Ryan Middle School (Houston) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ryan Middle School
Ryan Middle School, now the Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan
Address
2610 Elgin Street, Houston, Texas 77004
Coordinates	29°43′57″N 95°21′53″W / 29.7325179°N 95.3647508°W / 29.7325179; -95.3647508
Information
Other name	Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan (2013–present)
Former name	Yates Colored High School (1926–1958) Ryan Colored Junior High School (1958)
Founded	1958
Closed	2013
Last updated: 29 December 2017

James D. Ryan Middle School was a school for students in grades 6 through 8 in Houston, Texas. It was part of the Houston Independent School District. Today, the same building is home to the Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan. This is a special magnet school focused on medical studies.

The school was located in the Third Ward area, south of Downtown Houston. It was also close to the University of Houston.

History of Ryan Middle School

Early Years and Naming

Ryan Middle School opened in 1958. It was in the building that used to be Yates High School. The school was named after the first principal of Yates High. Some old maps called it Yates Junior High School.

The building was very important to the Third Ward community. Many local professionals, like teachers and lawyers, went to school there. The school's success changed over time.

When Ryan opened, it was only for African-American students. By 1970, the school became desegregated, meaning students of all races could attend.

Community Support and Challenges

In 1988, a company called Rangers Insurance Co. started helping Ryan students. They provided tutors, school supplies, and computers. They also set up a scholarship fund. This fund helped Ryan graduates go to college or get job training. From 1992 to 1999, 166 students received these scholarships. The company gave $150,000 to the fund each year.

By 2008, Ryan Middle School was seen as one of the lowest-performing schools in the district. The school district even offered extra money to teachers to work there.

Changes in Leadership

Michael McKenzie became the principal of Ryan in June 2010. He had experience from another school and was part of a program to help struggling schools. He worked to improve Ryan Middle School.

Why Ryan Middle School Closed

From 2002 to 2012, the number of students at Ryan dropped a lot. It went from 830 students to only 265. The school district suggested closing Ryan Middle School. They said that many students who lived in the school's area chose to go to other schools instead.

Parents and community leaders did not want the school to close. They protested the idea. In May 2012, the school board decided not to close Ryan at that time.

However, in March 2013, the district board voted to close Ryan. There were only 263 students left in its final year. Most students were sent to Cullen Middle School, which was about 4 miles (6.4 km) away. The closure happened even though many people in the community were against it.

What Happened Next

In 2013, the Ryan Middle School building reopened with a new name: the Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan. This new school is a magnet school that focuses on medical studies. It helps prepare students for high schools like the Michael E. DeBakey High School for the Health Professions.

After Ryan Middle School closed, many of its students went to Cullen Middle School. About 65% of the 6th and 7th graders from Ryan's last year moved to Cullen. Other students went to different schools.

Neighborhoods Served by Ryan Middle School

Ryan Middle School served several areas in the Third Ward. These included University Oaks, Oak Manor, Washington Terrace, and Riverside Terrace. It also served small parts of Midtown Houston and Neartown.

Some public housing areas, like Cuney Homes and Ewing Apartments, were also in Ryan's zone. The Project Row Houses community was also served by Ryan.

School Uniforms

For some years, Ryan Middle School required students to wear uniforms. Starting in 2010, male students had to wear ties. This rule was still in place in 2012.

Student Population

In its last school year, Ryan Middle School had 272 students.

• 84% were African American
• 15% were Hispanic American
• The rest were from other backgrounds.

In the 2006–2007 school year, there were 633 students.

• 85% African American
• 14% Hispanic American
• Less than 1% White American
• Less than 1% Asian American
• Less than 1% Native American

About 80% of the students qualified for free or reduced-price lunch. This means their families had lower incomes.

Feeder Schools

Students from these elementary schools usually went to Ryan Middle School:

• Lockhart
• Turner (partially)
• Blackshear
• Dodson
• MacGregor
• Peck
• Poe
• Roberts

After Ryan, students would typically go to one of these high schools:

• Yates High School
• Lamar High School
• Bellaire High School