Advertisement
Find a School
find a school hot topic

New!

School and District Boundaries Map

Review Your School
Preschool
preschool hot topic

Hot Topic

Should your preschooler already
be reading?

Elementary School
elementary school hot topic

Hot Topic

5 key skills for academic
success

Middle School
middle school hot topic

Hot Topic

Secrets to middle school
success

High School
high school hot topic

Hot Topic

An inside look at your teen's
brain

College
college hot topic

Hot Topic

Easing college admissions
anxiety

GreatSchools Rating

Forest Trail Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 597 students
 

Add photos

Schools,
join today
to upload
photos.

 

What schools are available to you?

Find attendance
zones for your
address »

 

  • I just love the school. Been there for 3 years now, the teachers are...

  • We moved here from another State and in my opinion, this school is awesome.

  • I had to remove my child from this school because it is not a safe...

  • The children have high test scores because the population of children in that...

  • The teachers are very good and I believe they have the best intentions,...

 

Finding the right school

How to choose a school video thumbnail
What to look for in an
elementary school
 

In the know: Get our expert advice on schools

placeholder
 

School choice terminology

Private versus public

Public schools: fact and fiction

 

Public vs. private vs. charter...

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Based on 15 ratings
Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Are you
the principal?

Complete your school's profile»

Rate this school

Click on stars to rate
Please select a star rating for this school.
    Helpful reviews answer questions:
  • What do you think others should know?
  • What do you like?
  • How could your school improve?
    Review Guidelines
    GreatSchools won’t post reviews that contain:
  • Inappropriate language
  • Allegations of criminal conduct
  • Names of students, teachers or staff
1200 characters remaining
Please indicate your relationship to the school.
Please read and accept our Terms of Use to join GreatSchools.
Indicates a required field

11 reviews of this school

Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted September 30, 2010
Report it

I just love the school. Been there for 3 years now, the teachers are excellent they care for the children, the school is beautiful, parent involvement is high with a lot of success helping the school grow. Great resources for kids to study learn and have fun. However, kids have to study, they also care for test results (the way the rated exemplary every year is having high scores).
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted September 18, 2008
Report it

We moved here from another State and in my opinion, this school is awesome. Great leadership, awesome teachers and very good programs. The computer lab/teaching is far superior than our previous school. High parent involvement. I don't have a special needs child but my friend does and she hand selected this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted May 17, 2008
Report it

I had to remove my child from this school because it is not a safe environment. Routine bullying and extreme lack of supervision on the playground. Forget asking the principal to do his job; he looks quite tired and is below mediocre. School teaches to the TAKS. Not a good place for gifted and/or special needs children.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted March 10, 2008
Report it

The children have high test scores because the population of children in that area are very bright children. The teachers provide plenty of creative learning activities for the children, especially the music teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted June 6, 2007
Report it

The teachers are very good and I believe they have the best intentions, however, they teach to the test, which may account for some of the high test scores. I was happy for my child to attend this school and district, but I also found that it suffers from the same issues as probably all schools and districts, including children with severe discipline problems who, as a result, require more time and distract teacher efforts with other children. There is also a lot of parent involvement, but many times it appears to be a competition of parents to see who can 'one up' the other in terms of who has what and who can give what. Diversity is also lacking.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted March 28, 2007
Report it

Our son has been in Forest Trail for two years. We strongly recommend this school. Teachers are responsive, parents are involved and the school sponsors numerous events that the children enjoy. Also, our child required ESL assistance and this program is EXCELLENT. The teacher is dedicated to the childrens' success in English. She, smartly, uses science, computers, Lego robots and other devices to teach the language skills. We are very happy with this school and recommend it for anyone moving into the area.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted January 11, 2006
Report it

Being so lucky to have our daughter at Forest Trail, is amazing. Everybody at the school is talented to teach and to deal with kids. Also having a daughter with english as a second language, just havent been a problem in just a few months she was loike an American student...Re. activities I would prefer if the kids could be more outside especially in PE, they are to much inside. Rest is fine. Parent involvemnet is fine in the beginning of the school year but I notice before Christmas people are just not interested anymore. The Principal is the most fantastic person, he is everywhere and he is doing such a great job with all the employees and kids at school. You are lucky to have him at Forest Trail.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted July 11, 2005
Report it

Excellent teachers, Debbie % Cheri in front office are wonderful, involved parents
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted May 23, 2004
Report it

I have children in both the special education and gifted and talented programs. Both programs are superior.
—Submitted by Jean McCasland, a parent

Write your own review
Posted April 11, 2004
Report it

My children have attended 4 different elementary schools in 4 different states. This one clearly stands above all the rest. Very high standards academically and behaviorally. A very friendly, child centered,creative staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted March 28, 2004
Report it

The finest example of what an elemenary school should be. Superior staff, challenging curriculum, safe and orderly learning environment, high expectations, high performance, supportive community.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review

Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 87% in 2011.

