Forest Hills Elementary School

One person who has a child that may or may not pass FCAT (which is a crazy way to judge a child, but that's a Florida problem not a school one!) does not make this school a bad school. As a parent, I check my children's work and homework. I make sure they read. It's not just the school's job to educate the child. Every school has issues but this school is a very good one.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so unhappy with this school. I have a third grader attending, and because it was brushed off until now, he will most likely be held back, due to the FCAT. There are so many students that need major help, that my son, who just needs a little, is brushed over. Almost half of the students at this school are below average. Terrible.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had my child at FHE for 2 years now and it has been a great experience. The Principal, Mrs. Rothman is always handy to answer my various questions about anything that may come up. My child's teacher Mrs. Escruceria was extremely helpful and my son loved her. Her teaching methods really helped him to improve his grades. Mrs. Blanco was also influential in helping to get him ready for 4th grade with Mrs. Escruceria. I am overall happy with the experience and the level at which the administrative staff and teachers go to in order to help my son.
—Submitted by a parent

What a shame that a few apples spoil the bunch! In every walk of life there are times when we all do not agree. When someone has a personal beef against a particular individual or two, it should not be aired in a public forum. Forest Hills Elementary is an excellent school with an excellent staff. They have maintained an "A" grade eight years straight which tells you about the caliber of the teachers and staff. They put children first on all levels. If you are looking for a school where you know your child will get a quality education, where their safety comes first and the staff goes above and beyond to work with your child, then go check out FHE. They are still encouraging parent participation and volunteering, but are thinking out-of-the-box to get parents involved. They may not have a traditional "PTA" but it has not stopped the many activities that bring families together. The new principal has worked very diligently to make the school environment conducive to learning but also keeping in mind that these students need to enjoy their elementary years. Their Partners-in-Education also keep involved by hosting various family nights for all to enjoy. FHE is an A+++ in my book!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the worst of them all. Some of the teachers need to be retrained on how educate our children. The food is awful it is either not cooked or frozen. They need to update their staff.
—Submitted by a parent

The year started out on a good note, new principal and it seemed as if teachers were all on the same page in motivating the students. However, throughout the course of the year, instead of utilizing everyone's skills and talents, the principal brought dissension among the teachers, cutting out the PTA parents completely, who were the core in parental involvement for this community school. Not sure how it would all pan out to benefit our students. And because of a change in teachers half way through the year, my child was not challenged in the least.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is not happy here, most of the teacher's are great but there are too many rules. The staff seems sad. The principal is not very nice, and does not do anything to make school fun, it's just all about fcat testing and test scores. My older child who went to school there a few years ago was much happier there than my younger child. I am thinking about putting my child in private school or transferring to another school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I like the teachers and the school's procedures
—Submitted by a parent

this school has some of the best teachers and staff all around
—Submitted by a parent

Forest Hills is dedicated to the education and welfare of each and every student that comes through their doors. The school communicates with parents to ensure their is a school to home connection. They have been an "A" school for 7 consecutive years. Under new administration the school continues to put children first!

Because they have great teachers that really care - especially the First Grade Team!

Forest Hills Elementary is an amazing school with wonderful teachers, students, parents and administration. The teachers and administration strive to do what's best for the students, and challenge them every day. Forest Hills is an "A" school which reflects on the dedication from everyone.
—Submitted by a teacher

The teachers are caring and really give their all to their students. We have a very supportive PTO who do many great things for our school.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff love what they do, and care about each and every child, and it shows! They dedicate themselves to really bringing out the best in our children.
—Submitted by a parent

Forest Hills is an okay school. The teachers are good, and they did have the new playgrounds put in last year, but they don't do anything for the kids. My daughter has been there for 4 years, and been on one field trip. They don't have school plays, dances, talent shows, choruses or anything of that nature. They have a whole lot of fund raisers, but then none of that money is used toward fun activities for the children. Very standard school years. Same PTA gatherings every year, field day. Very monotanous. I have to say I am very glad my daughter is going to a new school this coming school year so she can have some fun experiences before she is done with elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, a great school with hard working, caring teachers. New Administration not very parent friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

teaching is too traditional. need learning for the future.
—Submitted by a parent

this school improved my language and i really improved in school
—Submitted by a student

New Playgrounds! Yippee for the kids. Honestly I don't care at all about landscaping and did not consider this in my review. Teachers are great, every one I met is big on parent involvement and communication. In 2 years I have watched my daughter grow and change, positively in every possible direction.
—Submitted by a parent

I think Forest Hills it's a great school , but need better outdoor landscaping. Casually I sow today They already start fixing the playground, my daughter was happy pointing what nice it'll be have clean sand. The School should put more outdoor benches, specially for dismissal time, the kid usually sit or laid dawn on the floor until the parents come to pick them up.
—Submitted by Maria Rodriguez, a parent