOT confirmed until we receive payment, and electives are being filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation Policy
For those who pay online, you will not receive any processing fees back.
Regardless of payment, you will receive a full refund minus the following:
Cancelling by April 30th: $25/student/week
Cancelling by May 31st: $40/student/week
Cancelling by June 20th: $75/student/week
Cancelling by July 6th: $150/student/week
Regardless of payment, you will receive a full refund minus the following:
Cancelling by April 30th: $25/student/week
Cancelling by May 31st: $40/student/week
Cancelling by June 20th: $75/student/week
Cancelling by July 6th: $150/student/week
Have a Question?
Before emailing, kindly see our FAQ below for answers to common questions!
Before emailing, kindly see our FAQ below for answers to common questions!
CURRICULUM & ELECTIVES INFORMATION
WEEK ONE: July 14-18
Students entering grades 5-6 will all take “Speech and Debate” - a comprehensive approach to competitive speech & debate (public speaking, dramatic interpretation, and debate).
Students entering grades 7-9 will choose three electives (of which two will be assigned).
WEEK TWO: July 21-25
Students entering Grades 7-9 MAY take “Competitive Speech and Debate” where they will be introduced to all three competition activities on the first day and choose one to focus on for the entire week.
Students entering grades 5-6, and any student in grade 7-9 who does not want to take the competitive course, will choose three elective courses (of which two will be assigned). 5th and 6th graders who took "Speech and Debate" during week one may be allowed to participate in the "Competitive Speech and Debate" course with teacher approval.
If students would like to take the same elective twice, that is permissible.
Students entering grades 5-6 will all take “Speech and Debate” - a comprehensive approach to competitive speech & debate (public speaking, dramatic interpretation, and debate).
Students entering grades 7-9 will choose three electives (of which two will be assigned).
WEEK TWO: July 21-25
Students entering Grades 7-9 MAY take “Competitive Speech and Debate” where they will be introduced to all three competition activities on the first day and choose one to focus on for the entire week.
Students entering grades 5-6, and any student in grade 7-9 who does not want to take the competitive course, will choose three elective courses (of which two will be assigned). 5th and 6th graders who took "Speech and Debate" during week one may be allowed to participate in the "Competitive Speech and Debate" course with teacher approval.
If students would like to take the same elective twice, that is permissible.
ELECTIVES DESCRIPTIONS
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INSTITUTE STAFF
David Yastremski
Mr. Yastremski began the Ridge Forensics program in the fall of 1997 and has led the team to state and national recognition. Mr. Yastremski has served as a Language Arts teacher at Ridge High School since 1996. He is a National Board Certified Teacher, a member of the National Speech and Debate Association Hall of Fame, and a five-diamond coach.
Stephanie Fletcher
Mrs. Fletcher had been a professional actress after graduating with a BA in theatre. While receiving her M.Ed. She started coaching the Ridge Forensics team in late 90s. She returned in 2011 and just received her second diamond award from the National Speech and Debate Association.
Daniel Norris
Mr. Norris is a teacher in the Social Studies department at Ridge High School where he serves as the advisor to the school newspaper and teacher of AP Government, AP European History, and Global Studies. He is an assistant coach of debate events for the Ridge Forensics team and has coached and judged students in Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Congressional Debate, and Parliamentary Debate.
Loren Raye
Loren is a Ridge Forensics alumni and State Champion in Prose Reading. She is an award-winning radio host (previously Z100/Elvis Duran & WODS Boston) and can be heard filling in for Karen Carson in the morning on NEW 102.7 in New York City. She is the female imaging voice of Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, reaching three million households per week. Loren is a mom to a sassy kindergartener and loves giving back to non-profits.
Students will also work with members of the reigning state championship Ridge Forensics Team, including state and national tournament finalists.
David Yastremski
Mr. Yastremski began the Ridge Forensics program in the fall of 1997 and has led the team to state and national recognition. Mr. Yastremski has served as a Language Arts teacher at Ridge High School since 1996. He is a National Board Certified Teacher, a member of the National Speech and Debate Association Hall of Fame, and a five-diamond coach.
