Ridgeline Academy

33625 North North Valley Parkway

School District

Ridgeline Academy Inc.
Grade

K-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

charter

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 parent on February 14, 2025

This school was incredible when it started with an elementary campus, but the addition of the high school proved to be something they weren't ready for. My daughter experienced neglect (they refused a 504 once she hit high school) and emotional abuse by teachers and staff. The high school is poorly run and does not follow legal mandates. It should be seriously investigated.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2024

Teachers are great for grades k-4 But after 4th grade teachers just don’t seem to care and the kids get away with being very disrespectful to the teachers. It’s definitely gone downhill
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2024

Bullying is a part of the fabric and foundation of this school. Not only can you expect student bullying to be taken lightly but you can expect that the teachers will condone it at best and participate in it at worst. The administration does nothing to discourage this and will back their staff to the detriment of your child. They do not care about the wellbeing of students, as shown by their lack of action when issues are brought forth. Honestly I think the admin team likes their cushy jobs and if they actually did something about the inherent issues in their system they would have to take action and accountability. Wouldn't want that (sarcasm). They've seen no consequences for these glaring issues mostly because parents of bullies and parents who didn't want to go remote during covid have decided that this place is great for their kids. Hopefully someday more parents will wake up and speak out before something much more serious happens there. There are some good teachers here, but when the bad ones get to run amok it's hard to give credit for the few good apples.
Submitted by other on May 24, 2024

Horrible. Horrible. Horrible. Bullying is awful and nobody does anything about it. From the teachers to the superintendent, everybody backs the bullies (but that is also because the bullies tend to be the teachers own kids - who are also allowed to be students in their own class). I would not recommend choosing this school for your kids. And if you are already attending this school, I would suggest starting to look elsewhere. It’s only a matter of time before you kid is the next target.
Submitted by other on February 09, 2024

The way that bullying is handled here is not right. The bullies have more rights than the ones who are being bullied. Its awful!
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2024

So awful, the white kids run ramped leaving everyone else to feel like outcasts. The way the bullying and racism is normalized is absolutely outrageous. The students get away with anything staff don't care whatsoever along with that scumbag principle. That man try’s to pretend that he has his act together but he’s a lying doosh, can’t do his job right and overlooks every call for change. Don’t let you kids suffer in a prison like this.
Submitted by student on January 27, 2023

it sucks it makes me mad its bad
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2022

I moved my daughter to ridgeline Academy from a public school and I cant believe how far she has grown . She is now going to forth grade and doing great they helped bring her up when she felt like she was behind all the kids and got her to where she needed to be . When it came to my son going to kinder I knew that their was no other school like Ridgeline Academy. The ONLY BAD thing i would say about the school is the "SPANISH TEACHER" she belongs in a high school Spanish class advance 7-8 NOT KINDERGARDEN THROUGH 6TH GRADE. She only speaks spanish from the min the kids walk in until the kids leave never tells them in ENGLISH what she is saying and the are ALL LOST TO WHATS HAPPENING. Had several meetings with her and Principal and SPANISH TEACHER WAS SOSOSO RUDE AND DIDNT WANNA LISTEN TO ANYTHING I HAS TO SAY. SHE NEEDS TO GO
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2020

Moving all seven of my children to Ridgeline this school year was a scary move for any parent, but I am more than pleased and happy with my decision. My children are doing so much better academically. The school made the transition smoothly. My 8th grader was bullied at his last school, that he hated going to school, now he has so many friends and cannot wait to be in school! The teacher communication has been great, I get weekly updates and know what is going on in each of my kid's classrooms. Their systems and routines flow very easily when in carline or picking up my kid for a Dr. Appointment. I am always greeted with a smile or a nice voice when going in or calling. I am so happy I made the switch and can tell a difference in my kids. I was very happy that even though the pandemic my students have been able to play sports and have a school life that is somewhat normal for this crazy time.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2018

Awful. We attempted to stay involved, tried to work with teachers and admin in a proactive way. Our children were bullied, had falling academic scores, and lost faith in the innocent, childhood belief that adults in charge at a school are there to educate, teach right from wrong, and protect them when needed. Great teachers are now leaving in droves. I won’t be surprised when this sham of a school eventually fails.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2018

