A Strong Foundation, An Exciting Future: Sage Ridge School Prepares for Its Next Chapter

As Sage Ridge School looks ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, the school enters a new chapter from a position of strength.

At a moment of momentum for Nevada's 28-year-old independent educational institution—known for preparing curious, confident citizens through rigorous scholarship and a commitment to character—Sage Ridge is celebrating a planned leadership transition while building on years of meaningful progress across academics, enrollment, facilities, governance, philanthropy, and community engagement.

On July 1, Bill Delbrugge will assume the role of Head of School, succeeding Dr. Ginger Hovenic, who will retire after helping guide the school through a period of significant growth and institutional advancement.

The transition comes as Sage Ridge continues to strengthen its position as Nevada's leading independent school, serving students in Grades 1-12 beginning this fall and preparing them to thrive in college, career, and life.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Since stepping into leadership in November 2022, Dr. Hovenic has overseen several significant milestones that have helped position Sage Ridge for long-term success.

Among the most notable was the successful completion of the school's accreditation process through the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS), which affirmed the quality of the educational experience offered at Sage Ridge while establishing a clear roadmap for future growth and continuous improvement.

During her tenure, Sage Ridge also celebrated the completion and opening of the Wiegand Student Activity Center, a transformational addition to campus that expanded opportunities for academics, athletics, student life, and community gatherings while reinforcing confidence in the school's future.

Academically, the school continued to strengthen and refine its program through mission-aligned assessment practices, enhanced learning technologies, and a continued commitment to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and academic excellence.

Looking ahead, Sage Ridge will take another major step toward its long-term vision as a comprehensive independent school. Beginning in 2026-2027, the school will expand to include first and second grade, creating a more complete educational journey for families and strengthening the enrollment pipeline for years to come. Interest from prospective families reflects the demand for this expansion and the confidence families place in the Sage Ridge experience.

Strengthening Community and Institutional Capacity

“Beyond facilities and academics, Dr. Hovenic helped lead an intentional effort to strengthen relationships throughout the Sage Ridge community and build capacity for the future,” said Greg Hayes, incoming Board Trustee Chairman. “We’ve re-engaged alumni, expanded awareness-building and outreach efforts, renewed relationships with founders and former trustees, welcomed former supporters back into the community, and elevated Sage Ridge's visibility throughout the Reno-Tahoe region.”

These efforts have strengthened trust, broadened support, and reinforced the connection between Sage Ridge's founding vision and its future aspirations.

The results are evident. Volunteer participation has increased, philanthropic support has grown, campus investments continue, governance has matured, and community confidence in the school's mission remains strong.

In recent years, Sage Ridge has also been recognized repeatedly as Reno's Best Private School, including earning the distinction in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2022, and 2021. These honors reflect both the strength of the educational experience and the growing awareness of the school's impact throughout Northern Nevada.

Students at the Center

While facilities, programs, and growth initiatives are important, the heart of Sage Ridge remains its students.

Whether through Senior Thesis presentations, college admissions outcomes, athletic achievements, artistic performances, Sage Sessions, Outdoor Education experiences, community service initiatives, or daily classroom experiences, Sage Ridge students continue to demonstrate the curiosity, confidence, and character that define the school's mission.

The Class of 2026 exemplified this commitment to excellence. This year's graduating class included five National Merit Scholar Finalists and six Presidential Scholar Award recipients, achievements that reflect both individual accomplishment and the strength of the academic program that supports student success.

Looking Ahead

As Sage Ridge welcomes Bill Delbrugge as its next Head of School, the future is filled with opportunity.

Following a thoughtful and deliberate leadership transition process led by the Board of Trustees, Delbrugge joins Sage Ridge at a time of strength, stability, and possibility.

From his earliest conversations with members of the school community, he was drawn to Sage Ridge's unwavering commitment to academic excellence, character development, and meaningful student relationships.

"Our mission at Sage Ridge is to graduate curious, confident citizens who embrace rigorous scholarship, respect the dignity of others, act with integrity, embody courage, and cultivate a compassionate community," Delbrugge shared. "This mission reflects what I believe education should be at its very best: the powerful combination of academic excellence, character development, service, and purpose, all working together to prepare students to make a positive impact on the world."

Delbrugge believes the true purpose of education is to develop students who unite intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and academic achievement with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to serving others.

"Sage Ridge provides rigorous, relevant, and thought-provoking learning experiences that challenge students to think deeply, ask compelling questions, and engage meaningfully with the world around them," he said. "Our students are encouraged to aim high, think boldly, and develop the tools they need to turn curiosity into understanding and ideas into action."

Looking ahead, Sage Ridge will continue pursuing strategic opportunities that strengthen its educational program and expand opportunities for students. 

"Our shared purpose is clear," Delbrugge said. "We are here to guide our student scholars as they devote their talents, creativity, and compassion to making the world a better place."

A Bright Future

No school succeeds because of one individual. The progress Sage Ridge has experienced over the past several years reflects the dedication of exceptional faculty and staff, committed trustees, generous donors, engaged families, supportive alumni, and remarkable students.

As the school prepares to welcome new and returning students this fall, Sage Ridge enters the 2026-2027 school year with a strong foundation, a clear mission, and significant opportunities ahead.

The institution is stronger, more connected, and better positioned than ever to fulfill its mission of preparing curious, confident citizens.

The future of Sage Ridge School and Nevada is bright, and its next chapter is already underway.