Ridgeview Classical Charter Schools in Fort Collins

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) data from Colorado Department of Education.
College Readiness	10/10	The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from Colorado Department of Education, using 2025 Average SAT score data from Colorado Department of Education, and using 2025 demographic data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Posted: September 23, 2025

We are in our second year having our kids enrolled in the lower school at Ridgeview Classical Schools. After my oldest son had a mixed experience at the local school we were zoned for which ended when he no longer felt safe in his classroom and was starting to lose his love for learning my wife and I agreed it was time to look for other options. In our first year at the school it took less than a month for my son to regain his love of learning. The conversations he was having with our family and his friends were much more positive and interesting. The teacher he had was wonderful and did a fantastic job of making sure we were aware of what he was learning, what he was going well with, as well as subjects that were challenging for him and options for helping him where he needed it.
The work load at the younger grades has not been cumbersome, in part due to the built in study hall. The community events the school puts on between the parent book clubs, fall trick-or-treat street, Valborg, etc. have all been tons of fun but also extremely well executed in comparison to our previous experiences. We have really appreciated the character education which is fair and holds students to a standard that allows learning to happen and students to enjoy the classroom experience.
This year my younger son has also started kindergarten and absolutely loves attending class. The program is only half week and he gets upset on the days when he cannot go to class because he enjoys learning at Ridgeview.
The school has offered many opportunities for well rounded experiences including martial arts, chess club, violin club, outdoor education, and more. From what we have seen as parents learning at Ridgeview is more than reading, writing, and arithmetic; its about building character, appreciation for True and Beautiful things, and about caring for and properly using your body in the unique physical education program which includes teaching proper posture. The faculty and staff at Ridgeview care enough to think of any way they can prepare students to live the good life now as students and as adults. I highly recommend listening to the Hoplite Radio podcast as a way to understand how far the school has gone to create the best experience possible for students.

Posted: September 23, 2025

Posted: September 15, 2025

When I was searching for a school for my children, I didnt just consider the curriculum, the commute, or the demographics. I asked myself a bigger question: What kind of adults do I want my children to become?

With that in mind, I chose a school that would teach them integrity, resilience, and the ability to accomplish and create in every stage of life. Ridgeview offers more than an educationit offers education for life. As they often say, At Ridgeview, we do hard things. These challenges arent for their own sake, but to help every child discover and develop their full potential.

Posted: September 15, 2025

This school is amazing for kids and families who desire an excellent school. Opportunities include: limitless learning, teachers who are passionate about their areas of expertise, character development, positive social opportunities, clubs & middle school sports, and unique outdoor education trips. We are a 2nd year family with elementary, middle and high school students. We are constantly impressed at how Ridgeview strives to do everything with excellence while still being approachable and loving to our children.

Posted: September 15, 2025

Posted: August 7, 2025

Absolutely terrible experience at Ridgeview Classical School. The leadership under Principal Anderson is shockingly bad the environment feels cold, unwelcoming, and frankly, outdated in the worst ways. Teachers are disorganized and seem completely unprepared, leaving students confused and behind compared to other schools. Theres almost no extracurricular options, so kids dont get the full school experience or opportunities to explore their interests. I would not recommend this school to anyone who cares about a quality education or a supportive environment. Very disappointing.

Posted: August 7, 2025

Posted: July 16, 2025

I used to love learning until I went to Ridgeview. Teachers were hit or miss on whether or not they were helpful, kind, or even educated in the subject they were teaching. Favoritism was extremely common in every aspect of the schooling experience. Zero accommodations in sight. All anyone in high school would talk about was how miserable they were. Nobody had time to be kids because we were being sent home with 4-8 hours of homework every night depending on your classes.

Posted: July 16, 2025

Posted: November 22, 2024

If I could give zero stars, I would. This school takes itself way too seriously. The teachers must have all majored in "How to Crush Spirits 101" because their enthusiasm for making every subject as dull and unbearable as possible is truly unmatched. They pile on so much work you'd think we were training to become 18th-century philosophersnewsflash: were not!
The dress code? Oh, where to begin. It's so strict youd think theyre auditioning students for roles in a Puritan reenactment. Heaven forbid you express individuality. Socks the wrong shade of beige? Detention. A shirt untucked by 0.2 millimeters? Immediate expulsion, probably.
And the curriculum? Dont get me started. Sure, we read the classics, but no one seems to notice that the real tragedy is our collective will to live. Its basically an academic gladiator pit where only the strongestor most caffeinatedsurvive.
This school is like stepping into a black-and-white movie where joy, creativity, and personal growth all died in the first scene. Save yourself, and look for a school where they teach you how to think, not just how to suffer.

