Ridgeview Classical Charter Schools

1800 South Lemay Avenue

School District

Poudre R-1
Grade

K-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

charter

School Map for Poudre R-1 School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by student on 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 philosophers—newsflash: we’re not!The dress code? Oh, where to begin. It's so strict you’d think they’re 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? Don’t get me started. Sure, we read the classics, but no one seems to notice that the real tragedy is our collective will to live. It’s basically an academic gladiator pit where only the strongest—or most caffeinated—survive.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.
Submitted by other on 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.
Submitted by parent on September 01, 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.
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by other on June 03, 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.
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by other on 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.
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 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.
Submitted by student on June 06, 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.
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2019

Excellent, truly classical school that teaches students to think, not what to think.
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2019

Terrible we removed out 3 students from this place.
Submitted by parent on March 01, 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.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2019

This is the best environment for children if you want your child academically challenged and held to high a moral standard.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 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!
Submitted by parent on July 07, 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.
Submitted by other on 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.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2018

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