FAQ

We offer the region’s only non-sectarian, independent, co-ed, college-preparatory education for students in grades 1 through 12.

Our school is divided into Lower School (grades 1-5), Middle School (6-8), and Upper School (9-12).

Sage Ridge serves grades 1–12 on a single campus. That means students grow up in a unified environment where older students lead, mentor, and inspire and younger students rise to the example. Whether it’s third graders presenting information about universities at a “College Fair” for Upper Schoolers, or high schoolers cheering on younger Scorpions at Field Day, our cross-divisional programs build shared traditions, authentic relationships, and a culture of mutual respect.

Students are welcome to apply for any grade with openings and we have students who join Sage Ridge in all divisions because they’ve moved to the area or seek a more rigorous, student-focused academic environment that supports the whole child development and offers a welcoming community.

We do recommend starting your child as early as possible, as the earlier divisions of Lower and Middle School provide students with the building blocks that will benefit them in the Upper School and life beyond. The academic program was designed intentionally to provide a foundation for the next step in your child’s academic and developmental journey with Lower School providing the foundation for Middle School and Middle School providing the foundation for Upper School.

We recommend families begin the process in fall or early winter for the following school year.

However, we understand that life changes like moving to our region happen year-round and we are here to make moments like that easier. We accept applications year-round and if space is filled, your child if accepted will be placed on a waitlist.

Start by letting us know of your interest by completing our interest form. You’ll then be invited to complete the full application and schedule required meetings and assessments.

To begin the application process, your family must start by sharing your interest in our interest form. Once the interest form is complete, you will receive a link to Sage Ridge School’s online application portal. The online application portal requires uploading records and submitting contact information for three recommendations (at least two must be former or current teachers).

The online portal allows you to track your application process. Students must sign up for the SSAT (grades 1-11) or ISEE (grades 1-11) entrance exam and complete a character snapshot. For full details and our school code for the SSAT or ISEE exam, please visit our Apply page.

The application fee is $75.

Our Director of Enrollment Management will reach out personally to answer any questions, schedule a tour (if you have not yet toured our campus), and guide you through next steps in the admissions process.

The Admissions Office will reach out to you to schedule an interview and offer a Shadow Day for your student to experience a day on campus as a Scorpion. If you plan to apply for financial aid, you will fill out the financial aid application via Blackbaud Financial Aid Management.

Yes. We accept qualified transfer students year-round as space permits. 

Yes. Currently, Sage Ridge has international students enrolled. Please contact our Director of Enrollment Management to discuss international student options.

Yes, Sage Ridge School is a not-for-profit organization and depends on annual tax-deductible contributions to enhance the experience of a Sage Ridge education. Incorporated under federal and state laws as a 501c (3) tax-exempt organization, Sage Ridge School receives no federal or state government funding.

You can book a personalized campus visit by clicking Schedule a Tour. Tours are available Monday through Friday by appointment.

Contact our Director of Enrollment Management to coordinate a time that works with your schedule.

Tours typically last about 60 minutes. You’ll visit classrooms, academic spaces, and our 24,000-square-foot E.L. Wiegand Student Activity Center which just recently opened.

Of course! Summer tours are available through Schedule a Tour, though interactions with teachers and students may be limited. Our campus is active during the summer with camps, open gyms, club sports, and summer classes, so you may see a teacher or two with Sage Ridge students and local children who do not attend Sage Ridge enjoying our facilities.

The cost of a Sage Ridge education is in line with the tuition of other top-ranked, nationally recognized independent schools. Sage Ridge tuition delivers an extraordinary return on investment. Our graduates consistently achieve academic and personal success, distinguishing themselves as thoughtful leaders and engaged citizens.

Yes, tuition payments can be made in installments or upfront. Payments by installment are managed by Blackbaud Tuition Management and families who opt for installment payments are required to purchase tuition insurance. Tuition insurance is available to all families. 

Yes. Each academic year, Sage Ridge offers need-based financial aid. Financial aid is not guaranteed each year and is awarded as funds allow on a first come, first served basis. In determining need, the guidelines of Blackbaud Financial Aid Management, an organization used by independent schools nationwide, are followed. Families who miss the deadlines for the financial aid application, or who do not return the re-enrollment contract with the deposit by the specified deadline, risk losing their award.

No. It is important to note that admissions decisions and financial aid awards are decided separately and that all financial aid information is confidential. 

If you plan to apply for financial aid, you will fill out the financial aid application via Blackbaud Financial Aid Management. There is a $35 financial aid application fee per family. The Blackbaud Financial Aid Management financial aid application must be completed each year that financial aid is requested. The $35 application fee per family applies to each annual application. Financial aid is awarded as funds allow on a first come, first served basis. Acceptance at Sage Ridge does not guarantee financial aid. 

