12822 Simpson Dr
Waldorf, MD 20602

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.

Our son currently attends 6th grade and he loves it. He is an honor roll student and has done great thus far. The teachers communicate effectively with our family and the principal is always striving to make sure the school is safe. There are some troubled students of course like anywhere else but I blame their parents for their bad behavior and not the staff. We are very involved with our children’s assignments and email back and forth as needed with the teachers. The front office is not the best, they can be rude and don’t answers our questions. It seems more like we are a bother every time we go in or call but other than that the rest of the teaching staff is amazing.

Reason for a 1-star. My overall experience wasn't an issue. It was the fact I was told I wouldn't run into any problems enrolling in any colleges if I graduated early and here I am 2022 trying to enroll in UNCFSU but I was rejected because I only had 3 math credits and I need 4 in ordered to be accepted. The lady I spoke with at UNCFSU noticed that I took a Financial Literacy class and she let me know that if I contacted someone that confirmed that they could count that as a Math class they would accept me into UNCFSU. I understand that CHARLES COUNTY counts it as a fin literacy class, but for the sake of me getting into college they still said there is nothing they can do. What an annoying inconvenience. That can be solved but they rather be stubborn.