Principal's Message
Welcome to The Ridge!
My name is Barry Ledford, and I have the incredible honor of serving as Principal at Catawba Ridge High School, where I work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented educators in the state of South Carolina.
At the heart of The Ridge, we believe:
- Every student has the ability to learn.
- Every student deserves a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Open communication among parents, faculty, staff, students, and the community is essential—everyone shares in the responsibility for student success.
- Strong partnerships with parents are critical in helping students reach their full potential.
- Students thrive when career-based educational opportunities are integrated with partnerships in business, government, and the broader community.
- A relevant and challenging program of study is critical to student growth.
- Ongoing use of student achievement data and program evaluations is vital for continuous improvement.
These guiding beliefs, along with our school motto—#BeTheWhy—shape every decision we make and every interaction we have.
#BeTheWhy represents a commitment to being Willing to do it with all your Heart, Year after Year. We believe that when we give our all for one another, we are truly unstoppable.
As Principal, it is my personal goal to embody this mindset and model it for our students, educators, families, and community.
We recognize that student success is a team effort, and our partnership with parents is one of the most powerful tools we have. Your involvement, support, and communication make a lasting impact—and we are committed to working closely with you every step of the way.
Communication is key to achieving our mission. I will share updates through weekly newsletters and social media:
You’re also welcome to contact me directly at ledfordj@fortmillschools.org.
I look forward to partnering with you in service to the students and families of our incredible community.
Kindest regards,
Barry Ledford
Principal, Catawba Ridge High School