Riley County Grade School

Posted: April 1, 2025

As a military family we have experienced great schools all over the country including the esteemed Fairfax County School district. I have never appreciated a school as much as this one. And my kids love it. I now understand why the middle school is rated as #2 in the state by U.S. and World News. This is our 2d year in the school. It is small. Just over 50 kids per grade. The kids are good people; the teachers and staff are amazing. I was worried about this school working for us because of my advanced learner who was a grade ahead in math. The school has no problem accommodating and now as an eighth grader he attends the high school for math every other day and the school provides transportation back to the middle school. My 8th grader absolutely loves his science teacher. Her method of education engages the kids everyday. I also have a 6th grader at the school. She has enjoyed every aspect of the school. After our first year I offered the kids the opportunity to go to school on post, closer to our home, so they could meet more local kids. They both declined. They like the school so much that the twice a day 38 min drive is worth it. As parents we like it enough to do the drive twice a day! The staff and teachers all seem to enjoy their jobs, respect the kids, challenge their minds, and create an environment where learning is fun and safe. Communication with the school is exceptional and the administration staff is top notch. I cannot say enough about this amazing school. (I have had no experience with special education needs which explains the neutral rating.)

Posted: April 1, 2025

Posted: April 1, 2025

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Posted: April 12, 2018

I love this school! The teacher child ratio is amazing- it’s better than private school. There are on average 14 kids to a class. That translates into better, more effective learning for every child. The teaching quality is great and it is a safe environment where everyone knows everyone. I wish those in the Highland Ridge neighborhood would not be so nervous to send their children simply because it is a 20 min drive away because they are missing out on a better education than they would receive in a Manhattan school.

Posted: April 12, 2018

Posted: April 12, 2018

Posted: April 12, 2018

Posted: April 12, 2018

Posted: April 12, 2018

Posted: April 12, 2018

Posted: July 22, 2014

One of the hard parts of Military life is that your children get bounced from school to school. My daughter who was in the 5th grade at the time was reading at a 3rd grade level. And as hard as she tried and struggled, there were just so many puzzle pieces missing. As we moved here I checked out both the Manhattan school and Riley school. I was convinced my kids would be attending Manhattan since it is so much closer and it was more convenient. However, I felt that no one had the time to listen to me and I felt very rushed. When I went to Riley all the teachers in the hallways came to introduce themselves to myself and my children. The small family environment was a breath of fresh air. They took the time to introduce them to their teachers and they listened to every word I had to say. In less than a year I watched my daughter go from hating school and being embarrassed with no self confidence, to love going to school, excelling, and believing in herself. It was such an amazing transformation. I have nothing but praiseworthy things to say about Riley.

Posted: July 11, 2013

I love this grade school!!! My two boys have been going here their whole school career and we will be sad next year when we move. All the teachers are great at communicating with the parents. They email back so quickly! The class sizes are great! The principal is very helpful and FAIR.

Posted: December 19, 2010

I'm sorry to hear that you have had a bad experience at Riley County. Our family has been very happy with the overall experience and education at the grade school. Of course, there are times that we may not agree or like something as it relates to our child. That's just a part of public education. However, as a whole, we have been very pleased with the school system. The teachers and administration have been great to work with and listen to our voice and our concerns.

Posted: December 8, 2010

Have not been happy with the school and will be pulling my child out and sending to Manhattan next year. My other children attend Manhattan and I have been pleased with their educational experiences. We thought a smaller school would mean a better education but were wrong. On several occasions we have been given conflicting or misinformation and there has been poor follow through on promises we were made by administration.

Posted: September 1, 2008

Posted: November 14, 2007

Posted: September 26, 2007