RIDGE VIEW ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

RIDGE VIEW ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL is a Title I public charter high school that is part of the School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C school district, located in WATKINS, CO with about 207 students offering grade levels from 7th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 24 teachers, RIDGE VIEW ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL has a student/teacher ratio of about 8:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

RIDGE VIEW ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL, located in Watkins, Colorado, is a unique educational institution that historically operated as a residential charter school within the Colorado Department of Human Services’ Division of Youth Services. The school was designed to provide a comprehensive academic and vocational curriculum for young men who were placed in the juvenile justice system. By integrating traditional classroom instruction with social-emotional learning and career-readiness programs, the academy aimed to help students earn their high school diplomas or GEDs while developing the skills necessary to transition back into their communities successfully.

The school’s model focused on a "balanced approach," emphasizing both accountability and educational opportunity. Beyond standard core subjects like math, science, and English, Ridge View often provided specialized vocational training, such as construction trades or culinary arts, to give students a competitive edge in the workforce. While the institution faced significant scrutiny and shifts in state policy regarding juvenile corrections over the years—eventually leading to the conclusion of its contract with the state—it remained a notable example of an educational program tailored specifically to the rehabilitation and academic advancement of at-risk youth.

For more information, contact RIDGE VIEW ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL at (303) 766-3000 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.