Ryan Elementary School

I really like most of the teachers at this school. But I don't feel they are allowed to challenge my children. While volunteering, in the school, I was told by another parent that the teachers were not allowed to assign harder work or certain homework because the principal doesn't believe in homework. My children get excellent grades, and really do need more of a challenge as do alot of the kids in this school. We finally got a great teacher in my sons third grade, but I've noticed over and over again thather lessons are considered "too much" or "too hard". So this school really doesn't have your childs best interest they just want to dumb down the lessons so the kids feel better about getting good grades.
—Submitted by a parent

The teacher's we have had have been wonderful. My daughter loves learning and loves going to her specials classes as well. I appreciate the extra things Ryan does such as the READ dogs, Heatlhy Hawks High Fives for healthy food choices, Wonderful PTA enrichment classes, Passport Journey, Patricia Pollaco's visit to the school, teacher coaching and education and more. I volunteer at the school regularly and I like what I see. My only complaint is that I wish the principal was a little friendlier to parents. I don't necessarily feel acknowledged when I am there to help out, etc. On the other hand I think she takes good care of her teachers and I appreciate the organized ship she runs.
—Submitted by a parent

The community is supportive of each other. Last week we held a benefit concert for a student with cancer and the community donated nearly $4,000 to help the family. Parents are involved with their children and work to make the school great.

I have had many good experiences with the principal - She knows all of the students and she cares about them.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is rude and doesn't take responsibility for her actions.
—Submitted by a parent

Ryan is a great school. The current administration is wonderful. The PTA is very involved and brings wonderful programs to the school. My only complaint is lack of continuity among teachers in each grade level. Unfortunately a child's experience can differ dramatically depending on which teacher they are assigned. If they truly worked as a team at the grade level, such stark discrepancies wouldn't exist. Like another parent recommended, become your child's advocate and get to know the more experienced teachers quickly. It will be worth your time.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves this school! She really loves classes with the the specials teachers do. Art, Music, and P.E. teachers go above and beyond teaching a wide range of activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family Loves Ryan Elementary. The teachers which we have had the pleasure of meeting are very involved and caring. My son adores his Kindergarten teacher. The communication from his teachers, the principal, the PTA, and from the school programs in general, is excellent. The supportive Community surrounding Ryan Elementary is also wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

This school takes poor care of my childrens acedemic needs and needs to get their program straight. This school is horrible!
—Submitted by a parent

We live in the neighborhood and chose this neighborhood based on the the reviews given here and outside research. We have not been disappointed with the school. Our son's current teacher is not the best at parent/teacher communication but he is excelling and enjoys the class so it is not a big issue. There is a lot of community involvement which is great to share with other families.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal's ability to keep open communication with parents is very poor.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the 'community' of this school. Excellent principal and teachers. Lots of involved parents.
—Submitted by a parent

the academic quality is great, very good teachers, not impressed with the music art or sports programs. alot of activities for parents to be involved in.
—Submitted by jeff pilgrim, a parent

Ryan Elementary is a good school overall. It is really important, however, to ask other parents about which teachers are better than others. It is especially important to get other parent's opinions if you are new to the school. You need to be your child's advocate when being placed in a classroom. The specials teachers (art, music, gym) are good at teaching, but are not the most supportive/positive teachers out there. Ryan just changed principals this year (2005), and she seems to have a good handle on her job already. Academically, Ryan is doing well and is continually improving.
—Submitted by a parent

It has been a great school for my 9 year old fourth grade daughter that is in the gifted program. It has a wonderful gifted and talented program.There P.E, music, and art classes have made my daughter enjoy school more and more.The princapal Wanda Hamilton really keeps the school going.
—Submitted by a parent