Ridgeview Middle School

I was floored when I read these comments about lack of principal involvement-I see them all the time in the halls and classrooms. I also couldn't believe the parent who mentioned a teacher's name on this website-that is extremely disrespectful. I've never met the teacher mentioned, but it's just basic respect to not write a name. Most of the teachers that I work with are positive, hard-working, and diligent. This school is too overcrowded, but that is the district's problem due to a lack of $ from the government. Most of the students follow the Panther Creed-ie. don't shove and push going down the hallway or stairs, walk on the correct side of the hallway so they can get to class, respect their teacher, etc. The staff in the office is always welcoming and friendly. I just had to take a moment to write all the positives that go on at this middle school. Just like most reviews, more people take the time to write the negative and don't take the time to write all the positives. iIm glad to take that time.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have lived in the area for a long time and know the history of the schools around RR (25yrs). I can honestly say RidgeView has become the one single school in the district that is in need of leadership. the principals allow their teaching staff to not respond to parents, or counsiling inquiries. Parent teacher confrences are not accepted ever. Sent 6 different types of communication to sixth grade principal and two and half weeks later finally recieved a canned excuse and our student concerns are still not addressed. What is it with a teacher who openly texts in class and stops learning to respond to her personal life. Thanks Ms Conner. I am sure that is what our kids need, a lesson on facebooking with your friends. The school strives for mediocore at best, and is suspect to how they achieve thier low performance goals anyway. However if have your kids bullied by teachers and peers this is a school for you and your child.
—Submitted by a parent

This school needs leadership and organization badly. No one in the counselor's office, the main office or principal's themselves seems to know what is going on. This school cannot figure out it's grading system, no one has any answers, and the Principal talks like she knows what she is doing, but it is all talk. I am pulling my kid out of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child attended this school last year. Character of a large group of students is poor and disruptive in the classroom. There also seems to be lack of parental involvement of those students who are not at school to learn, and the discipline techniques used by teachers and administration are not effective. School administration considers students who have a GPA of 85% or higher Honor Roll Students. Most schools in the state consider Honor Roll as the top 5%-10% of the student body. Because of this, many students strive for mediocre and are content with that because they 'made' honor roll. Doesn't help parents who want and know their child can do better than 85%-95% GPA. This year the school implemented a new grading system called, 'Standards Based Grading' which is causing quite a buzz in RRISD. As a parent we are thankful we decided to place our child in a different school for the 2011-2012 school year.
—Submitted by a parent

Took my son to register and the the person on the counseling staff doing the registration was less than friendly or helpful. Referred me to the school website for information. When I explained that there was conflicting information, she merely responded by saying that all the information was there. Also, website information compared to information given to secretary that answers the phone compared to actual goings-on at the school are ALL in conflict with each other. What a shame!!
—Submitted by a parent

Take it from someone who goes here 5 days a week, 9 months a year. This school has standards that could be higher. The teachers are nice, but principal involvement is low. I've been going to school here for 2 years now, and I've only seen the principal twice, at academic ceremonies. The teachers try hard, but all the lessons are easy, and we are not challenged at all. This school could be better, but if you're into athletics, I would recommend it. Elective options are not varied much, though they are offering new classes for 2010. The computers are very slow, and take away class time used for research because of the time they take to load everything. Overall, this school is okay, but needs help, maybe from the district.
—Submitted by a student

I love this school and its academics
—Submitted by a parent

I think that the principal and some of the teachers is a little bit to harsh on the students at this school, but over all this school is a very good school.
—Submitted by a student

What should and could be an excellent school is awful due to the current principal (new in 2007). Academics and student morale are starting to suffer. The administration demonstrates an inability to manage a large school, focus on priorities, and show proper respect for students and parents. Teaching staff is outstanding overall, and having to compensate for too many shortcomings.
—Submitted by a parent

Well, there is a lot of bullying that goes on 'under the desk' at our school, but that only happens to people who look for a fight. The technology used at this school is primitive - if our school district were to migrate to a new operating system (ours is currently Windows XP), I would suggest the free Ubuntu operating system. The mathematics taught at this school is also fairly easy. I got thru my first two years here without difficulty. I was replaced into the TAG Geometry class in my last year, and it was slightly challenging. The standards at this school are pretty average. I wouldn't be surprised if this school became beat-down and poor several years from now.
—Submitted by a student

My son is a 6th grader and loves the school. He is very involved in activities and has lots of good friends. Academically, he is pretty strong. I'm not sure about the principal and some staff...have had some concerns so far. Most teachers seem to be very good and care for the kids. Very nice facility.
—Submitted by a parent

excellent district and a very good school. has been principal turn over- teachers committed, tutorials always available. counselors also. if parents get more involved there would be less nonsense during school day. same issues you'd find at any school (we've been in private) and far better levels of academics offered!
—Submitted by a parent

A good school, the current principal is not as good as those in the past. The teachers are good, but the extracurriculars could be more fun and more availible.
—Submitted by a student

Not impressed! This school needs leadership. High teacher turnover every year. Lots of discipline problems.
—Submitted by a parent

currently have a 6th grader at the school- we are new to texas. the school is new and very nice. the staff is nice and helpful and i dont have any complaints about any of his teachers, they are nice and involved and seem happy to be doing their job. the teachers go above and beyond offering morning tutoring and are willing to stay after for extra help too- i am very satisfied. my son loves it too
—Submitted by a parent

One child of mine attended this school for 3 years, the second is beginning this year. There has consistently been a problem with administration here, high turnover of principals and faculty. Big problems with some math teachers. One language is offered and if you want to get a language credit towards high school, it had better be in Spanish! Some discipline problems but an effort is made to improve these areas. It's definitely a work in progress. It looks like portable buildings are being added so classes will be crowded.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended 7th grade. I do think that this is a good school. The teachers care and so does the principal. The principal is wonderful and doing a great job. There are plenty of extracurricular activities for the student. This is a great school for any parent to place there child in.
—Submitted by Gina, a parent

Not that many options in extracurricular activities, should require all students to be in an athletic program or P.E
—Submitted by a parent

I was very happy with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Child just completed 2 years here. Facilityis newer and nice. Need more supervision outside in mornings and longer in evenings during sports practices. Locker room needs work according to my child. Liked teachers okay but still coloring map in 8th grade
—Submitted by a parent