Posted: November 22, 2024

Posted: November 19, 2023

I went to Ridgeview from 2nd grade up to 7th grade and although their academics are very good, it's so miserable. I did learn how to read, write, and other necessary tools that help you exceed expectations of public schools, but the atmosphere was miserable and the staff cared so little about your needs. They create a standard that your grades are how you represent yourself and that if you weren't perfect you would be not smart or you would be unworthy of things the smarter kids had. The amount of homework i was coming home with in the third grade was absolutely ridiculous. My parents, like Ridgeview, only cared about my grades and how well i was learning than my mental health and other self esteem issues. Ridgeveiw has no anti bullying programs or mental health programs other than the school "counselors" who made you feel bad about your feelings and only got you in trouble for needing help. I was so depressed and it affected my academics which made my mental health even worse. I never enjoyed going there and i had so much anxiety during back to school night each year. And speaking of the staff not caring, every teacher had a favorite student and it was very obvious too. They would choose the smart, hardworking, and straight A student to be their favorite and that just made every student feel so bad about themselves and their grades. They seem to make everything a competition and it was just such a toxic and horrible environment for a school to have. Every student i have talked to hates it here and the only people who are giving Ridgeview good reviews are the parents who force their kids to go here and have no idea what its like when you enter the school in the morning. To conclude please don't send your kids here if you care about their mental health, because it will affect them very poorly like it did me and my many friends and peers who go to this school.

Posted: November 19, 2023

Posted: September 1, 2023

Ridgeview is an incredible school and we are so grateful to be a part of this community. Our children have attended since kindergarten. Ridgeview not only provides a best in class education, but it also focuses on morals and ethics (e.g., doing the right thing when no one is watching). Ridgeview teaches kids to be smart, to think for themselves and ask questions about the world around them - they focus on learning through inquiry as opposed to memorization and passing standardized tests. Teachers are always there to support students who want to learn - they have morning tutorial and study hall every day which gives kids and parents plenty of access to the teachers. The school isn't strict but there is a high expectation for kids to behave and treat each other with respect - if you don't follow those rules then there are consequences which is what I'd want from any school. We highly recommend this school.

Posted: September 1, 2023

Posted: July 23, 2023

We are about to start our second year at Ridgeview and we will have an incoming first grader and an incoming kindergartener. Our experience so far has been wonderful. We've been in the position to take advantage of the volunteer activities and opportunities and have participated as much as possible in the classroom. I'm so glad that Miss Elliot and Miss Rosner for my daughter's first introduction into formal education and I'm really excited that my youngest will have them this year. The school is really challenging and trust it's students to be capable and academically focused. They ask a lot of their students because they give a ton back and that's what you're looking for than this is a great place for you. On the flip side, I love that our school has remained committed to the curriculums in place and not jumped to weird or controversial curriculums because it is trendy.

Posted: July 23, 2023

Posted: June 3, 2023

Ridgeview was absolutely horrendous. My child has a 504 for ADHD and any discussion of accomodations is 100% lip service and smoke and mirrors.
In addition he was relentlessly bullied and we had significant documentation and "zero tolerance" seems to not apply if the student has a family that is a donor and/or faculty.
When I brought it up, showed the pictures (including literal bruises from getting kicked at recess) and notes (including things written to him telling him to go k*** himself) the principal "investigated" and "found no evidence of bullying"

I pulled him mid year and he's spent 2 years in therapy trying to trust peers.

If you have a neurodivergent child the only thing this school will do is kill their joy and then gaslight them into thinking that's appropriate behavior (including teachers openly mocking them in class).

When they say "classical" they mean outdated modalities of teaching that purposefully exclude people.

Posted: June 3, 2023

Posted: October 11, 2022

Our family is very happy with this school overall. It is structured and academically disciplined, which is not what I originally aimed for in my children's schooling, but is what is working out best. We're grateful for the lovely teachers and strong leadership, as well.

Posted: October 11, 2022

Posted: February 24, 2022

We feel so fortunate to be a part of this community. Ridgeview's curriculum focuses on not just teaching TO kids and having them memorize facts and data, but they teach kids HOW to think, how to problem solve, and how to effectively communicate their perspectives. All perspectives are welcome within these classrooms, and I truly feel my kids are receiving the best education available in Fort Collins. I would highly recommend this school to any family that is considering joining the Ridgeview community.

Posted: February 24, 2022

Posted: January 21, 2021

We have been thrilled with Ridgeview - the teachers and adminstration have been so responsive and ready for this truly weird school year. My student has really found her niche with the guidance and care of her teachers, and even with my familiarness with their curriculm, I'm constantly impressed with what my 2nd grader is studying and how much she's retaining and applying, even at home. I'm really proud of her, and I'm so glad we're at Ridgeview.

Posted: June 8, 2020

We have been here for five years, and it has been excellent. Not only is my daughter learning and progressing, she is enjoying it. The teachers have been responsive, as have the administration. The Board has made good decisions, and it is a great fit for our family.

Posted: June 8, 2020

The homework assigned by teachers is meaningful, not busywork. The teachers take the time to review in class, and students are not spending time filling out worksheets that do not pertain to what they are learning in class.

Posted: June 8, 2020

My child has loved all of her teachers, and she has loved them for the right reasons: they taught her something. They called her out when she was out of line, and held her accountable. As a result of her liking them and wanting to please them, she worked harder and learned more.

