Forest Ridge Elementary School

The teachers really care about the children...even if a difficulty arises, they are attentive and immediately correct.

I am a new parent for 2009-2010 school year. I am very disappointed so far in what little I have seen. I am hoping that in May I can reenter a comment and show my opinions have changed. I feel I get a very negative response from the office help when I ask a question. I wouldn't ask if I already knew the answer at this point. I realize everyone is busy but what are my county tax dollars paying for...your salary. I don't expect to get a response of 'It has been very hectic. I will check into it.' ....and then a week later I have yet to get a response. I realize the before and after school is not part of the school itself, but I would think that somewhere in the school district it is someone's responsibility....not just their liability. I would not recommend the program.
--Submitted by a parent

What a disappointment! I have a special needs child whose needs are not being addressed. Some of the teachers are great, but the others have lost their sense of compassion and professionalism.
--Submitted by a parent

I can't wait for my child to be done with this school, If you are thinking about sending your child to this school and she or he has special needs forget it.... This school has no parent teacher communication, The ESE program here is horrible, they do not keep you updated on your child there is never a phone call. I just cant wait until next year, bring on the new school in Citrus County...
--Submitted by a parent

I currently have two children in the school and am very sad to say that this is their last year as we are moving in the near future. Mr Brendan Bonomo. If you can get this man as a math teacher, push for it!!! He is so absolutely wonderful.. he took my daughter from an F to an A in the matter of a marking period after being taken away from another teacher whom I will leave nameless. He is one of those teachers to be remembered forever. Last year was rough as they were organizing their staff and really getting it together. It seems to me that this year, they may just have it. My little guy has Mrs. Mele this year for Kindergarten. Thanks to another parent here, I'm excited!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Forest Ridge from K-5 and was very sad to leave to go to middle school. Forest Ridge is a wonderful school with caring teachers and staff who are dedicated to the students' success. Principal Teretta Charles, who is leaving this year, really cared about the school and I am sad to see her go. My daughter received a very good education at Forest Ridge and I would definitely recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very unhappy with the education that my child is getting this year. This is the worst year yet. I am putting my child in a private school as well as keeping my child in current grade next year so that a better education will be possible. I do not feel that the teachers are meeting my childs needs. I have expressed my concern each year that my child is having problems in a particular area. An AIP is in place. I don't see that any extra attention is paid to adress my childs AIP. Too bad that Forest Ridge isn't what it used to be. I am so sick of hearing about the FCAT I could puke. The schools are mandated to do this, they are teaching to a test not each childs individual needs. There are some really great teachers, too bad a few bad apples ruin it.
--Submitted by a parent

Forest Ridge is a great school! The PTA is growing and offering many extra family activities. Technology lab has many computers and is a class all children attend. The Principle Mrs. Charles really cares about the kids and knows almost everyone of the 750 students by name. All concerns are answered promptly and completely by the principle. A special math focus called everyday math is new this year 04-05, and is really making a difference. Safety is a number one priority and I have felt very safe with my kids there.
--Submitted by Michelle Beavers, a parent

My daughter is in Mrs. Mele's 2nd grade class, I have the utmost respect for this teacher, she is top-notch in my book, this class encourages parent involvement, both at school and in the home! Mrs. Mele is by far the best teacher that my daughter has had in Citrus County, if all the teachers in FRE are like Mrs. Mele, this school has the best!
--Submitted by Janet Hope, a parent

I have two children at FRE one in kindergarten and the other in 3rd. This will be my oldest's fourth year attending! With that in mind, I am happy with this school overall. They encourage parent participation, for example you can join your child during lunch time or volunteer in the classrooms. They have a creative learning atmosphere. Their teachers have been wonderful, putting forth extra effort when my children were in need.
--Submitted by a parent