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In this episode, Headmaster Anderson reflects on how Christmas offers renewal in a world often marked by monotony and acedia. Drawing on classical thinkers, Scripture, and beloved works of art, music, and literature, he explores how the season invites us to see one another with dignity, rekindle joy, and embrace a deeper sense of generosity and wonder. Through traditions, storytelling, and shared celebration, Christmas becomes more than preparation—it becomes participation in what is good, beautiful, and humanizing. This uplifting reflection encourages families and listeners to slow down, be present, and rediscover the true magnificence of the holiday.

In this episode, we sit down with Mrs. Carvalho, our Outdoor Education Coordinator, and Mr. Lautenschlager, a Ridgeview parent, to discuss the growth and impact of Ridgeview’s Outdoor Program. They share their backgrounds, what brought them to Ridgeview, and how the program has evolved over the past decade. Together, we explore the benefits of time spent in nature, how outdoor experiences support student fitness, character, and academic growth, and why these trips complement our classical curriculum. We also highlight the value of parent participation on trips and why the program is meaningful for all students, not just those who consider themselves outdoorsy. 00:06:30 – Outdoor Education and Classical Education Working Together 00:16:00 – Why Outdoor Education Matters in Northern Colorado 00:19:30 – The Lasting Impact of Outdoor Education at Ridgeview

Eat too much, drag out the board games and the cards; throw the football in the yard until your fingers are numb with cold, and the let the young ones play in the piles of leaves. Build a fire, grab an old novel, put up your feet, and rejoice in the material and immaterial abundance by which you are surrounded. Enjoy your turkey, your family, and friends in good cheer and good company. Realize the myth and revel in gratitude, charity, and hope.

In this episode of Hoplite Radio, Ridgeview Classical Schools welcomes longtime college advisor Mrs. Dixon, who reflects on her 11 years guiding students through the ever-changing college admissions landscape. Mr. Anderson and Mrs. Dixon discuss how college advising has evolved—from the growing complexity of admissions and rising tuition costs to shifting student priorities and the role of values in higher education. Mrs. Dixon shares insights on helping students find the right college “fit,” balancing academics with self-discovery, and preparing for life after graduation. A must-listen for parents and students navigating today’s college admissions process and seeking practical, classical wisdom for the modern world.

In the early 1930s, R.G. Collingwood, a prominent intellectual at Pembroke College, Oxford was concerned about the rise of Nazism and its implications for Britain and Europe, and borrowing a line from Book V of Livy’s Histories, he compared himself to the sacred geese dedicated to Juno in Rome that had warned of a surprise Gallic attack in 390 BC. He wrote in his autobiography in 1939, “I am a professorial goose, and my job is to honk.”

Curious about Ridgeview Classical Schools? In this episode, Mrs. Robideaux asks Mr. Anderson some of the most frequently asked questions from prospective parents and students. From Ridgeview’s classical education model to how the lottery works, this conversation offers an inside look at what makes Ridgeview distinct. Whether you’re exploring school options, preparing for enrollment, or simply want to understand how Ridgeview develops the whole student, this episode provides valuable insight straight from the source. Topics covered include: What defines a classical educationHow Ridgeview supports students academically and personallySchool culture, expectations, and family involvementTune in to learn more about the mission, values, and vision behind Ridgeview Classical Schools.

Charlie Kirk. Born in 1993 outside of Chicago, Illinois. Married in 2021. Two children. Founder of a political and religious advocacy group. Toured college campuses debating political opponents in an open forum. Hosted a podcast. Judging by those now celebrating his death, to include elected officials and political appointees, one would expect his biography to read more like this: “participant at the Wannsee Conference, officer of the Schutzstaffel, architect of the Final Solution on the Question of the Jewish Problem, and facilitator of extermination camps.”

We recently caught up with alumnus Gavin Steed (Class of 2023) to hear about life after Ridgeview. What began with email updates to Mr. Anderson grew into a meaningful conversation about Gavin’s journey—what it means to be a Ridgeview “lifer,” how he chose his college path, the ways he found community on campus, and how Ridgeview prepared him for the adventures ahead.

In ministering to the whole person, and providing him the latitude and information to choose his own ends, exposure to nature is as essential to an education as his having acquired the ability to read or to converse.

Given the passage of nearly a quarter of a century, it is worth pausing to consider what it is that Ridgeview is about. To understand this is to contemplate shifting attitudes about education, and the changing conceptions of childhood, parenting, and the cultural conditions that make civil and political society possible.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation with Mr. Johnson, a Ridgeview Classical parent and local Fort Collins small business owner. We explore his family’s journey at Ridgeview and take a deeper look into the field of Organizational Psychology, focusing on how his company, Rev 0, equips technical experts with strong leadership skills. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the role coffee plays in fostering both community and business connections. Learn more about Rev 0: https://rev0.org/ Learn more about Isolation Coffee: https://isolation.coffee/

Mr. Anderson presents the Commencement Address for 2025 graduates. "Why are we alive? Why do we choose to continue going on? Is that not part of Yeats’ question? What really demonstrates knowledge of a compelling answer is not what college you go to, what sports you played, what mountains you climbed, what job you get, or how much money you make, but the principles that guided your actions, the choices you made and your reasons for making them, and the life you’ve lived day by day. Not in the end. Not what you could document on your transcripts or résumé. Not what you paid a university to certify you in. Not what the state says you are. What matters is who you have been day by day." 

In this episode, we sit down with two graduating seniors, Alena and Silas, to explore the Ridgeview Experience from their perspective. Alena and Silas discuss how the clubs, extracurriculars, and co-curriculars at Ridgeview helped to shape their journey. We discuss the impact of small class size, as well as the books that were read and the conversations they led to.

In this episode, we sit down with two graduating seniors, Luc and Claire, to explore the Ridgeview experience from their perspective. As students shaped by a classical education, Luc and Claire reflect on the challenges, growth, and memorable moments that have defined their journey. We discuss the impact of a classical curriculum on their intellectual and personal development, the value of a small class size, and how a focus on the liberal arts, critical thinking, and character has prepared them for life beyond graduation.

Discover why the McKnight family—Ridgeview Classical parents and Fort Collins small business owners—chose Ridgeview for their children’s education. In this engaging interview, we explore their positive experiences at Ridgeview and highlight their local landscaping company, Turf Tamers, serving the Fort Collins, Colorado community.