Forestdale

Poor leadership and responsiveness to issues. Decent teachers. Some are great, others poor. Lots of drama in the school. Sometimes I think a reality show would do well there, but not somewhere for my kids to learn. Great parents and PTA though
--Submitted by a parent

Do NOT send your kids here, horrible, horrible school system. They are by far the worst you can imagine. If you can, move or send them to private school. I moved and removed my son from here and he went from failing everything to 4 years later, full scholarship to North Eastern. Unsupported and sued by SEVERAL parents but you never hear about it unless you are one of them.
--Submitted by a parent

I believe that the education your child recieves in this school is as good as the effort you as a parent put into it. The school definitely lacks in leadership qualities, however with the new priciple perhaps things will change. I am a graduate from Sandwich Schools and things have a long way.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Forestdale and find it top rate. The staff are caring and supportive and go the extra mile to provide an enriching and challenging environment to all children. MCAS scores have climbed each year and have always been good for most students. There is a very proactive and involve group of parents who help this school to be tops! The new principal is wonderful and responsive - but a strong leader, too. They struggle with MCAS for the most severly disabled students in the school (the special classrooms for autistic children) - but the fact that the state requires ALL children to take and pass MCAS regardless of the severity of their disability is ridiculous!
--Submitted by a parent

Forestdale is a struggling school. The administration seems to be trying, but thing's seem to 'get away' from them easily. There are a few solid, good teachers but many that aren't as committed as one would hope. In terms of Sandwich, Forestdale is the least desirable place to send your kids and the caliber of children they will encounter is not as nice as in the towns two other schools. Unfortunately, I can not recommend this school. I can only recommend a select few teachers that are as frustrated with the school and other teachers as we parents are. Just look at the MCAS scores, they speal volumes about this place.
--Submitted by a parent

Forestdale is a very friendly and welcoming school. The staff goes out of their way to make everyone fell included and part of the school 'family'. Academic programs are excellent and the teachers really care about the development of each student, and they work together to provide the best 'fit' for each student. From what I have seen, the academic level these kids reach at the end of each grade is well on par with other successful and highly regarded schools across the country.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has many problems. One is the over indulged children who attend. The other is the parents who have their noses in the sand. The other is that the Pricipals do not solve any issues brought forward by students or parents. These issues were never discussed with any of the students. All the problems in the Sandwich schools are swept under a rug. Do not move your family to Sandwich!
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, this school along with the other 2 K-8 schools in this town are fabulous. Students having difficulties are quickly recognized, and assistance is provided with the student's dignity taking importance. Special programs are offered to help students prepare for the MCAS as well, and students are receptive to these programs. Everyone helps eachother out, and should a student transfer from another district or city to this school, the transition is made easy for them.
--Submitted by a parent