J. P. Ryon Elementary School

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

I have witnessed both excellence and failure in education. Unfortunately, J.P. Ryon Elementary in Charles County, Maryland, represents the latter in the most extreme sense. The academic program at this school is, without exaggeration, one of the worst I have ever encountered in the nation—a complete waste of taxpayers' hard-earned dollars.

The absence of advanced placement classes for both math and reading is particularly alarming. In a time when schools across the country are pushing to challenge and elevate students, J.P. Ryon has taken a step back, offering nothing to stimulate the intellectual growth of its brightest students. The fact that no structured opportunities exist for accelerated learners to thrive in core subjects is an educational crime.

The curriculum, if one could even call it that, is nothing short of abysmal. It fails to engage students, lacks depth, and offers no real preparation for future academic success. Parents are paying taxes to fund what amounts to babysitting rather than an education. The school's disregard for any kind of academic rigor leaves students ill-prepared for the challenges ahead, and quite frankly, it is a disservice to the children and the community at large.

Taxpayers should be outraged that their money is being squandered on such an inadequate program. J.P. Ryon Elementary is failing its students, and it’s time the district and county take action before another generation is left behind.

Posted: May 14, 2019

My grandkids are being bullie and they don't do anything to help

Posted: August 4, 2014

My son just completed first grade at Ryon and I am very pleased with the education he is receiving thus far. He was in Mr. Brooks' class. Although my son has not had a very extensive educational career thus far, I don't believe any teacher he's had to date cares more about children than Mr. Brooks. Mr. Brooks was engaging, patient, with a strong focus on teacher/parent communication. My son is already reading on a third grade level, and his math proficiency has skyrocketed since the testing at the start of the 2013-14 academic year. My only wish is for the school to have more extracurricular activities for the children. And I would like more communication from the principal, other than at the beginning and end of the year, and when there is an issue at the school.

Posted: May 22, 2014

Since Mrs. McGraw left, the school has changed. I have faith in the electives staff and guidance. Some of the teachers are VERY young, without enough experience in the grade they're teaching (i.e. 3 separate grades taught in 8 years??). The classes are big, often not balanced by behavior/gender (boys often act out a little more), and the new PBIS color system is very cut and dry. I have a well-behaved student and she's been reprimanded (two times in two years) as if she's constantly in trouble; it's disconcerting that her 2 years of stellar behavior/academics isn't taken into account! As an educator and as a parent, I'm disappointed in how the school is now being run; we're looking to move to another school zone.

Posted: October 23, 2013

I have been very pleased with the way the entire staff has made my children feel right at home ...all three of my kids are actually excited to get to school each morning and are all doing quite well...

Posted: August 4, 2013

I love j p ryon. My kids love jp ryon. The teachers and the other staff are helpful and passionate about what they do. You have to love your job to do it well, and I for one believe their doing a impeccable job. My son will miss this school when he complete's his 5th grade year. But my daughter still have 2 more years. Go jp ryon.

Posted: August 16, 2012

My kids have finished their elementary school years now. My daughter attended J P Ryon for grades 3-5 and my son attended for grades K-5. We love J P Ryon! The teachers are exceptional. We will truly miss this school.

Posted: August 15, 2012

Our family truly misses JPRyon. In looking for a new home, I urged my husband to find one zoned for JPRyon so that we can return. Our oldest son only attended for three months, so the school didn't have MANY memories for him. However, our second son was in Mr. Brooks' first grade class five years ago and he loved it. Mr. Brooks allowed our son to use an electronic chess board that Mr. Brooks had brought from home and has since, become one of the highest ranked chess players of his grade, in Charles County. We owe his love of chess to Mr. Brooks. Unfortunately, none of the other schools we has attended has a chess club. Likewise, this same son was in Ms. Butler's kindergarted class and at the end of the school year, she took me aside and said, "Never accept less than a 'B' in any class from him. He is a remarkable student." That meant so much to us, and since then, he has never received anything below a B in any class. This son is now entering the 7th grade. We have a younger son, entering 3rd grade, and we WISH we could return to JPRyon. They're all great!

Posted: June 12, 2011

Great staff with the desire to challenge kids to think. Good location with large fields for outdoor activities.

Posted: March 24, 2010

My children have been going toRyon for the last 2 years, coming from another state. Everyone comes home in a good mood. Some days seem longer than others... But all of my children are overall happy with theiir school. The teachers are involved and that lets a child know that they are in good hands.

Posted: December 1, 2009