As to our family's specific experience at Ridgeline, it has been wonderful. Our children have very different learning abilities and needs (from one who more easily excels to another with learning disabilities), and Ridgeline has been able to meet all of them. In my opinion Ridgeline has a vision for innovation, learning and inclusivity that sets them apart from other area schools. I think it is a testament to the teachers and staff at Ridgeline that all of our children love going to school each day.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2018

We definitely bought into the idea of the Ridgeline "Family," but soon came to realize that the morale amongst the staff was low due to the inefficiencies of the administrators. Although many people will tout that Ridgeline is made up of great families and teachers, many of those people are leaving because of the prevalent issues that are being swept under the rug.
Submitted by other on April 09, 2018

I teach after school art classes at schools all over the valley. Ridgeline is my favorite. There is something “family-like” about that school. It seems the kids know all of the teachers and admin.The woman who does the cleaning is loved by the kids. There’s great positive energy, starting with the front office where Janelle is always friendly and helpful. I’ve watched staff take kids aside individually to work with them on issues. The kids seem happy and well supported. The parents seem wonderful and involved. It’s a special school.
Submitted by other on January 06, 2017

Love everything about this school !!!! AAAA++++
Submitted by other on November 10, 2016

A committed family made up of administration, educators, parents, and students. This community investments yields inquisitive, motivated, and happychildren. I expect it to get even better as these terrific young minds mature.
Submitted by other on August 11, 2016

Ridgeline Academy said that they were not required by law to service students with disabilities as their IEPs are written. They said they would place my nephew "in the hallway" or "outside on the playground" because they don't have self-contained classrooms for students with disabilities. This is disgraceful and unconstitutional.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2016

Ridgeline Academy (no longer part of TeamCFA) only opened in 2012. New school that just open may or may not have a perfect first year or two. It has its growing pains. I admit the first two years, there were minor things that we weren't happy about. But we didn't give up on Ridgeline. We have grown to love it. My son (a 4th grader) has been a straight A student since he started 1st grade in 2012. He has excelled so much that his teacher from last year actually asked us if we're interested in sending him to Basis once he turns 5th grade, because he has excelled ahead of his class and learns so fast. That's coming from a Ridgeline teacher. Mr. Barker, the school principal, has exhibit remarkable leadership for Ridgeline Academy. He has adept to the teachers, students, parents, and to the community which earned him their trusts. I have personally witnessed Mr. Barker recognizing students who excel in the areas of academics, leadership, and/or citizenship, yet reprimand and give praise when it's appropriate. He's an exceptional listener and most of all he's a visionary - always attempting to improve the school, and the teachers and staff are doing amazing jobs working with him and with the students to make it happen. Mr. Barker sees that no one gets too comfortable and that everyone is working to improve continuously. The teachers, the staff, & the Booster Club, are outstanding.I'm entering my little one in to K this year. I am confident that he will excel and succeed in Ridgeline just like his older brother. If you're a parent looking to consider Ridgeline Academy, do your research. Don't just base your decision on the ratings and/or reviews. Talk to the parents, meet with the school and the staff and schedule for a tour, and check out the school performance grade (which by the way Ridgeline Academy received an A in the Arizona Department of Education under School Report Cards). Good luck!
Submitted by other on February 10, 2016

I'm not a parent or teacher at this school, but I can professionally attest to the amount of heart and soul the leadership, administration and teachers pour into this school and the school community. Our company has worked with Ridgeline this year (and optimistic for many years to come!), and I can say they are one of the most professional, organized, well run schools we've worked with. I'm sure these attributes translate to the parent and student experience as well. Our company is proud and honored to work with Ridgeline and we greatly appreciate their partnership.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2016

Ridgeline Academy has great educational values, curriculum is top notch and teacher dedication is beyond expectations.
Submitted by other on February 04, 2016

Ridgeline isn't simply a school. It is a community where teachers, parents, and administration work together to create a fun environment for learning and building friendships. We've been at Ridgeline for 4 years. Every teacher has been excellent. Events and extra-curricular programs get better and better. We love our school.