Ridgeview Classical Schools

Ridgeview Classical Schools, or Ridgeview is a free public K-12 charter school located at 1800 South Lemay, Larimer County, Colorado, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Ridgeview is chartered through the Poudre School District and serves approximately 760 students (2012). Ridgeview is accountable to its charter, the local school district, and the state of Colorado.^[1]

Elementary and Middle School

Grades K-8 follow an enriched Core Knowledge curriculum as defined by E. D. Hirsch, Jr. and outlined by the Core Knowledge Foundation. Ridgeview's math program is based on the Singapore Math curriculum. Math students are ability-grouped at all grades. Character education is integrated throughout the curriculum.^[2]

High School

Grades 9-12 continue with a traditional, classical-liberal curriculum. Ridgeview's high school classes focus on the intensive study of primary sources and Socratic discussion in classes. The majority of the students' coursework develops a core knowledge of the liberal arts and sciences. In addition, a variety of electives are offered including AP courses so that students can direct their learning to areas of individual interest and personal development. Ridgeview offers two levels of diploma: proficient and advanced. Both diplomas require 4 years of History and Literature, 3 years of Science and 2 to 3 years of Math along with courses in Latin, American Government, Microeconomics, Technology, and Moral Philosophy. In order to graduate, each Senior must write, present and defend a 25 page thesis.^[3][4]

Summer Academy and Summer School

The Summer Academy takes place following the regularly scheduled school year. Classes are open to the public and may provide credit towards graduation requirements. The Summer School is run by the Student Services department and provides remedial help for Ridgeview's students identified as needing additional class time.

Achievements and Recognitions

U.S. News & World Report ranked United States High Schools and awarded Ridgeview Classical Schools a gold medal. It is ranked 2nd out of 458 High Schools in Colorado and is ranked 28th with respect to the Nation's Charter Schools and 103rd among high schools nationally.^[5]

ACT composite scores as reported by ACT from 2008-2013 are 26.3, 26.6, 26.2, 25.2, 27.2 and 25.8 with a state average during this time of 20.6.^[6][7]

Ridgeview is mentioned in E. D. Hirsch, Jr.'s The Making of Americans: Democracy and Our Schools. pg 146

Ridgeview's Science Bowl team won the Rocky Mountain Regional competition in 2009,^[8] 2011,^[9] 2012,^[10] and 2013.^[11]

Ridgeview K-9 chess team won Colorado State Championship in 2010 and 2011. In 2012 Ridgeview K-9 chess team took 5th place Nationwide. High school chess team took 3rd place in State of Colorado in 2012 and 1st place in 2013. In 2013 K-3 and K-6 chess teams both took 2nd place in Colorado.

Ridgeview won CSU Math Day small school division in 2012.

Extracurricular Activities

• After School Club
• Chess Club
• Domino Club
• Engineering Club
• Folk Singers & Dancers Club
• Geography Club
• Hoplite Helpers
• Guitar Club
• Drama Club
• Science Bowl
• Scout Troops
• Madrigal
• Juggling Club
• Mock Trial
• Yearbook Club
• Veritas
• Student Council

References