The underlying philosophy of the Ridgeview Classical Schools is inspired by the following three books:

• Cultural Literacy by E.D. Hirsch, Jr.
• Why Johnny Can’t Tell Right from Wrong by William Kilpatrick
• The Schools We Need and Why We Don’t Have Them by E.D. Hirsch, Jr.

A coherent and unified philosophy is one of the key areas of a stable school, and will drive everything from assessment to hiring to discipline to textbook selection.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Ridgeview Classical Schools is to develop the academic potential and personal character of each student through academically rigorous, content-rich, educational programs.
"If you treat an individual as he is, he will remain as he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be." ~ Goethe

Philosophy Statement
It is the philosophy of the Ridgeview Classical Schools that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich, educational program that develops academic potential and personal character. The school will provide an environment that fosters academic excellence through the habit of thoroughness, the willingness to work, and the perseverance to complete difficult tasks. Through a defined traditional, Classical-Liberal curriculum students will be prepared to become active, responsible members of their community.

Academic Standards
The Ridgeview Classical Schools will uphold high academic standards for all students regardless of background, socio-economic status and ability. The curriculum will be content-rich, following the Classical-Liberal, traditional educational model, with provisions to challenge all students to fulfill their individual academic potential.

• Objective standards will be monitored and maintained as defined by the Charter School Law.
• Promotion and graduation requirements will meet or exceed PSD/state requirements.
• Students shall take the defined curriculum and must earn promotion and graduation.
• The student schedule will be predominantly occupied by the defined curriculum.
• Students will be assessed through class-work, regular assignments and periodic tests, the levels of which will be calibrated against District, State, and National norms.

Character Education
The Ridgeview Classical Schools’ environment and curriculum are designed to promote and build strength of character in students.

• The values of a democratic society will be identified and clearly taught.
• Administrators and faculty will encourage and model habits of honesty, respect, social responsibility, and self-discipline to promote these traits. Students will be given opportunities to practice and develop these traits.
• Outstanding people will be used as role models throughout the curriculum to teach character.

Learning Environment
The Ridgeview Classical Schools will promote a safe environment that fosters learning and character development.

• There will be a defined standard of appearance and a regulated campus.
• Positive student/parent/teacher relationships will be fostered.
• Extra-curricular activities will be encouraged.
• Success in our rigorous academic program is dependent upon consistent student effort and completion of assignments.
• The faculty will be a unified group of professionals focused on student achievement.

Study Skills
The Ridgeview Classical Schools will provide the opportunity for all students to acquire the mastery of study skills, which make learning possible and encourage self-motivation.

• Study skills, e.g. time management, research skills, note-taking, will be integrated throughout the curriculum.
• Teachers will evaluate the mastery of study skills.

Graduation Requirements
The graduation requirements will meet or exceed those mandated by the District and State.