Forest Hills Elementary School

Amazing school. Without a doubt it should be a 10. We used to be in Montessori before we moved here and was worried about the transitions but this school is phenomenal. Some of the most exceptional teachers I've ever seen and a great principal. The proof is in the results. The highest MCA test scores in the district, highest ranking in the Star Tribute and only one of two schools in the district to get the highest ranking ("Reward School") according to Minnesota's new rating system. There really is no objective criteria that Forest Hills doesn't excel in. And on top of it, everyone there is very friendly and with high parental involvement. Also, the district underwent major changes in the last couple years so you really need to ignore older reviews.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to FH from out of state where our 2 children had great experiences and learning in a Montessori elementary school (not pre-school). We worried about the transition to traditional. So glad this was the school we selected! Good teachers, good PTO and parent involvement, good principal, diverse student population, and great reading program / focus. Kids have excelled socially and academically -- and they love it. Not sure what else I would ask for!
—Submitted by a parent

Forest Hills is a wonderful school with amazing teachers. My children have excelled at Forest Hills. The teachers and leadership are very good at helping kids reach their full potential in academics. They also work on building each child's character with self-esteem and respect for each other and the community. Our family loves Forest Hills Elementary!
—Submitted by a parent

I now have two children attending Forest Hills. For over three years now I have had the opportunity to meet and work with several teachers and staff members and I can certainly say that they have all been wonderful. The teachers do push the students to do their best through the curriculum and the attention they give to each student. The principal and vice-principal are not just very open to parent involvement, but welcome it.
—Submitted by a parent

Forest Hills is such a salad bowl of diversity; everyone mixed into the school, different colors, different backgrounds, different finances, different religious heritages and practices, different languages, but all tossed together, distinct yet splendid together. The dressing in this salad is our committment and respect for each other on staff and our true love for the students, no matter what! I am a parent whose child went there 5 years and I have also worked at Forest Hills for 5 years. I am blessed every day I go to work there. My child is not color blind, she is "color enhanced" because of her experience at Forest Hills.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent -Excellent School! When reading the reviews on this page look at the dates. Look for today's current information about the school. The principal cleaned house a bit when she came into the school a while back. The staff and teachers that are currently at Forest Hills are dedicated and outstanding teachers. My children attend Forest HIlls and love it. The community that is is invoked at the school is close, supportive and very forward thinking. There is a wonderfully diverse population at the school- socially,racially and economic. Having this real world exposure is so beneficial to kids and reflects the world we live in. This is a down to earth school without the feeling of having to "keep up with the Jone's" another great benefit. Call the school and take a tour with the principal,she's super! T2010-We had two of the top finalists for MN teacher of the Year
—Submitted by a parent

We had several students attend Forest Hills and another at Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion. Our children are now in accelerated classes at the middle schools. The teachers at Forest Hills are among the best in the state and are passionate about teaching all students. They help every child move forward. The teachers and administration team reinforced respectful behavior and effort from all students. Kindergarten is a little crazier the first few months, but children learn to get along with a diverse population at an early age. Our children enjoyed going to school here.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does not have alot of recess time
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 kids so far at this school. The teachers are phenomenal and I believe they work their hardest with an ever changing population of students to ensure the best learning for each one! I think this is the most 'real' school in Eden Prairie and I am so happy we are in this school's boundary!
—Submitted by a parent

Forest Hills has a great staff that is truly dedicated to teaching all kids. They do a great job of individualizing instruction to meet the needs of students. My daughter is doing exceptionally well there. Parent involvement could be improved, but I believe that is due to the fact that many of the parents work. That is a parent issue rather than the fault of the school. The after-school programs offered to teach golf, art appreciation, yoga etc. are fun and educational and FREE. The new Reading Counts Program is sensational. I think the school should be applauded for its efforts. The school has lower scores because the other schools in the surrounding area have wealthier families---and that does not mean those schools are better. They just have kids that are going to naturally do better regardless. You cannot compare schools by test scores alone unless you've seen it first hand.
—Submitted by a parent

Exceptionally poorly managed school. Many students are unprepared for school and require discipline, and low parent participation The school board answers to the superintendent. Forest Hills' academic scores are far below area schools in Eden Prairie, Edin, Minnetonka have been sliding since Melisa Krull became the superintendent.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children have attended Forest Hills and it has been a wonderful experience. They have made great friends and received a great education. The teachers at our school are passionate about what they do - they want to be here and truly care about our children. Because we have such a diversified student body teaching at Forest Hills can be a challenge, but our teachers step up to that challenge and succeed. Our principal believes in our school and advocates in the community for our school to get the tools to provide the best education for our students. Parent involvement could be better, it often is the same small pool of parents doing everything which can lead to volunteer burn. I feel my children have come out ahead of other students in our community due to their Forest Hills experience.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter goes to FH's now and she loves it, the teachers are great and she loves her class. Because Im so busy her techer keeps me uptaed thru email with all the important school events and dates. I will be bringing my son there next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I find this school to meet the needs of my children. The teachers are great! They have a ferver for education and genuinely love my children. On the other hand I believe top level leadership at FH has, at times, demonstrated that they have an agenda beyond education.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Forest Hills during grades 1-4. He particularly was not fond of FH's math program, and many of the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has many great teachers and a few poor ones. Our 4 kids through there have had wildly varying experiences from year to year. Administration is only interseted in hypocritical political correctness and issues relating to funding. Parent involvment and volunteering is very high. With a lucky draw for the right teacher it is a good school.
—Submitted by a parent

I had a third grader attending this school in 2003/2004. We were very happy with our child's experience. He had Mr. J and we loved him. This school has ethnic and socioeconomic diversity which we feel reflects 'The real world'. It was a positive learning experience for our child and we recommend this school to anyone looking for a positive learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one child in full-day Kindergarten and a 2nd grader at Forest Hills Elementary. I feel my children are getting a top-notch education with fabulous teachers, principal, staff & outstanding parent involvement. This is an excellent school to send your children to!
—Submitted by Krista Vangen, a parent