Forest Ridge Academy

The school is continuously asking for substantial donations. Why are we subsidizing? Especially for those who clearly, with a little more investigation, do not need the help. On a positive note...I will say the teachers do not let the students receive poor grades on their report cards, they do whatever necessary
--Submitted by a parent

I have looked and looked for a great school for my children and I finally found it!!! The teachers have such a passion for teaching and that excitement rubs off the students. The family atmosphere creates a wonderful environment for learning. When you walk through the front doors you feel how special the school is immediately!
--Submitted by a parent

The small classes, high standards, and caring faculty provide a safe and positive learning atmosphere. The academics are exciting and my children are loving the journey!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I completely disagree with the post from January 24. My children have received an excellent education through all grades at Forest Ridge. Teachers have been completely honest with me regarding my children's progress and I have had no surprises! My children are not superior intellectually and the teachers all gave a huge amount of effort into seeing them succeed. As a result, my children all know how to work hard and follow through on their tasks. I owe a lot to the school for the wonderful education my children all received. I still support this school and will for the rest of my life. I believe in their efforts and everything they stand for.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended FRA a few years ago. Although, my daughter received high markings, I feel it was only because of the extra help she received outside of school. They rarely give low grades, even if deserved, which may help the child's self esteem but does not accurately measure where they are at academically. The fundraising is ridiculous and an embarrassment. You pay for the small class size and technology. Instead of teaching responsibility and accountability, I found the teachers baby the students by sometimes letting low grades slide or even changing grades because it has a poor reflection on the teachers and school. , I would not recommend this school....especially after the 3rd grade
--Submitted by a parent

Our children attended FRA, and we were very pleased with the education they received! It's not just an ordinary school you take your children to, it's like dropping them off with an extended family. Our oldest continued with the same style of learning and went to a private college for the small class settings. I would highly recommend this school at all levels knowing our children were provided an excellent education and prepared for success in their future endeavors.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has attended Forest Ridge Academy for several years. While I will agree that the early years were an excellent education, I must say that I am unimpressed with the school as my child has progressed into the middle school. The middle school teachers are fair at best. The attention to the students' needs has evaporated at this level. Many of the middle school teachers have multiple children attending the school and that creates a problem. It seems the teachers are more occupied with their own childrens' needs and when it comes to their students, some teachers are baby sitting and going through the motions instead of teaching. Other things I now see is the administration is several levels behind the current generation of technology even though the technical director is very intelligent and up to date. The constant focus on fund raising is getting old. The new banners on the soccer field are cheesy at best. The push for a high school is an idea that is off the charts awful. It's time the board makes a change at the top to get this school back on the path we parents were sold on several years ago. I would not recommend this school past second or third grade.
--Submitted by a parent

FRA is the best school that anyone cans end their child to because the small class sizes make it perfect for children who need extra help in some subjects . they have the best teachers who are understanding!
--Submitted by a parent

Everything about the school is practically perfect. Class sizes are the smallest in the region.
--Submitted by a parent

FRA is a wonderful school. If you have a child that is gifted and talented you should seriously consider the advantages of private/independent education. The class ratios are excellent. It is an exceptional place for curious minds. This school offers what a public school can not. The IOWA test scores are outstanding. The music program is of very high quality. Spanish is taught at all grades levels along with sign language. The school even has hearing impaired individuals on staff which enables the children to use what skills they have learned. A laptop program is implemented begining with the 5th grade class. This is truly a 5 star institution.
--Submitted by a parent