Posted: June 8, 2020

It is said over and over again across all of the grades: character is more important than academic achievement. The character pillars are in every classroom, and while the discussions look differently in kindergarten and the senior year, students are often engaging in moral discussions.

Posted: June 8, 2020

I do not know of any other school that takes as involved and intellectual a role as the administration at our school. I have seen politics and bureaucracy at other schools, but at ours, I have watched all of the administrators do their jobs with integrity and a serious regard for the welfare of the students.

Posted: June 8, 2020

Why the curriculum is difficult, it is incredible to me how Student Services works to address not just those students who are on plans, but any student struggling in any subject.

Posted: June 8, 2020

The assistant principal does a wonderful job of addressing instances of misbehavior to include bullying. His approach is personal and he takes violations of the rules and shortcomings of character seriously, but always with the intent of making the student a better person.

Posted: June 6, 2020

I did very well academically, but didn't enjoy it there at all because they didn't have any sympathy for me, and nobody cared at all about me. They think the academics are good, but math and science are very weak compared to where I go now.

Posted: June 6, 2020

Not too much homework, but there's still some amount to it. I got all A's.

Posted: June 6, 2020

It depends on the teacher, some teach effectively, others teach in ways that aren't very effective.

Posted: June 6, 2020

Not many people with great character, some people have no compassion.

Posted: June 6, 2020

There aren't many people here to look up to, almost no leadership with some of the faculty.

Posted: June 6, 2020

They aren't very supportive of the students who need help, mainly just leave them to fend for themselves.

Posted: June 6, 2020

Few bullies there, but some bullies are ignored by the faculty.

Posted: May 28, 2020

As a parent I found poor communication between parents and teachers. The admin avoided parent input and acted as if they were appointed by on high. Only certain views are promoted. Lack of tolerance for Non Catholic faiths and values.

Posted: May 28, 2020

No resources for children with ADD. Poor understanding from staff of needs of children with ADD

Posted: May 28, 2020

Posted: January 14, 2020

Our family has had a great experience across all grade levels. The school is a challenge that prepares them for life and the classical approach sets it apart.

Posted: January 14, 2020

Posted: December 17, 2019

Excellent, truly classical school that teaches students to think, not what to think.

Posted: December 17, 2019

Pertinent homework that is valuable to provide more learning, not busy work.

Posted: December 17, 2019

Experts in their fields and passionate about teaching.

Posted: December 17, 2019

Character development is of paramount importance at this school!

Posted: December 17, 2019

Posted: December 9, 2019

Terrible we removed out 3 students from this place.

Posted: March 1, 2019

A lot is expected of the students, however, I feel that it pushes them to be their best and be accountable.

Posted: March 1, 2019

Absolutely amazing school. My children look forward to going and recognize that they are being held to a higher standard. This school isn't for those who want to hide in the back of the class. With the smaller class sizes and attention to students and their success it is definitely a rewarding experience for those who appreciate it.

Posted: February 4, 2019

This is the best environment for children if you want your child academically challenged and held to high a moral standard.

Posted: February 4, 2019

Posted: October 8, 2018

Our daughters are learning how to constructively write a paper either a thesis or exegesis style with deep thought and organization. Homework is not busy work but thoughtful prescription of additional work.

Posted: October 8, 2018

So many teachers with graduate and even doctorate level training. We have found the teachers to be effective at every level: elementary, middle and high school levels.

Posted: October 8, 2018

This school has Character Pillars that mean something. All involved with the school from administration to Kindergartener are reminded of these pillars and expected to model them.

Posted: October 8, 2018

School leadership has hard choice to make. The fact that this school has kept to its mission and philosophy for the last 17 years is a testament to great leadership.

Posted: October 8, 2018

Our family moved to Fort Collins for this school 12 years ago and we have never regretted it. Our daughters who started here in Kindergarten are now in 11th and 10th grade. They have been taught HOW to think not what to think - this should be the key to education and RCS does it WELL!

Posted: July 7, 2018

My overall experience at Ridgeview has been positive. I would not have my children in any other school especially standard public school. This school actually cares about teaching children how to think instead of how to take state standardized tests. They also actually expect their students to behave and be responsible.

Posted: July 7, 2018

I believe there is far too much homework given on a daily basis.

Posted: July 7, 2018

The teachers at Ridgeview are all effective and understand their subjects far better than teachers who have gone through teaching certifications.

Posted: July 7, 2018

Posted: May 11, 2018

This school definitely believes in homework, but it does not believe in busywork. Homework provides opportunities to practice concepts and develop ideas independently.

Posted: May 11, 2018

The teachers at this school are effective because they do not sacrifice care for rigor or rigor for care. The teachers present challenging material in order to push students to be better. They care about the students and their success not just at the school, but in life.

Posted: May 11, 2018

Ridgeview presents, encourages, and represents character pillars. They require integrity in not only their students, but also their faculty and staff. Members of the community hold each other accountable.