105 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
97%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

107 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests

In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

The state average for Math was 88% in 2011.

101 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
97%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

102 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
100%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2011.

101 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
99%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests

In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2011.

104 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
97%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.

102 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%

2008

 
 
100%
Science

The state average for Science was 87% in 2011.

105 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
94%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests

In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students99%
Female100%
Male98%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian93%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education100%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students99%
Female98%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White99%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education88%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests

In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Writing

All Students99%
Female100%
Male98%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White99%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education83%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests

In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black or African Americann/a
Asian100%
Hispanic100%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education100%
Not special education100%
Limited English proficient (LEP)n/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests

In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

  • In 2010-2011, this school was rated "Exemplary".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Exemplary".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Exemplary".

About the tests

Texas uses Accountability Ratings to indicate the overall performance of each school and district. The ratings are based on TAKS test results, dropout rates for grades 7 and 8 and school completion rates for grades 9 through 12. Schools and districts rated under standard accountability procedures are designated as Exemplary, Recognized, Academically Acceptable or Academically Unacceptable. Schools and districts rated under alternative education accountability (AEA) procedures are designated as either AEA: Academically Acceptable or AEA: Academically Unacceptable.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 79% 34%
Asian/Pacific Islander 12% 4%
Hispanic 8% 48%
Black 1% 14%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 10%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 9%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 4%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 1%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 12N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 7%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 22%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 19%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 26%N/A23%
21 or more years 26%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

This school has not yet provided programming information.

Schools, join today to tell families more about what you offer.

Add videos

Schools, join today to
upload videos

 

Tips for understanding school culture

Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!
Map thumbnail

Get directions »

1203 Loop 360 S
Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 732-9160

Nearby homes for sale

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare

Nearby schools

ADVERTISEMENT

Thank you. You've successfully subscribed to the GreatSchools newsletter.

Thank you. Please confirm your subscription by clicking the link in the email we just sent you.

Sign Up For Email Updates
Please enter your email address to sign up.
The email address is already signed up.
Connect With Us

About GreatSchools

Our mission is to inspire and support families to champion their children's education - at school, at home and in their community. We are a national non-profit with offices in San Francisco, Milwaukee, Washington D.C. and Indianapolis.

Find the great schools in Texas

All cities in Texas:ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWYZ

GreatSchools, Inc. 160 Spear Street, Suite 1020, San Francisco, CA 94105

©1998-2013 GreatSchools Inc. All Rights Reserved. GreatSchools is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization

Please verify your email address

Great work! Only one more step. Now we just need you to verify your email address. Please click on the link in the email we just sent you to complete your registration.

Please verify your email address

Great work! Only one more step. Now we just need you to verify your email address. Please click on the link in the email we just sent you to submit your review.

Your new email needs to be verified

Please click on the link in the verification email we just sent you to complete your change of email address.

Your registration is complete

Thanks for registering. Welcome to GreatSchools, the largest online community committed to improving educational outcomes through parental involvement.

Your email change is complete

Thanks for verifying your updated email address.

Your email needs to be verified

Oops! You haven't verified your email address yet. To do so, please click on the link in the email we sent you. Can't find the email? Click the button below to receive a new one.

Verification link expired

Oops! That email verification link has expired. Please click the button below to receive a new one.

Sign in to GreatSchools

Not a member? Join GreatSchools.

Sign in with an existing GreatSchools account:

 

Forgot your password?

Forgot your password?

Please enter the email address associated with your account. Instructions for selecting a new password will be emailed to you.

Thank you for submitting a review

Your review has been posted to GreatSchools.

Thank you for submitting a review

Welcome to GreatSchools!

Complete your school's profile

For principals and school officials, we offer a special Enhanced School Profile (ESP) which allows you to update and add information about your school, as well as respond to reviews. If you are a school official, click Continue to start.

You must agree to continue

Thank you for submitting a comment

Please note that it can take up to 48 hours for your comment to be posted to our site. While you're here, we'd like to invite you to fill out a survey on your school's programs, activities, and extracurriculars. It only takes a few minutes and will help parents get a full picture of your school.


No thanks

Your account is now active

Get started now! You have successfully registered and can now start updating your Official School Profile. The information you provide is extremely valuable in helping parents and students learn more about your school, so thanks for taking the time!