Opened in 2001, W.S. Ryan Elementary is named for Wayne Stuart Ryan, a local businessman whose wife, Melbagene Ryan, donated the land on which the school stands in honor of Mr. Ryan. 

Mr. Ryan attended what is now the University of North Texas. He was in the United States Coast Guard for four years during World War II, serving 24 months in the Pacific Theater.  He later returned home to Denton and became a co-owner of Ryan Brothers Plumbing Co., a mechanical contracting company that he owned for 27 years.  He was also an avid rancher.

W.S. Ryan Elementary’s mascot is fittingly the Wranglers, and the school serves students in the Denton High School attendance zone. 

Established: 2001
Mascot: Wranglers
Colors: Red and Blue

Our School Mission:
Empowering students to become innovative thinkers and lifelong learners through problem-solving, perseverance, and creativity. 
 
Our Vision: 
We believe that in order to support our mission, we will collaborate as a Professional Learning Community to:
Increase student engagement through the integration of STEM in our everyday learning.
Foster a safe and welcoming school culture and climate.
Promote high standards by encouraging our students to reach their highest potential.
Engage in meaningful and ongoing professional development that will have a positive impact on student learning. 
 
Our Core Values/Beliefs:
RESPECT: We will value students' and staff's abilities, qualities, and achievements.
DIVERSITY/CULTURAL UNITY: We will unify our school's many cultures by modeling acceptance for all, embracing traditions, and appreciating uniqueness.
ENCOURAGEMENT: We will be compassionate and approachable, and provide positive motivation for success.
PERSEVERANCE: We will motivate students to show grit, embrace productive struggle, and overcome obstacles while celebrating successes along the way.
INNOVATION: We will promote innovation and problem-solving through our STEM initiative.
LIFE LONG LEARNERS: We will foster a community of intrinsically motivated citizens on the continual pursuit of knowledge.