Ridgeway Elementary School

Posted: March 14, 2026

I have had a son go through all six years at Ridgeway, and my second son is currently in there. This school has hired highly qualified teachers who care about the students in their class and go the extra mile to make sure all students feel included. Mrs. Alvear is the best principal ever and the school has great communication. The PTA raises enough money at their booster thon to make most school events, including dances, free for students. Both of my children have taken part in clubs that have been offered at Ridgeway. We’ve been very happy with our experiences at Ridgeway!

Posted: March 14, 2026

Posted: March 14, 2026

Posted: March 14, 2026

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Posted: April 30, 2025

Posted: April 30, 2025

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Posted: April 30, 2025

Posted: April 30, 2025

Terrible school. Only caring about state test scores and the perception from the parents of a safe environment. Unable to control students. Constant homophobic, racist and bullying tactics from students, with faculty turning a blind eye as to not have to deal with the real issues going on. Constantly asking for money and asking for "unity", yet cannot control the students who go against this.

Posted: April 8, 2022

I may be a bit biased, but Ridgeway is the best school ever. The teachers are absolutely incredible, and so is all the support staff. I feel confident that my children have learned so much because of their diligent and kind teachers. I never have any concerns for their safety there either.

Posted: April 8, 2022

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Posted: April 30, 2021

We LOVE ridgeway! Even during the covid pandemic the teachers and staff have gone above and beyond for our children. I have a 5th grader and a kindergartener and we have yet to have a teacher we don’t love. The teachers really truly made lemonade out of lemons and used creativity and innovation to still reach my children even when they were 100% virtual. Don’t be fooled by the rating. There are much higher rated schools in other areas with much more unhappy parents and students. This is an awesome school and if you are zoned for it... you are in luck!!!

Posted: April 30, 2021

Posted: April 30, 2021

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Posted: March 13, 2018

Posted: March 13, 2018

Posted: March 13, 2018

Posted: March 13, 2018

Posted: March 13, 2018

very successful. have three kids thee and I cant be happier. keep you informed about the tiniest thing that concerns your child. the teachers comments mostly reflect what I know about my children.

Posted: March 13, 2018

Posted: March 13, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

I didn’t think I could be any happier with this school than I was with the old administration, then Dr Prater and Ms Elliot arrived with their overwhelming friendliness and positive behavior programs and I just love them both.

Posted: February 6, 2018

The teachers at Ridgeway are great, I really feel like my kids are being taken care of and they love their school. We moved here from Loudoun County Virginia, which has a well known sought after school system, and they cannot hold a candle to Ridgeway. The teachers, administration, and parents are all very involved and it’s a great school.

Posted: May 23, 2016

Posted: May 23, 2016

In general I think it's ok. Sometimes there has been not as much at home work that I thought would be good for 5th graders, to better prepare them for middle school.

Posted: May 23, 2016

Posted: May 23, 2016

Ridgeway Elementary has always tried to exceed in everything and give the students a wonderful learning experience and social experience. Both of my daughters have attended this school. My oldest had a wonderful experience. And my youngest has had a wonderful experience. The only negative is in the last three years, some of the things happening haven't really pleased me. But overall I love my daughter's school and her teachers and friends.

Posted: October 7, 2013

My daughter has attended Ridgeway the past 5 years & it has been exceptional. She loves going to school & has thrived academically as well as socially. It's been a wonderful experience & great foundation for my child.

Posted: August 25, 2013

After moving from CA to MD I was not sure about what to expect in terms of the public school systems. My daughter is in the MINC program at Ridgeway and i have seen a vast improvement in her behavior, as well as, her social and educational development. The staff is always friendly and has always kept me well informed about my daughter's progress. All of the faculty know my daughter and she is always very excited to go to school. They also do a fantastic job of mainstreaming her with her peers and they treat her like any other child. I think this is a great school with a caring faculty and understanding peers who incude my daughter and are excited to assist her when necessary. We could not be more pleased with Ridgeway.

Posted: July 19, 2012

My daughter just finished up her fifth grade year at this school. Overall our experience has been very good. I have seen parent involvement fall off over the last few years and it was discouraging since the PTA and teachers are what makes this school so great. The staff is average, the teachers are excellent! I hope more volunteers step up as there is a small group of parents that have to do a whole lot of work. One of the best things is that the PTA doesn't believe in students having to sell things. Their fundraisers are usually fun events that the students and their families can enjoy. Communication has also dropped off some, but overall this is a really good school.

Posted: July 5, 2011

Ridgeway Elementary is a wonderful school that is exceptionally supported by the community and PTA.. The school is working with PTA to enhance its technology since it was rebuilt and only had 1 Smartboard. Volunteers work exhaustively to help the teachers and students as well as with media to enhance reading throughout the building. Students continue to grow in reading and math and have made AYP each year.

Posted: May 17, 2011

This school is wonderful because of a few certain teachers and the parents who volunteer countless hours to make it great! Some teachers go above and beyond for their students and it shows in the child's enthusiasm for learning. The principal is focused on filling the classrooms with technology and while this can be good, it's expensive and will be out dated by the time all of the rooms have it. There are drawbacks to this school. The constant yelling in the cafeteria is intolerable. The one person in the building that the children should be comfortable with is possibly the worst offender when it comes to yelling at lunch. There are days that the cafeteria feels like military school, not public school. It reminds me of right hand, right knee... left hand, left knee. Overall our experience has been good. There have been bumps in the road but that's to be expected.

Posted: June 8, 2010

After moving to MD from a very small school district in NY, my daughter has enjoyed Ridgeway. The teachers and staff for the most part are helpful to students and adults. Some members of the main office staff, though, could use some 'people skills' training!

Posted: April 21, 2010

My grandchildren have attended this school always & it is a wonderful school. Everyone there actually cares about these children, it's more like family!