History

Sage Ridge School began with a bold question: What if we built the kind of school our children deserved, but didn’t yet exist in Reno-Tahoe?

In 1996, a small group of visionary families came together around a shared belief: Reno needed a rigorous, values-driven independent school where students could grow as scholars and individuals—without leaving home for boarding school. They dreamed of a school where education was personal, character mattered, and nature served as both classroom and inspiration. 

They chose five guiding principles—Scholarship, Respect, Integrity, Courage and Community—to shape every interaction within the community.

With a generous land donation from the Nell J. Redfield Foundation, that vision became a reality. Established as a nonprofit organization, Sage Ridge School opened its doors in 1998 to students in grades 6–8. But launching the school was only the beginning. Growth came through dedication, word-of-mouth, and the belief that Sage Ridge could help shape the future—not just of its students, but of the region itself. 

Over the next two decades, the school expanded to include Lower and Upper School, built new facilities, and deepened its commitment to whole-child education. 

More than 25 years later, Sage Ridge is the region’s only non-sectarian, independent, co-educational, college-preparatory day school serving grades 1-12 and graduating leaders who thrive in college and in life.

Scorpion graduates shine with the confidence that comes from academic excellence and strength of character. They are poised, articulate, and curious problem solvers who meet challenges with clarity and purpose.  

From day one, Sage Ridge has been shaped by vision, generosity, and the belief that bold ideas and compassionate community can change lives. Every student who walks our halls today benefits from that founding spirit—a community that dared to imagine more, and made it real.