Posted: May 11, 2018

"Leadership" is a broad term, but one that encompasses a large system of checks and balances. The Board of Directors is a group of community members responsible for hiring the principal, making policies, and supervising policy implementation. The principal is in charge of the curriculum and hiring teachers who uphold that curriculum.

Posted: May 11, 2018

This school believes every student can benefit from a classical education. The student services department works closely with students to aid success. Because this school offers a true liberal arts education, it presents every student with material and subjects they will find relevant and engaging: science experiments, Socratic discussion, mathematics, history and more.

Posted: May 11, 2018

Ridgeview has a zero tolerance bullying policy. When an incident is brought to the attention of teachers or administrators, the whole team works together to find out what happened, who is responsible, and what the proper correction is.

Posted: May 11, 2018

My overall experience has been excellent. This school provides a private-school level education with no tuition. It teaches one how to think, rather than what to think. It believes that critical thinking skills and good character are the two building blocks to living a good life. The teachers and administrators believe this strongly.

Posted: April 12, 2018

Unnecessarily overloading students with homework where they no time for other activities.

Posted: April 12, 2018

One teacher cared enough to email. The rest could careless.

Posted: April 12, 2018

The vice principal has no bedside manner. He's a harsh type who's only happy when you do well and disregard you when you're struggling. The overall staff is uptight.

Posted: April 12, 2018

They don't have the knowledge nor want to learn about special needs. They only want good 'soldiers'.

Posted: April 12, 2018

They don't repament the initiator. They will punish if you react.

Posted: April 12, 2018

When you do well the school is jolly, but when you have needs they cast you aside.

Posted: February 11, 2018

No bullying program. The amount of homework means parents are essentially homeschooling their children after work. They shame children with special needs instead of identifying and helping them. The mindset is that if your child can't perform under these ridiculous circumstances they aren't showing the Ridgeview "character". Very disappointing and negative.

Posted: November 20, 2017

Both my children have profited greatly by going to this school! They are not merely cogs in the system, but have been trained to question, analyze, and THINK. The difference between them and other products of the public school system are astounding - EVERYONE is always astonished after speaking with them and want to know where they go to school. If education (not training) means something to you and your family, you MUST check out this school!

Posted: November 20, 2017

Posted: October 31, 2017

We have two children that attend Ridgeview Classical Schools. This is our eighth year at Ridgeview and we are so grateful that our children have the opportunity to attend this school. Not only are they learning to think critically and be a part of wonderful discussions, but they are also being taught about the importance of having good character. We appreciate so many aspects of Ridgeview, including the character education, the amazing curriculum and classical education, how much the teachers care about their students, the wonderful administration, and how much our children enjoy learning. The teachers work with students of all abilities and levels to help them succeed. We are amazed at all our children have learned and how much they love school! Thank you Ridgeview!

Posted: August 11, 2017

Fantastic experience for our soon to be third grader. Unlike so many schools, Ridgeview has high but realistic expectations. Our student is reading and understanding things at a level that frankly blows away parents of his friends who go to other schools. He wouldn't be at that level if it weren't for Ridgeview and the quality of teaching and curriculum they offer.

Posted: August 11, 2017

Posted: June 22, 2017

It may be an acquired taste for some, but we have loved it. Six children in our family have attended Ridgeview over the last decade and it is just a great school. It is all the better when you consider what alternatives there are. Truly there are almost no alternatives of any academic quality.. Of course our view of education is that it should be focused on objective truth and the great tradition in Western culture of searching for that truth. Some parents just want a safe place where everyone is happy. If that is all you want, then many of the rigorous demands of Ridgeview will be oppressive. Especially in high school. But if you know that the classical style of education is a great way to learn then there is no school as good as Ridgeview and you should give it your all.

Posted: June 14, 2017

The teachers at this school are beyond amazing. The time and effort they put in to every single student cannot be found anywhere else. The education also is tough at times, but no doubt worth it.

Posted: April 12, 2017

I transferred from Ridgeview after my first semester, for a variety of reasons, mainly based around mental and social well-being.

One of my favorite things about Ridgeview is the level of academic success they aspire to achieve. I have never been to a school that focuses so well on educating students in a meaningful way. Academically, the school is astounding.

Not everything at Ridgeview is as impressive as the academics, however. By far, the least impressive aspect of Ridgeview has been the workload, along with the burden of not being able to fully express yourself. I found Ridgeview to be far too keen in adapting the students to the school, instead of the other way around.

Frequently, I saw hardworking students who proudly reflected Ridgeview's values be disciplined for holding those same values. These values are all undesirable when they conflict with the objectives of the administration. Simply criticizing the school will cast you in a very different light in the eyes of many administrators.

Finally, I take issue with the school's expression of its philosophies. It's quite disappointing how the school likes to cast itself as an oasis in the desert that is modern education and modern society. This "us v. them" mentality is detrimental to interactions both within and without the school's community - it's entitled, negative, and elitist.

