Pine Ridge School

N O T E V E N K O S H E R ! ! ! Year after year this school doesn't make the cut. The state should send in an official to evaluate the school when they aren't expecting it. Or better they should mail out evaluations to the parents that go straight back to the state officials!
--Submitted by a parent

I can tell you why this school's test scores are so bad. The emphasis is on turning in homework rather than actually learning anything. In one of the classes, the teacher walks down the aisle and if you did your homework you get full points. Doesn't matter if it's right or not. One of my kid's friends drew a dog p**ing on a tree for part of the homework and the teacher didn't even notice. How pathetic is that? The sad part is that the kids are getting good grades in the classroom because the quality of work or what they've learned barely factors in. This will be a shock for them in the real world when they find out that colleges and employers actually expect and demand quality.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has been in decline for the last several years. If the students were receiving everything they need, that would reflect on their scores, and the schools performance. The academic performance reviews from the state speak for themselves and were posted in the town paper for all to see. I think most students want the kind of connection with their school that gives them that inner since of pride. I think most parents want to know their children are receiving a quality education. I feel sorry for the students and parents at this school. Since the school hasn't been able to turn it s self around, maybe some external assistance or intervention is due. Actions should have results that reflect improvement. *To really connect this school needs to operate with caring attitudes and not controlling attitudes. I believe that is a biggest key to getting things on track for these students to thrive in their education.
--Submitted by a parent

Pine Ridge is a great school. They have a great academic program and is located in a lovely area of forestry. The teachers care and support the kids and the administration does an excellent job getting info out. Its in a very small town and has the small town feel to it also. No guns or knives reported here.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a small school in a small community. It is nice because most of the staff know most, if not all, of the students. Both of my children have had good experiences here and enjoy coming to school. Art & Music are available for 4th grade+. Unfortunately, sports and other extra-curricular activities are not offered thru the school, but are offered thru the Parks & Rec. I'd like to see some after-school activities offered. Also, this school is considering become a K-8 school by combining with the adjacent middle school.There is currently a Steering Committee being formed to look into the pros and cons of such a change.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers seem to really care about helping the students succeed at this school. The school has great reading teachers and aides to help in the classrooms. Most teachers seem very receptive to having parents help out as much as possible.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has a very caring environment. It should be pointed out though that there are a lot of special ed students (as this school takes the students from the whole Magalia area) and it can be distracting in the classrooms. The outbursts in the classroom and the one on one attendants distract from the school day.
--Submitted by a parent

The three R's are stressed empatically, and to a fault. Parent participation and involvement is almost nonexistant. School performances = 1 (same 1 Christmas performance over 10 years in a row!). No communication between teachers & parents. Rare positive feedback with no parental involvement. Little, if any, extra curricular activities. As children go through grades thier desire to learn and enthusiasm drops off dramatically. Would not recommend this school, unless you are a parent who never wants to hear from the school nor wants your child to further education.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in K. this year and we are thrilled with the teacher (Check). Very caring, high expectations, wonderful classroom discipline. Parent involvement is OK and seems to be on the upswing. The atmosphere is fantastic....very friendly. Administration seems to be competent. Have heard great things about most of the teachers and I understand the jr. high is excellent as well. I would highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Parents and teachers are great. The school is great...it's the policies that are a little behind. My daughter has learned and developed well with the close attention paid to these students.
--Submitted by a parent