Meet Courtney Swartz: Founder of The Douglas Ridley School, A New Vision for Education in Boston

A Mission-Driven Beginning

Courtney Swartz has dedicated her life to education. With over 20 years of teaching experience across cities like Washington D.C., Chicago, and Boston, she has always worked at the intersection of equity and academic excellence. Today, she, and her high school friend Alexis Rosenblatt, stands on the brink of something new: the launch of The Douglas Ridley School, an independent progressive school opening in Boston in Fall 2026.

 

Why Start a New School?

Courtney and Alexis’ decision to start The Douglas Ridley School is rooted in both professional reflection and personal experience. While she once championed the high-pressure, high-expectation education models, becoming a mother shifted her perspective. When her daughter was ready for kindergarten, Courtney realized that the school she once admired no longer aligned with the learning environment she envisioned for her child.

She wanted a place that valued curiosity over compliance, collaboration over competition. A school that nurtured creativity and built a true sense of community. The Douglas Ridley School is the result of that vision.

 

What Makes The Douglas Ridley School Different?

The school will begin with one kindergarten class of 18 students in 2026, adding a grade each year until it reaches full capacity from kindergarten through sixth grade. It will follow a Reggio Emilia-inspired model—an educational philosophy centered on the belief that children are naturally curious, capable, and full of potential.

Rather than a rigid curriculum, students will explore subjects that matter to them. This student-centered approach encourages a love of learning and allows kids to connect deeply with the material. The school is named in honor of two trailblazers in educational equity: Frederick Douglass and Florida Ruffin Ridley.

 

Education for Liberation and Connection

Courtney believes in the power of education as a tool for liberation. She envisions a space where children not only develop academically, but also grow into empathetic, open-minded individuals who can navigate and appreciate diverse perspectives.

The school will emphasize collaboration and collective growth. Students will learn not just how to succeed individually, but how to thrive as part of a community. It’s about raising children who are as emotionally intelligent and socially aware as they are academically capable.

 

Rooted in Boston, Inspired by New England

Though originally from Cleveland, Courtney now proudly calls Boston home. She loves the energy of the city and the natural beauty of the surrounding New England area. Cleveland is also where she met her long time friend and business partner Alexis.  Living in a place where you can be at the ocean, in the mountains, or exploring vibrant neighborhoods all within a short drive only strengthens her belief in connected, place-based learning.

 

Beyond the Classroom

Courtney is not only an educator and founder—she’s also creative. Recently, she has taken up watercolor painting as a way to unwind and express herself. She’s even incorporated her hobby into the school launch by painting bookmarks and thank-you cards to share with families at community events.

 

A School for All Families

Inclusivity is foundational to The Douglas Ridley School. Courtney is deeply committed to ensuring that tuition is never a barrier. The school is being designed with intentional diversity in mind—racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic.

“There are plenty of prestigious private schools in New England,” she says. “But what we’re building is something different. It’s a place where every child, regardless of their background, can belong.”

 

Looking Ahead

The Douglas Ridley School represents a new chapter in education for Boston. It’s more than a school—it’s a movement toward child-centered, justice-focused, and community-driven learning. And it all started with one educator who dared to reimagine what school could be.

Website: www.douglassridleyschool.org

Email: cswartz@douglassridleyschool.org

Phone: ​‪(617) 971-8026

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