My rating of Ridgeview is based on my personal opinion of the school after attending for a semester. No matter how strongly I stand by this opinion (and I do believe that I have explained it clearly enough to be respected as a valid opinion), I understand that other people hold different values highest, and these people may find Ridgeview to be more enjoyable. Therefore, I'll try to describe the values that Ridgeview cherishes and neglects, in the most neutral terms possible.

Ridgeview is bad for people who value:
-political neutrality
-social liberalism
-independence/self-sustainability in the modern world
-freedom of expression (not limited to speech, but also including action that is not hurtful or diminishing)

Ridgeview is good for people who value:
-respect for authority
-traditional American social structures
-religious faith (although the school, as a charter school, is not religious, it certainly caters towards a more religious base)

That is all that I have to say about that.

Posted: December 19, 2016

The teachers at Ridgeview care about the students. They go above and beyond in their work, and inspire their students to excellence.

Posted: December 19, 2016

My children receive challenging work that prepares them for life.

Posted: December 19, 2016

One of the many things I appreciate about Ridgeview is the kindness of the student body. When my tween daughter returned to school after a nose injury, a friend asked if I was concerned about how she might be treated by her peers (if she would be treated poorly due to her appearance). Nothing could be further from the truth here, and she rather was shown much sympathy, and even recognition for her tenacity. I often take for granted the community and culture of Ridgeview. It truly is a beautiful place where learning and excellence is held in high regard, and flaws and failures are opportunities for grace and growth.

Posted: July 26, 2016

I went here from 9th grade until I graduated high school. I made great friends and had a few truly excellent, inspirational teachers, but I also had multiple teachers (particularly ones that taught history and government related classes) who were overwhelmingly biased and even frequently told blatant lies or made up stories to further their own narratives about our world. I would frequently come home after history class and feel a need to fact check my teachers; more often than not I would find that they were thoroughly wrong on the topics I had researched myself.

Also at Ridgeview there is a culture of conformity. Self expression often seems discouraged and students can be severely punished for "disrespecting teachers" when in truth all that happened were mere disagreements.

And, although respect towards teachers is a paramount rule within this school, teachers frequently disrespect and make fun of students; the principal himself has presented ad hominem attacks against students during debates about things like paternity leave, the black lives matter movement, or the wage gap. I have nothing against tongue and cheek banter, but what I'm talking about here is beyond that.

Student council at this school is for all intents and purposes run by the administration. As such students have no real say in the frequent changes that come to the school. The current principal seems to want the school to be a place for deeply conservative minded young people to become even more staunch in their views, rather than a place for real discourse, debate, and discussion.

Also this place abstains from teaching any kind of sex-ed, which I believe leads to a deeply misinformed student body when it comes to sex and sexual identity.

The school claims to be a place for students who like a challenge or enjoy difficult and truly stimulating classes and conversation. If that describes your student however, the IB program at Poudre, or the AP programs at Fossil or Rocky would be better, in my opinion, and would probably set up your student to be more likely to get into top colleges with top scholarships.

DISCLAIMER: I did not attend Ridgeview in middle school or in the lower grades. My review is based in my experiences predominantly in the high school. Please do not judge their middle school based on what I've said.

Posted: June 23, 2014

The students that I know that go to this school are very prideful and they are taught to act this way by the teachers.

Posted: April 29, 2014

I love the way my students think outside the box, and carry themselves as responsible teenagers! Ridgeview Classical Schools has contributed to the molding and shaping of my kids into not only exceptional academic students with great communication skills, it has made them teenagers that are articulate, concise, compassionate, and proud of their own accomplishments. Ridgeview has had an impact on how my students think not only about themselves, but just as important, how they think about their fellow students, their school, their community, and their country. I know I will be sending my students off into the world of adulthood with a confidence in themselves that will be an asset to them no matter what their endeavors. My students converse with any age group from many walks of life with poise and confidence. They have thoughtful input on their future, and the future of the world around them. The teachers at Ridgeview obviously love to teach and appear to be genuinely interested in their students From History and Latin, Math to Music I would recommend Ridgeview to any parent who is looking for a school that brings out the best in their children, academically and individually.

Posted: April 16, 2014

We have been with Ridgeview for five years now. We've had some ups & downs, but I dont see the grass being greener anyplace else. School is hard work for both parents & students. Each student is a little different, so is each family. What makes these reviews humorous is that we know exactly what we are getting when we signed up - we all sign paperwork stating that we understand the dress code/agree to support it, the same for character, homework, and the overall rigor. Has every teacher been our favorite? No. Has every day been heaven? Of course not. The good teachers though are incredible better than anything I ever had.. The leadership has changed. Such things happen. We ve been happy with the new leadership. The school has become even more classically oriented, it s clear it values our values, and the kids have more opportunities than ever before. At the end of the day it is a school of choice, and each year we are free to make a decision about whether to return. I can t imagine leaving, but it s probable that we choose to return for some of the same reasons others choose not to. The kids here have it very good IMO, far better than any other students I have met.

