Penwell Plan in Ridgely's Reserve by D.R. Horton
Joppa, MD 21085

I attended JHS in 1998-2002. It's very unfortunate to see how things have changed in a negative direction. While my son had great support from the staff his four years he attended. He should have not graduated. It was given to him. Did he do work yes! And when he actually applied himself, he did great but in the four years he failed both 9th and 11th grade. He was short one credit from the credit's needs. Since the pandemic the school system are using this as an excuse and exception to push kids through even if they have not academically met their markers. I did sign a waiver and knew that he was being handed something that wasn't fully earned, and he took advantage of it because he knew that he was still going to pass. He also missed just about half of his 12th grade year to personal issues but there are students who never failed any classes or grades, had all their credits didn't miss many days of school and they are the ones who deserved to graduate. I feel like my son was also pushed through. He is a very smart bright child but did not apply himself. 20 years ago, if you failed you were held behind. Ignoring their failures are not doing them any favors. It's doing way more harm than good. If they are not pushed and are handing everything without earning it, we are setting them up for failure. They need and should be held accountable for their actions. I do appreciate the staff supporting my son and seeing the good in him but in reality, he should not have graduated on time.

I’m not sure what the previous reviewer had against Riverside. This school is amazing! I never had an issue once with any staff or admin’s! As a parent I love walking in the door and the staff knowing who my kid is. Wonderful school!

This school is very bad environmentally but academically they try to set students up for success