We recently reached out to invite some of our alumni to be part of a special spotlight series to help us honor the legacy of the past 25 years and inspire the next generation of Ridgeview students. Ariel Hoffman (Class of 2012) recently shared a powerful story from her professional life, highlighting how character shapes real-world decisions and actions. Her advice to current students is, “As you start your journey [outside of Ridgeview], give yourself every advantage you can: think it through.”

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is a compelling science fiction novel that blends high-stakes problem-solving with a deeply personal story of survival. The narrative balances intricate scientific concepts with humor and emotional depth, making the protagonist’s journey both intellectually engaging and genuinely moving. Overall, it is a thought-provoking and immersive read that highlights the power of human ingenuity and cooperation.

In this episode of Hoplite Radio, Mr. Anderson sits down with the Adamos to explore why they chose Ridgeview Classical Schools and why they continue to stay. From first impressions during their campus tour to the lasting impact of a classical education, they discuss the importance of community, character formation, and meaningful academic challenge at Ridgeview.

The Virginian is a landmark Western that helped shape the image of the American cowboy in literature. Set against the rugged landscape of the Wyoming Territory, the novel follows a quiet, honorable ranch hand as he navigates loyalty, justice, love, and the harsh realities of frontier life. Blending action, romance, and thoughtful questions about law and morality, this enduring classic offers both gripping drama and a deeper look at the code of the Old West.

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion follows a sharp-witted young woman in 19th-century London who would much rather solve mysteries than attend polite society events. Through her journal entries, Emma’s humor, intelligence, and stubborn independence shine as she uncovers secrets and challenges expectations. Witty, dramatic, and full of charm, this novel is perfect for readers who love historical settings with a bold, unforgettable heroine.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine tells the story of a socially awkward woman who believes she has her simple, lonely life perfectly under control. When an unexpected friendship begins to break down the walls she has built around herself, Eleanor is forced to confront her painful past and discover what real connection means. Both funny and deeply moving, this novel reminds readers that it’s never too late for friendship, healing, and a fresh start.

We recently reached out to invite some of our alumni to be part of a special spotlight series to help us honor the legacy of the past 25 years and inspire the next generation of Ridgeview students. Rachel Masters (Class of 2019) shared that one of the best things about Ridgeview ishow intimate the community is. During her time at Ridgeview, many teachers influenced her, but one in particular had a lasting impact on her career path.

P is for Pterodactyl turns the alphabet into a hilarious challenge by spotlighting words with silent letters and unexpected spellings. Each clever example mixes sharp humor with surprising vocabulary, making readers rethink what they know about language. It’s a smart, funny read that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys wordplay and discovering just how strange—and entertaining—English can be.

Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry is a reflective novel about a small-town barber who looks back on his life, faith, and relationships. Through Jayber’s experiences, the story explores themes of love, loyalty, and the value of community. The novel is calm and thoughtful, encouraging readers to slow down and consider what gives life lasting meaning.

In this episode of Hoplite Radio, we sit down with parent volunteers, Wendy Rankin and Stevie Daigneault to learn more about our annual fundraiser, Numis Night, and the Numis Committee that pulls this event together each year.

Theo of Golden: A Novel by Allen Levi follows a mysterious stranger named Theo who arrives in the small southern city of Golden and begins buying pencil portraits of townspeople from a local coffeehouse to return them to their subjects. With each portrait bestowal, quiet friendships form and lives are gently changed, creating a narrative about generosity, connection, and the power of truly seeing others.

For Valentine’s Day! The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery (author of Anne of Green Gables) is a heartwarming historical romance about a young woman discovering courage, independence… and unexpected love. The novel is filled with quirky, vividly drawn, and relatable characters, all brought to life through Montgomery’s beautifully written prose. It is a timeless and captivating story of an endearing heroine breaking free from societal constraints, her family’s expectations, and the shadows of her own past.

We recently reached out to invite some of our alumni to be part of a special spotlight series to help us honor the legacy of the past 25 years and inspire the next generation of Ridgeview students. Daisy Yates (Class of 2020) shared that Ridgeview offers far more than academics. She said the school emphasizes “the good life,” and that she learned how to live her good life each day she attended — whether she realized it at the time or not.

The Magic Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton can be seen as the original precursor to modern adventure series The Magic Tree House, featuring children who climb a magical tree and visit ever-changing, fantastical lands. The books combine imaginative worlds, whimsical characters, and lighthearted adventures while exploring themes of friendship, bravery, and curiosity. Its inventive storytelling and sense of wonder laid the groundwork for later children’s fantasy series that mix learning with adventure.

My Brilliant Friend is the award-winning first book in Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan series that follows two girls growing up in a poor, working-class neighborhood in 1950’s Milan. The novel examines how their competitive yet deeply connected friendship shapes their education, ambitions, and sense of self. Its sharp portrayal of class tension and intellectual rivalry makes the book compelling and engaging.

When orphaned noblewoman Marguerite is betrayed and cast away with her lover on a remote island, her life of privilege is stripped away—and she must fight for survival against bitter cold, hunger, and despair. As the world she once knew fades, she discovers hidden reserves of strength, faith, and purpose she never imagined she had. Isola is a fierce, haunting tale of endurance and rebirth—an unforgettable portrait of a woman remade by hardship and hope.

Piranesi lives in a vast, otherworldly House of endless halls, statues, and tides, recording its wonders with quiet devotion. When strange messages and forgotten memories begin to surface, he starts to question the world he’s always known. Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi is a haunting, beautiful puzzle about identity, solitude, and the thin line between truth and imagination.

We recently reached out to invite some of our alumni to be part of a special spotlight series to help us honor the legacy of the past 25 years and inspire the next generation of Ridgeview students. Gavin Steed, a lifer from the class of 2023, shared that he learned many things from his time at Ridgeview including what a good teacher is, what real friends are, and what it means to live a good life.

Follow Mrs. Harris, a London cleaning lady with a heart full of hope, as her dreams whisk her first to Paris in search of a Dior dress and then to New York on an unexpected whirlwind of adventure. Along the way, her kindness and stubborn optimism transform every life she touches. These delightful classics celebrate courage, compassion, and the quiet magic of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is a quietly powerful debut told entirely through letters, following seventy-three-year-old Sybil Van Antwerp as she navigates grief, aging, and the ties that bind. With her sharp wit and old-school correspondence, Sybil emerges as a prickly but deeply human character whose life slowly unfolds in surprising ways — charming, thoughtful, and at times achingly real. Some readers might find the purely epistolary format slow to start, but the payoff is a rich portrait of connection, regret, and renewal.