St. Michael’s School In Ridge Undergoes Major Renovations Ahead Of New School Year

St. Michael’s School Undergoes Major Renovations Ahead Of Fall Semester — Credit – St. Michael’s Catholic Church

RIDGE, Md. — As the 2025–2026 school year approaches, St. Michael’s School in Ridge is wrapping up a series of important summer upgrades aimed at improving the school environment and enhancing day-to-day operations for students and staff.

Funded through a mix of secured grants, private donations, and in-kind community support, the work includes a new roof over the classroom wing, new flooring throughout much of the building, five new interior classroom doors, freshly painted hallways, and landscaping improvements.

The roofing project began on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 and is expected to be completed before the first day of school on Tuesday, August 26. Flooring installation began the following day and is on track to finish before teachers return on Monday, August 18.

Fr. Keith Burney, pastor of St. Michael’s Church, said the upgrades reflect the commitment of donors and local partners who continue to invest in the school’s mission.

“This summer has seen some major improvements to our school facilities, made possible through a combination of grants we’ve secured and the generous support of donors and community partners who believe in our mission,” he said.

Among the local supporters: Ridge Hardware’s Donnie Tennyson and his daughter Angela, who secured a grant from True Value to supply paint and materials for the hallway repainting project in both the elementary and middle school wings. Earlier this summer, five new classroom doors were installed thanks to one of the school’s recently awarded grants.

Collentro Landscaping and Design has also played a major role by taking over mowing responsibilities across much of the property, while also donating time and services to trim bushes, mulch beds, and boost curb appeal before families return.

“St. Michael’s School has been a cornerstone of Ridge and the South County for more than 105 years, forming children in both faith and academic excellence,” Fr. Burney said. “Today, we are thriving, growing, and enrolling. This summer’s upgrades visibly demonstrate our ongoing commitment to excellence—but more importantly, they are a sign of a school firmly built on the foundation of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Christian tradition. We are always looking for new ways—through grants, through generous donors, and through community partnerships—to improve both our school and our educational offerings.”

Enrollment remains open for the 2025–2026 school year, and school tours are available throughout the summer. An Open House for prospective families will be held Thursday, August 21, from 4:00–6:00 p.m.

For more information, visit smsridgemd.org or call the school office at (301) 872-5454.