Posted: April 12, 2014

I have 3 children at RCS now, the leadership needs improvement. The uniform code is not upheld for every student. The assistant principal's step daughter is allowed to wear items that don't line up with policy continuously, while other kids get sent to the office for wearing brown boots that clearly fall within the policy. Teacher turn over this year has been quite high due to the new leadership. My son has had 3 different teachers THIS YEAR, they need to gain stability somehow.

Posted: December 22, 2013

I used to go to this school as a Part time student, and I feel that it was a better school then the one I was a full time student at. If I had the opportunity to, I would have wanted to graduate from this school. The teachers are willing to help you learn and answer any questions you may have when learning. At the other school I was going to, I had to wait whenever I emailed a teacher a question (mostly because it was an online school) but at Ridgeview I felt like I was challenged and learned more. -Former Student

Posted: December 19, 2013

I wonder about the value of anonymous reviews. 4 of my kids attended RCS, one from the start. 2 graduated, the last is a senior. I know parents leave without ever talking to a teacher or without providing feedback to RCS. Feedback is always solicited. Some never bother to check facts versus gossip. FACTS: there has NEVER been an RCS elementary class over 31 students. RCS has a high number of special needs students. Parents have told me they pull their kids BEFORE high school to get the elementary rigor but want the "easier" grades their kids will get from other senior high schools to make it easier for their kids to get into college. I prefer to pursue education for the sake of education. I'd rather have my kids get educated "C's" at RCS than easy "A's" elsewhere. A HUGE part of my kid's education at RCS is, thankfully, the "conversation"; examine all sides of a topic with true academic freedom, for learning's sake. Frankly, all kids may not achieve at a rigorous level, one of mine didn't, AND I don't blame RCS! Thanks for school choice! If it doesn't work for me I can leave. I long for space to address the "elitist" slur. As if real learning is somehow demeaning.

Posted: December 5, 2013

Seriously. This school was horrible. Teachers were far more willing to accept a 7 page paper of useless information and filler words than they were a 3 page paper of actual content and concise points.

Posted: December 3, 2013

How I measure Ridgeview Classical School's success is via the discussions I am able to have with my daughter who is a Junior there and has attended Ridgeview since 3rd Grade. I have also read the thought provoking articles that she brings home. She is able to discuss politics, ethical concerns as well as intellectual ones. Bravo Ridgeview. I suppose an improvement would be a more comprehensive sports and fitness program. I am not opposed to competitive team sports or identifying those who excel in those areas if they wish to pursue sports as their career. It is another area that strengthens discipline. Also an animal program would be nice or art therapy as vocational pursuits, perhaps during the summer academy. How to start your own business would also be a great class as I do not think that option is emphasized enough.

Posted: December 2, 2013

I've written a post before concerning Ridgeview Classical Schools before. I will write one again. Although I failed to put the star ratings on it. I am going to do it again. As a previous parent and employee of Ridgeview Classical Schools. I give it five stars. Not just for the education but as a great place to work for as well. I have three children. One whom graduated and because of the education he received I am not worried about him making it in this world. I believe because of the education, support, and diversity they have to offer is why he is going to be great in whatever path he chooses! My other two children. I had hoped they too would be able to graduate sadly cannot due to the fact we had to move out if state for my husbands employment. I believe that they have what it takes to help your student achieve the highest potential. I've enjoyed the students and staff. :). Your child or children are in great hands! If ya can't come there because of distance I encourage you to check out other charter schools as well. Your child will receive far better education in Charter vs. Public. Hands down Ridgeview Rocks!!

Posted: November 1, 2013

It really surprises me how often disgruntled parents will say that Ridgeview is elitist considering that it has a higher percentage of students with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders per capita than the vast majority of schools in the district. Nearly every child who transfers into Ridgeview will find themselves behind the curve. The curriculum is rigorous and many children will begin a semester failing subjects they may have done well in in other schools. It takes time to determine a student's strengths and weaknesses and apply this knowledge to help a student succeed. This process usually takes the first few of months of school or, in the case of one of my children, a couple of years because of his pronounced learning disabilities. It does take a certain amount of perseverance on the part of the student and the parents. In all honesty, a classical school of any kind is not for every child and family and many parents move their children to public school around junior high because they feel their child needs to experience a broader social environment with more activities. It rarely has anything to do with academics.

Posted: October 31, 2013

Our child started off the year (2013/2014) at Ridgeview but was quickly pulled out by my husband and I due to the administration. We were very unhappy to learn that he was failing every class within the first month of school and was still adjusting to the curriculum. We were told by teachers " he needs to do all memorization in class" which was absurd to us. The school says it strives on parent involvement but when you get too involved they look down on it. We contacted the principal and never got a response back until I had to contact his supervisor a week later! We pulled our son out due to felling as though he didn't fit their mold of the perfect child that would help them receive there wonderful test scores. I guess I didn't think about that when I heard there were only about 20 students that graduate at a time! We feel as though if your child is not an independent learner then your child wont succeed. My child was in trouble almost everyday at Ridgeview and since we switched we have had no problems. He is a lot happier not being in the "elite" society. My husband and I both would not recommend this school to anyone.

