340 Constant Ave
Severn, MD 21144

The final year at this school with the new principle is the absolute worst. Once Kimberly Winterbottom is out of office maybe I would recommend this school in the future. There is no support from the offices and higher ups to the students, all money donated from families is pocketed and lost in non needed expenses, where we still dont even have soap in the boys bathrooms, the school has faulty water pipes where the water from the sinks in the culinary room is coming out yellow. Restriction on students bathroom uses to only six times a quarter per class, where only one student is let out at a time for a limit of eight minutes, so if you are feeling sick that day make sure to get everything done quickly, or you will be threatened by staff. If you are sick with flu and are told to stay home for the week by your Doctor, Kimberly Winterbottom will email your family, threatening to hold your credits. So make sure to go to school while you have the flu. There is no freedom within the student body, the last three years this school has given students chances to go to their teachers during their lunch hours, and get help when needed, as well as has the ability to transfer classes during that time. That is no longer the case, where once that bell rings, you must stay in that class. If you are a senior with your partial schedule, you cant ask your teacher a quick question, because once you do a and that bell rings, you are not allowed to leave. Say goodbye to your job as you will not be late, but its not your fault. Of course its Kimberly Winterbottom's. Kimberly Winterbottom will make sure to go out of her way to cancel senior meetings, to drop her own little worthless message, repeating what she announced the week prior, leaving highschool seniors with a very short window to buy prom tickets, have the ability to check what they owe in school dues and obligations. The money you put into this school is not worth it, $60 in class dues for all of that just to go down the drain and not fund a better school. Seniors paying $80 in prom tickets, just for our after party to be held back within out own schools cafeteria, while other schools like Crofton High school renting out a whole night at Sky Zone, or North County High school renting a night at Urban Air. This could be a fault at student fundraising, but where were all the meeting to let students know about such fundraising? Oh, Winterbottom canceled every senior meeting weeks in a row. DONT ATTEND ARUNDEL!

My child started middle school at Old Mill North in 6th grade. She was only 11 years old, and what she had to endure as an 11 year old was just awful. This school is a nightmare for parents and the students. There are physical fights ALL THE TIME! The teachers try, but cannot control the kids in the classroom. Bullying is going on, and its the same kids every time. In my opinion not enough is being done for the safety of the children. Not enough consequences for those repeat offenders. We attended a basketball game at the school one evening as a family, and it was so rowdy. There were police cars present and fight was breaking out in the gymnasium! I grabbed my younger child and we ran out of there. I did not feel safe at all. What kind of school do you need police presence at for school events?? The buses take an over an hour to get home, which means my child is out of the house fom 8:30 until 5:30. This is too long of a day for these kids!! What makes things worse is the bus driver is the nastiest woman I have ever met. I wish i could sell my house and get out of this area. I know middle schools are challenging because of the age of the kids, but this school is worse than horrible!

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!