Ridgeview Classical Charter Schools

I am writing this review at the request of my son. He found this site while working in his technology fluency class and was appalled by some of the reviews. His experience at Ridgeview, after being in two traditional public schools, has been an eye opener. My son tested very far behind in every subject when he came to Ridgeview in fourth grade...and he was receiving A's and B's in his other school! It took him two years to truly catch up and he is now thriving in high school. Teacher turnover has been high, but not negatively so. We have had teachers leave because of new babies and a desire to stay home with them. Sadly, too many have left because of family emergencies. Others have left because Ridgeview cannot pay as high a wage as other schools. If you pull your students out while they are in elementary school, you may find them behind. Ridgeview's education is cumulative and they don't teach to the standardized tests. They teach students how to learn. Look at the test scores. You will see that the students improve each year. By tenth grade they are far above the state average. Ridgeview may not appeal to every family, but my children have found a home there.
--Submitted by a parent

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!!!
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

We are so thankful that our child is able to attend Ridgeview. They truly are a terrific open enrollment school (no testing prior to admission) and work hard to bring every child up to a high standard. They also do this on a much smaller budget than other public schools. The administration and teachers care very much about each and every student. I am amazed at what our child is learning, and how much they love school! They do have higher standards for their behavior which we really appreciate. Please do your own research and come and see Ridgeview for yourself (you can sit in on a class at any time!). We looked at many schools in the district and are very proud to be Hoplites!
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

<sigh>...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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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!

Leaving Ridgeview was the best thing we ever did! This school preaches character, but is lacking good moral character in its administration! My kids had A's at Ridgeview and were behind other schools in the district. No wonder graduating seniors struggle at the collegiate level. Choose Liberty if you have to choose Core Knowledge. There are a lot of curriculums to choose from in other district schools.
--Submitted by a parent