Posted: May 21, 2013

My kids started Ridgeview a few years ago. It became very apparent that the school is geared toward those kids who are excellent students but unfortunately the average to lower students get left behind. This is validated by the huge turn-over percentage of middle school students. You can verify these numbers by reading the board minutes. This problem has not been fixed and the administration seem not to care. I believe that this is caused by lack of leadership (admin and board level). The high test scores at the high school level are due to weeding out the average and lower students at the lower level to pad there ranking and scores. We will not be enrolling our kids for the 2013 School year. I would not recommend Ridgeview Classical School.

Posted: May 20, 2013

I love Ridgeview! It's a great school for those who enjoy the liberal arts. They give kids a sophisticated education that most adults don't even get. If you ask most adults to give you an analysis on the nature of love and affection on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, or even a summary of the play,chances are they won't even have a clue. At Ridgeview, this is a required task for the 7th grade! Also, the class sizes are really small in upper school. Usually it is 15 students or less Amazing school. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants their child to be successful.

Posted: April 15, 2013

I noticed many of the negative comments on the site have incorrect facts. One comment states that the elementary classes often exceed 35 students. The elementary classes have never exceeded 31 students. Another complains about no extra curricular activities and no sports. There are many extra curricular activities at the school. As for sports, there are Jr. High sports and in high school you may try out at other schools. My daughter has played varsity sports all through her high school career. In addition she has been active in music and student council. One thing I really like about the school is how they celebrate the achievements of their students either in the newsletter or in the quarterly student assembly.

Posted: August 27, 2012

My children have attended this school for one year and I must say that I am blown away with the curiculum that this excellent school provides. They do expect a great deal from children academically but in my opinion that instills a work ethic in to children from an early age. The school is not for every child since it is based on a core education. However, if you feel that you child can thrive in a challenging environment, then do him/her a favor and send them to this school!

Posted: July 18, 2012

Take my review for what it's worth, because my kids were there several years ago, but I find myself once again researching schools (in another area) and I have some thoughts about what makes a good school or a bad school. There is no question that, while we were there, the academics were strong. I was excited about it at first. Safe environment, motivated students and families. As time wore on, my 2nd and 4th graders, who continue to be excellent students, became very stressed out from the large amount of homework. My 4th grade daughter (top student in her grade last year, and somewhat quiet and shy) complained consistently about her mean teacher. We all know there is a difference between a teacher with high expectations and a mean teacher. Toward the end of the year I felt like the school was just too much into very high control and too low on the humanity/kids factor. Elementary class sizes were larger than 35 at the time. My older son made good friends and seemed to do well, but my experience with 3 kids in the school is that it really is not for everyone, in spite of what they say.

Posted: November 28, 2011

As the mother of a first grader at Ridgeview Classical School in Fort Collins, I have been extremely pleased with our son's educational experience up to this point. Open enrollment at Ridgeview means diversity in the school population, and I appreciate that RCS gives every child the chance to experience a classical education. The teachers at Ridgeview are top notch; they challenge AND encourage the children to be the best student they can be every day. I am grateful for the moral and ethical values that the teachers instill in the children; truly pillars of excellence. When I drop off my son each morning, I am proud to send him to a school with other children whose parents have thoughtfully considered the education of their child(ren). Do your research, check out the orientation. It is worth your time, your child is worth it!!!

Posted: October 12, 2011

As parents, Ridgeview has exceeded our high expectations. They believe that it is up to the school to educate each student regardless of his or her background (no entrance test). They work hard to build a foundation for a lifetime of learning. There are other elements of the Ridgeview experience that we appreciate as well. Unlike some other schools, there isn't a constant drumbeat of fund-raising forced on the students. There is diversity among the students related to their socio-economic status. There is no forced parental volunteering. Many parents give generously of their time in many different capacities. If parents are unable to volunteer, they are not required to do so (unlike some other schools). The most positive thing I can say about Ridgeview is that they have high expectations. Some interpret that negatively. Instead, it is a blessing to the students. Our children's teachers constantly expect our kids to meet their potential. Nothing is more damaging to a human being than very low expectations. Ridgeview provides an environment where every student is encouraged to reach their potential with resources and caring that gets success.

Posted: September 20, 2011

We have 3 children attending Ridgeview, in the elementary grades. We have been at the school for 3 years, and I can say that the academics are excellent. Ridgeview uses Singapore Math and Riggs for reading. These two methods of teaching are time intensive for the teacher training and therefore costly to the school -- but they are so beneficial to the children learning to read WELL and process their math. It's not just the right answer that is sought, but truly teaching the students to think intelligently. Character education is highly valued and the teachers teach it well. The students get to take karate, learn Latin, take Spanish from Kindergarten, and start orchestra earlier than other schools. It's a great place for our kids to learn, and it's well worth our drive to take them there. We knew one family that took their kids out of Ridgeview when they reached high school level. The mom regretted it immensely. She said it was like taking a kid out of church and putting him into a strip club. We are thankful for the standards that Ridgeview upholds, and grateful that our kids get to receive an education akin to a private school, at the cost of a public education.

