Principal

Welcome to Ritter Elementary School!

It is my honor to introduce myself as your principal and to welcome you to a community dedicated to the growth of every single student. My journey in education began as a special educator, a foundational experience that permanently shaped my core philosophy: I believe, without reservation, that every child can learn and demonstrate success. True learning is not one-size-fits-all; it is about meeting students where they are, discovering their unique strengths, and nurturing their confidence. As an educator and lifelong learner, my primary role is to serve as our school's instructional leader, constantly working to enhance our classroom practices and build a vibrant learning environment where no student is left behind.

At Ritter, we carry a proud legacy of over 100 years of educating students here on the East Side of Allentown. We are deeply committed to educating the whole child—fostering not just academic growth, but also the social, emotional, and creative well-being of our students. This commitment comes to life through enriching, hands-on experiences like our teacher-created Ritter Gardening Club, which encourages critical thinking, curiosity, and collaboration. By supporting the whole child, we ensure that our students feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore the world around them.

To truly unlock each child's unique potential, we must provide diverse outlets for self-expression. I firmly believe that robust programs in the arts, alongside thoughtful technology integration, are vital pathways for our students. In our school, technology is used to enhance, not replace, human creativity—acting as a powerful tool to amplify our students' imaginations rather than limit them. By combining the beauty of the arts with the innovation of modern technology, we prepare our Ritter Raccoons to think critically, create boldly, and succeed in an ever-changing world.

Proud to be a Ritter Raccoon,

Dr. Emily Kleintop
Principal, Ritter Elementary School
 

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Ritter School Promise
Ritter School students have pride in their school, and each day they pledge…
 

• To be REMARKABLE,
• Have RESPECT,
• Act RESPONSIBLY,
• Work HARD, and
• Keep SAFE,
• RACCOONS!