Colegate Way
Hamilton, OH 45011

**Review of Ridge Junior School: Disappointing Experience**As a parent of a 7th grader at Ridge Junior School, I've been consistently disappointed with our experience. Here are some key issues:1. **Lack of Communication:** - Important information regarding bullying, and student issues/progress are often not consistently relayed to parents or to all members of the administration. 2. **Inconsistent Discipline:** - Discipline policies are inconsistently applied, with some students facing stricter consequences than others for similar infractions.3. **Overcrowded Classrooms:** - Classroom sizes are at the maximum capacity per state law, making it almost impossible for teachers to provide any type of individualized attention.4. **Curriculum Over-reliance on "Laptop Learning":** - The curriculum relies too heavily on "laptop learning." Teachers simply hand out Chromebooks, and students "learn" by watching videos of other teachers teaching. This passive approach lacks engagement, direct interaction and if I wanted my son to learn via laptop there are many online schools that provide more individualized attention than Ridge. 5. **Bullying Issues and Administration Response:** - Victims of bullying are filtered out via the truancy pipeline, while the bullies continue, feeling untouchable. - The administration overwhelms parents by filling conference rooms with "educators," shifting the burden mandated by Ohio House Bill 410 and asking, "What can we do to help?" This tactic reverses responsibilities and attempts to relieve the administration of its legal duties.While some dedicated teachers exist at Ridge Junior School, the above issues make it difficult to recommend this institution. I sincerely hope the administration addresses these concerns to create a more positive environment for all students.

It’s been a very hectic year but once again Lakota Local has persevered and supported the students in every way. Lakota West High offers so much for the students academically and in way of clubs and athletics! Parents and boosters host many fundraisers for the school district. Liberty Township and West Chester Township are wonderful family centered neighborhoods!

The teachers and support staff go above and beyond for each student regardless of their background.

Shawnee has been a wonderful school. We have had to move out of state recently and leaving Shawnee was one of the hardest parts! Shawnee is well organized, safe and innovative. They are leading the herd of early childhood schools in the area in STEAM and social media presence. They have recently improved test scores dramatically with corresponds with the excellent administration. The team of teachers for both kindergarten and first grade are top notch. We will deeply miss this excellent school!