Stephanie Fletcher
Mrs. Fletcher had been a professional actress after graduating with a BA in theatre. While receiving her M.Ed. She started coaching the Ridge Forensics team in late 90s. She returned in 2011 and just received her second diamond award from the National Speech and Debate Association.
Daniel Norris
Mr. Norris is a teacher in the Social Studies department at Ridge High School where he serves as the advisor to the school newspaper and teacher of AP Government, AP European History, and Global Studies. He is an assistant coach of debate events for the Ridge Forensics team and has coached and judged students in Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Congressional Debate, and Parliamentary Debate.
Loren Raye
Loren is a Ridge Forensics alumni and State Champion in Prose Reading. She is an award-winning radio host (previously Z100/Elvis Duran & WODS Boston) and can be heard filling in for Karen Carson in the morning on NEW 102.7 in New York City. She is the female imaging voice of Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, reaching three million households per week. Loren is a mom to a sassy kindergartener and loves giving back to non-profits.
Students will also work with members of the reigning state championship Ridge Forensics Team, including state and national tournament finalists.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many intake forms do I need to fill out?
You will be required to fill out one form per student per week.
If I choose to pay by check (by clicking "Pay Later,") am I fully registered?
NOT YET!
We cannot guarantee your spot until we receive payment.
Additionally, please keep in mind that electives are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who should checks be made out to?
"RHS Student Activities" and mailed to:
Ridge High School
Attn: Dr. Thorpe - RFSDI
268 S. Finley Avenue,
Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920
How soon should I mail my check?
ASAP. Again, we cannot guarantee your spot until we receive payment, and electives are being filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is week one a pre-requisite for week two?
No. Students may attend one or both weeks.
What electives should I choose?
Whichever you believe will benefit and interest your child the most. All electives are age-appropriate.
I chose "Pay Later" to save processing fees, but it looks like I will still get charged for them. Why?
You won't, we promise! Once you receive your invoice via email, you can open the PDF and you'll see that the online processing fees are NOT added.
Will there be a nurse on-site?
You bet.
What time can I drop my student off?
8:45a. Camp begins at 9:00a and ends at 2:00p.
How does lunch/recess work?
Students must bring their own lunches and water bottles. There will be a recess period where students can play outside (weather-permitting) or participate in organized activities inside.
I have more questions. Who should I email?
Loren Bosso: [email protected] and/or [email protected]
We will do everything we can to get back to you in a timely manner, and appreciate your patience in understanding that Loren is busy a working parent!
How many intake forms do I need to fill out?
You will be required to fill out one form per student per week.
If I choose to pay by check (by clicking "Pay Later,") am I fully registered?
NOT YET!
We cannot guarantee your spot until we receive payment.
Additionally, please keep in mind that electives are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who should checks be made out to?
"RHS Student Activities" and mailed to:
Ridge High School
Attn: Dr. Thorpe - RFSDI
268 S. Finley Avenue,
Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920
How soon should I mail my check?
ASAP. Again, we cannot guarantee your spot until we receive payment, and electives are being filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is week one a pre-requisite for week two?
No. Students may attend one or both weeks.
What electives should I choose?
Whichever you believe will benefit and interest your child the most. All electives are age-appropriate.
I chose "Pay Later" to save processing fees, but it looks like I will still get charged for them. Why?
You won't, we promise! Once you receive your invoice via email, you can open the PDF and you'll see that the online processing fees are NOT added.
Will there be a nurse on-site?
You bet.
What time can I drop my student off?
8:45a. Camp begins at 9:00a and ends at 2:00p.
How does lunch/recess work?
Students must bring their own lunches and water bottles. There will be a recess period where students can play outside (weather-permitting) or participate in organized activities inside.
I have more questions. Who should I email?
Loren Bosso: [email protected] and/or [email protected]
We will do everything we can to get back to you in a timely manner, and appreciate your patience in understanding that Loren is busy a working parent!
SOME OF THE AMAZING WORK FROM PREVIOUS INSTITUTES!!!
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