We encourage families to apply for aid alongside their admission application via Blackbaud Financial Aid Management to ensure timely processing. Financial aid is awarded as funds allow on a first come, first served basis. 

No. 

We understand that life brings change. Families experiencing unexpected hardship are encouraged to contact the Business Office. 

Currently, Sage Ridge only offers merit-based scholarships through Sage Ridge Scholars, which is also a need-based aid program funded by the Sage Ridge School Opportunity Fund. 

The Sage Ridge Scholars program is highly selective but ensures no qualified student is deterred by financial circumstances from becoming an Upper School Scorpion. 

Established in 2000 with support from the Redfield Foundation, the Opportunity Fund has yearly contributions from generous donors and funds raised at the annual Sage Ridge School Gala. 

Since 2015, the Opportunity Fund has supported at least one new high school student per year.

Learn more about our giving opportunities and the Opportunity Fund.

Class sizes typically range from 5 to 15 students, allowing for meaningful interaction and personalized attention.

Yes. Our Upper School offers a wide range of Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses across disciplines. The College Board, the organization that operates the AP program, has named Sage Ridge to the AP School Honor Roll with our school earning platinum, the top level of distinction, and an AP Access Award. The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students and broadening access. Read more here.

Latin is a part of our curriculum and required for a semester in 6th grade while the other semester is for Spanish. Students may continue with Latin or choose Spanish for grades 7-12. Scorpions in grades 3-5 study Spanish all year.

Sage Ridge is the only school in the region to offer Latin. It’s not just a language. It’s a foundation for advanced learning and a tight-knit subset within the Scorpion community. Latin scholars often participate in Junior Classical League, traveling to or hosting the State Convention where Scorpions participate in arts & academic contests and connect with other Latin scholars.

Did you know that studies show that Latin students outperform their peers on standardized tests and often excel in additional language studies?

These are signature programs only offered at Sage Ridge. Sage Session is a 7-day, interdisciplinary deep-dive into unique subjects for grades 3-11, while Outdoor Education Week brings all Scorpions in grades 3-12 out of the classroom and into nature to build resilience, leadership, and class connection with a focus on environmental science and stewardship.

When alumni reflect on their Scorpion experience, these signature programs are top highlights.

No. Sage Ridge is the region's only non-sectarian, independent, co-ed, college-preparatory day school for grades 3-12.

Sage Ridge students wear uniforms from Lands’ End each week Monday through Thursday.

On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Scorpions wear the “daily student uniform” and on Wednesdays, Scorpions wear Dress Wednesday uniforms with dress shoes. Friday is spirit day and Scorpions may wear Sage Ridge tops such as theatre, athletics, advisory or club t-shirts, pullovers or hoodies paired with blue or black denim, dress code bottoms, any Sage Ridge pants and shorts embroidered or printed with the school logo (excepting pajama bottoms) or black leggings.

Apparel that follows Friday spirit day dress code guidelines from the Sage Ridge Spirit Store are also allowed on Fridays.

Students in grades 5-8 will also need at least two Sage Ridge Lands’ End physical education uniforms and a drawstring backpack for their PE uniforms. Click here for more details on the dress code.

Our mascot is the Scorpion, a resilient and native creature of the Sierra Nevada region that symbolizes strength, adaptability, and determination, all traits we strive to cultivate in our students.

You'll also notice a compass featured prominently in our logo and throughout our website. The compass represents our commitment to helping students navigate life with purpose, guided by the five Sage Ridge pillars: Scholarship, Respect, Integrity, Courage, and Community. These values serve as our true north, shaping scholars and leaders who are prepared to make a meaningful impact.

Sage Ridge offers exciting, competitive sports for Scorpions in grades 5-12. Head to our Athletics page to learn more! 

Students can participate in theatre productions (three a year!), music ensembles, studio arts, media arts, debate, mock trial, fencing, and more! Visit the Lower School, Middle School, or Upper School page to explore what the experience is like at each level.

Through our Advisory program, school counselor, and school culture, students receive strong support for their personal development and well-being.

College counseling begins in 8th grade and intensifies throughout Upper School, culminating in one-on-one support throughout the college application process.

Scorpions in grades 1-7 are exposed to colleges and universities through projects and interactions with Upper School students and alumni, and the Director of College Counseling works with Lower and Middle School faculty to build college readiness skills and connect skill development to students’ future studies beyond graduation.

Our graduates go on to attend a wide range of highly selective, private and public, colleges and universities across the U.S. and abroad. View our college matriculations.

Our Director of College Counseling provides personalized guidance on applications, essays, financial aid, scholarships, finding the right-fit colleges, and major/career exploration.