• Self-direction. Students are free to explore what inspires them, to dabble in or master a topic, and to take advantage of their own unique learning styles. Children learn how to learn and are responsible for their education.
  
  
• Cooperation. Noncompetitive, child-centered classrooms with mixed-age groupings help students develop respect and empathy. Community-building and conflict-resolution lessons are woven into the daily routine. Adults and students model grace and courtesy, building trust and communication, and students value diverse perspectives.

• Resilience. Students enjoy the confidence that comes with having real accomplishments. Teachers help students focus on the satisfaction of their work, rather than giving praise. Children come up with their own creative solutions to challenges. They learn from their disappointments and develop flexibility, balance, and self-reliance.

• Academic excellence. Starting with hands-on tools, students move through classroom materials at their own pace in a carefully prepared Montessori environment. Curiosity fuels their work; teachers remain in the background to guide and inspire.
  
  
  

What do our students think about school? 

"School is incredibly fun. You also get a sense of freedom."  —Devin, age 9

"I like that I don't have to sit at a desk all day. I can choose the materials I want to use. And I get to learn about atoms, biomes, and all kinds of science."  —Joel, age 7

"Our teachers here are really awesome. We learn how to be good people from them."  —Jacob, age 13

"Ridgeline is a place where you can learn at your own pace in a way that suits you best. Some people learn by writing it down, and some people learn by memorizing or singing." —Celeste, age 12