Hypatia's father, Theon, instilled in her a deep appreciation for reason and intellectual inquiry, laying the foundation for her later embrace of Neoplatonism. Alexandria was a major center for Neoplatonic thought during this period.

Hypatia followed the Neoplatonic teachings of Plotinus and Iamblichus, emphasizing the importance of mathematical and philosophical study for achieving spiritual enlightenment. She believed that understanding the natural world could lead to a deeper understanding of the divine.

Hypatia taught Neoplatonic philosophy to her students, focusing on the principles of reason, virtue, and the pursuit of knowledge. She emphasized the importance of ethical living and the cultivation of intellectual and moral excellence.

Hypatia's school became a center for Neoplatonic thought, attracting students who were interested in pursuing philosophical and scientific inquiry. Her teachings influenced a generation of thinkers, promoting the preservation of classical learning and the pursuit of knowledge.