Second Ward

Ripley House charter is a really good school, the middle school is a whole different story. My children have attended Ripley since Kinder garden and it was one of the best elementary schools out there. Now my children attend the middle school. I have to say it is the worst. My children come home without homework, they did not start learning until late October - early November. Everything changed since the staff changed. The food is horrible but that been that way for a couple of years. The kids come home starving! I give the elementary 5 stars although that was from the 2011 - 2012 school year before the staff change. The middle school, I give 1 star. Your child would get a better education from Yes Prep, Gateway, or Kipp. I'm looking to change my children out as well. Already many parents have had their children make the move to other middle schools.

My son had a speech delay and almost immediately after starting here, he began speaking! This pre-school offers both English and Spanish classroom settings. It also focuses on allowing the student to become as independent as possible which may seem cold at first given their ages but proves to be so effective to their continued development and well-being in school. The teachers here, in my experience, have generally seemed polite, courteous, and eager to help with any of my concerns or questions. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and help out as parents. The administration in this school has been professional in my experience as well. The comments I read before allude to a rude front office staff; however, in my experience any curt behavior was mainly concerning the adherence to the written and communicated rules, or lack thereof. This school is small in actual physical size compared to other elementary schools; therefore, the rules limiting the amount of people and additional children (i.e. siblings) is strictly enforced. Please give this school a chance; it has surpassed my expectations and I am more than happy to be a part of it's community.

This school creates a family environment and my son has really thrived. The new administration seems to be really pushing the school forward academically and working within the neighborhood. I hope it continues to grow the way it is now.