Ringgold Senior High School

I grew up in the Ringgold school district and am now a parent of a child in this district. I always figured Ringgold was a pretty average school until I started reading about other districts in the region. We're now looking to move to a better school district so my children can receive the best education that we can give them.
—Submitted by a parent

if I could rate this school a zero I would! They lost my children off of the bus, my kids grades went from being good from their previous school to bad. My son has started acting out and having tons of problems and now has to go to a therapist and psychologist. I regret buying my house in this school district, I am now probably going to have to sell just to get my kids the education that they deserve and need. STAY AWAY FROM THIS SCHOOL DISTRICT!!!
—Submitted by a parent

As a student and now a parent, I have much experience with the district. Ringgold offers many AP and college credit classes. I have a known many who entered college with a semester's worth of credits. However, a student needs the proper home environment. In this area, too many parents do not work with their children and stress the importance of education, and that is the main problem, not necessarily the district. The teachers are good, but the board and administration is lacking. I disagree about excellent assistance from the counselors, not up to par. A child will excel not only through the school they attend; but at home as well. Parents, direct your kids, counsel them, place education as your top priority and do not rely on others to do it for you. Your kids will do well in any school district if they are guided properly at home.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from ringgold in 2009 i was the class president, this school has some very good teachers and devoted faculty, but on the other hand the district is run poorly and the school overall is run terribly, i dont think there are any students who like the principle and or the seccretaries in the office, they are almost useless, overall the school is not that good and im very glad i no longer attend.

The leadership in this school is clueless about academics. Teachers sit at their desks while students take naps. Principal and District administrators are 'good ol boys club' who don't care very much about students. Old fashioned curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

Ringgold offers many AP classes and classes for college credit. My children were all able to enter college with a minimum of a semester's worth of credit already taken and transferred. A physics teacher is on the state education committee twhich establishes curriculum and selects texts. A good education can be had here if one works hard and chooses to excel. Too many parents want the classes 'dumbed down'. The current principal is stressing curriculum. He has increased the emphasis on education first, then in conjunction with athletics. There is also excellent assistance in selecting a college from the transition counselor. My children scored high on their SAT's and were able to go through PSU engineering on the education they received from Ringgold. There is always room for improvement but Ringgold has improved.
—Submitted by a parent

Ringgold is not a good school! they have bad teachers and even worse students! the children who want to learn can't because of the misbehavoir of other students and the teachers don't do a thing to stop it!

This year seems to be the turning point to Ringgold, so far. It is only the beginning of the school year, but my 2 sons have been doing better this year than last. It seems that the teachers are a little more structured with style of teaching, and have been more consistent with homework. Although the usual school problems occur, I've also noticed that there aren't as many this year either. So far, this is the best year yet and I'm glad they're steadily improving.
—Submitted by a parent

The Instruction and focus improved this year. All of a sudden, my daughter had to write and practice math more. A great and needed change happened, but the thug mentality of the men up there is horrible. More learning! Less playing! Our kids have been below average until this year.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my third year at Ringgold, and I am overall fairly happy with my experience. Ringgold offers opportunities to be independent and explore many, many different extracarriculars. We have fun events like the Volleyball Tournament, where kids can pay a quarter a period to go to the gym and watch the volleyball games instead of going to class. Everyone understands that if we abuse this freedom, it will be taken away...and we usually don't have a problem. The teachers aren't the best, and can be better friends than educators, but they care about students. The overall feel of the school is very small town, where everyone knows everyone. The education isn't amazing, as I said previously, but this year I think they are starting to make a change little by little. I really am enjoying my stay at Ringgold, and I'm offering a 3.5 rating to it. -Class of
—Submitted by a student

The new academic projects are a blessing. Thank goodness new administration is at the school. Finally someone is interested in learning and not just athletics. My children are writing and reading more. Their courses are more on target.
—Submitted by a parent

Previously attending RHS I can confidently tell you that the school has its strong points and it downfalls. As far as Teachers Quality I believe that it is the same as most High schools. All the teachers are very willing to reach out and help any student if they are willing to ask.In the extracurricular activities category the school is average, Although as most schools do the seem to put more money into there sports then there band, choir, or drama, however these organizations still seem to thrive due to parent involvement. Principal leadership, well the current Principal seems to do an extremely good job with the safety and discipline, however may need to learn to identify with each student differently. Over all I would Rate RHS a 2.5, I hope this review has been helpful. ~RHS Graduate of 2006
—Submitted by Kara Jones, a former student

Overall the school district and high school is a great atmosphere.
—Submitted by a former student

If you are a below average student, I do not believe Ringgold is your best school district. If you are dissatisfied with your education, do something about it. Ringgold, particularly the high school, was great to me. I enjoyed most of my teachers, and still keep in contact with several. Each year Ringgold wins and/or does superior work in competitions across the state and nation; e.g. Hometown High Q, Science Olympiad, Mock Trial, chorus, bands et cetera. If you really want to improve the quality of teaching in our school, raise taxes so that the school district cna afford to pay a higher salary for teachers.
—Submitted by a former student

Being a senior at RHS,I believe the education is fairly good.There are days when the teachers are in a bad mood but everyone gets them.There are many teachers here that care about the students and want them to pass but if the student doesn't want to learn,nobody can make them.Many of the teachers are pretty cool and if you're upset or something they ask you if you want to talk about it.Now there's this program SAP,it's the student assistance program.I have talked to teachers both in and out of the program.I get very close to my teachers one of them is like a mother to me because she cares that much.The school isn't as bad as people lead many of you to believe.Just give it a chance.I enjoyed it while it lasted.Peace
—Submitted by a student

This school districts academic quality of programs are very much below average. I am a very concerned parent that can definitely see the major problem with these teachers that are not experienced enough.
—Submitted by a parent

I guess it's nice. Just a lot of the teachers don't seem to care about your developement as a person. They ignore you a lot. Anyhow, extracurricular activities are not bad. A lot of choices. And the students are just all around nasty. A lot of the teachers don't want to get involved, like when you get into fights or something, Or someone is teasing you, the teachers allow the harassment to continue. Which isn't right at all....Yeah.
—Submitted by Blah Blaher, a student

As a current student, I view the school as a standard, average learning environment. Most teachers are eager to help students learn, and willing to spend extra time to ensure each child is properly educated. Although not a space-age high-tech scenario, the school has fairly capable educational equipment, including mulitple computer labs and a well equiped library, accessible to any student during homeroom, study hall, and lunch periods. Soon attending my third year, I've never had any majoy problems in school, and all minor problems have been addressed timely and directly. The school does offer many extracurricular activities, including mulitple atheletic programs, gifted (enrichment), and Interact Club, a service-based student-community interaction program. Unfortunately, due to financial depts, the school district has been going through many changes, including teacher strikes and even the loss of many teachers for lack of adequate pay. Parents should be catious and look around before enrollment.
—Submitted by Michael Stefanick, a student

Unless you are involved in athletics this school could care less about the students. My son has been in this district for the past 5 years struggling, when I have met with teachers in trying to plan a way to help him I am told that he is old enough and he should be taking responsibility. At one point I requested a list of homework assignments be given to me each week to try to work with him at home but the teachers refused. If your child doesn't have to go to school here he/she would be better off. The results of the PSSA's are poor, there isn't any assistance from teachers even when requested and unless your child plays sports he will be overlooked and pushed aside!
—Submitted by a parent