Posted: September 11, 2011

My three children attended Ridgeview Classical for 5 years. When they transfered to a new school for the 2011-2012 school year, all three were tested at two or more years below national norms in literacy and math. A fact not discovered by teachers at Ridgeview. This school does not hire qualified/experienced teachers, does not have a comprehensive literacy program, and does minimal standardized testing to determine student growth. After five years at the school, one of my daughters cummulative files contained NO standardized literacy assessments. Unfortunately in my case I had an ex-spouse unwilling to transfer the children out of Ridgeview until it was too late. In my opinion, you should avoid this school at all costs.

Posted: May 17, 2011

...I am so very disappointed with the teachers and admin. My concerns are sluffed off by the principal, if they are even addressed at all. A large number of the elementary teachers are terrible. The aids are nice to the kids in front of parents, but treat them terribly with no parents present. (WHY are you teaching if you hate kids???) The high school ratings are great because by the time the kids get to high school, only the super intellectuals (who don't need teachers) have stayed. We are trying to find a good quality school to move our two kids to.

Posted: April 28, 2011

Leaving Ridgeview has been the best thing we've ever done for my child's education! When she fit the cookie cutter mold of Ridgeview students she was just fine. Once she no longer fit into that mold, her teachers left her behind. We switched schools when she began 4th grade, and she could barely add and subtract let alone do any other math functions.

Posted: April 22, 2011

I am leaving Ridgeview due to the treatment I recieved from the teachers. They all seem to be two-faced; they will act honorable and respectful to my parents, and then to me and my siblings they will trun their noses up. The teachers at this school are power hungry and seem to get pleasure from gossiping about their students, which is very unproffesional and uncalled for. I am litterally scared to ask my teachers for help, and have no where to turn if i need help in a class or advice. There have been many rumors spread by the teachers and other faculty members which are untrue and have ruined my reputation. At most schools one generally only has to worry about gossip from the students , but at Ridgeview it is spread by teachers. I would not advise anyone to put a their child in this school because it is torture, just look at the motto "we learn by suffering!" The most commonnly used phrase at the school is 'when are you getting out of here?' it is litterally like a jail that no one wants to be in. If i could rate this school any lower I would!

Posted: April 9, 2011

The greatest flaw of Ridgeview is that to graduate with honors, you must first take yet another year of Latin. If you excel at Latin then good for you. I don't and quite frankly, I am worried that another year of Latin (though it will look good to graduate with honors) will bring my GPA down. RCS is rather stressful. Getting good grades isn't everything here. You also have to be polite and uphold character and you cannot let yourself go. I am not a perfect person. I cuss, I joke and I want to have a social life, cut class occasionally, and not be so sheltered. At RCS, you are ostracized for being or doing any of these things. All the people I know that were like me personality wise left or are planning on leaving. You have to fit the RCS profile to a) excel there in classes and b) have a place to fit in. If you don't fit in at RCS and you want to stay there, you don't have a place to turn.

Posted: January 28, 2011

Never thought I would be posting a negative about this once great school, but the over crowding, the change of guard (Dr. Moore has no equal), the teacher turnover, the moral compass behavior standards. Kids play in the parking lot, no options for before/after school care, no breakfast or lunch options, no extracurricular options, no sports, no library, no playground (essentially)... What are these people thinking? 1/2 year ahead of public schools but seriously 2 years behind socially for kids.

Posted: January 20, 2011

we recently relocated to ft. collins from boston. my son, now a sophomore, attended parochial school for the past 9 years. because there was no parochial h.s. in the vicinity, my wife and i decided to research other options. fortunately for us, we were able to locate ridgeview. although the academics and athletics at ridgeview do not exceed that of his previous school, i have been pleased w/ the quality of teachers, and the safe atmosphere the school provides. with that said, the school does need to become more balanced, especially when it comes to athletics. like many private schools in denver demonstrate, athletics and academics can go hand-in-hand.

Posted: November 9, 2010

Very discouraged and disappointed in the turn Ridgeview has made. Excellent education, yes, but there is so much more in life to making a well rounded person. Very high turnover rate with teachers. There is no accountability and noone wants to listen to any grievances. It is a great school as long as you volunteer a lot, keep your mouth shut if you don't agree with something and are a strong advocate for everything Ridgeview. They are in definite need of new leadership. I like the comment below he is a caretaker but poorly leads. This is so true, I would even go as far as to say he is greatly underqualified and does not lead.

Posted: October 31, 2010

Absolutely agree with previous comments about teacher turnover and the students suffer. While we were only there 3 years, we encountered the same arrogance and roadblocks whenever we tried to talk to someone. There are a few 'favorite' students and then the rest of the student population who are disposable.

Ridgeview Classical Charter Schools

Fort Collins, CO 80525

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