Forestville Elementary School

Our children have received an outstanding education at Forestville in the seven years we've lived here. The teachers and staff are dedicated and caring. It's a welcoming environment for students and parents, and I've been impressed with the courtesy exhibited by students overall. I've yet to see a better school, public or private.
--Submitted by a parent

Large classes. Unqualified AAP teachers. Lack of in depth teaching. More like a club for volunteers.
--Submitted by a parent

I've been part of this community for over 10 years. In the past, Forestville treated all the students equally. Now, the goal is to make sure the SOL results coming out of Forestville are the best in the county. They teach to the SOL every single day!! According to guidelines, you don't prep a student for a SOL. Now, 3rd thru 6th graders are sent home practice runs. My 6th grade daughter was told "don't worry about that sort of math problem it won't be on the SOL!" Advanced Placement vs. who isn't is heard consistently at games, parent events, etc...some for it and others completely appalled by it. Class sizes are close to 30 or more per class. 50% of the classes are split between General vs. Gifted. Do you really think 50% are gifted learners? You don't even have to test in to the AAP as I learned recently when they 'offered' my child the chance to move "up." Ridiculous. The best teachers have either left or talk regularly about the horrific Tiger Moms vs. Weak Administration. Too much focus on the AAP is causing the General Ed children feel inferior and "not good enough." Remember, they are KIDS!
--Submitted by a parent

I've had three kids at Forestville, and know the school from K to 6. The teachers are committed and engaging, the front office staff is friendly and helpful, and the administration is very open. We've had a great experience at Forestville
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful teachers and great PTA! We are so happy to see our child eager to go to school each day.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a 6th grader(leaving for 7th grade in a few days, boo hoo:( ) and i've been at this school since kindergarten. This is a very nice school, and I will miss it a lot.. the education is great, and most everyone is friendly. if you go to this school, or have gone, you will agree that is an amazing school with great teacherw.

Update re: posting below-- Forestville has had a GT center for three years now. Parents of children selected for GT (now called Advanced Academic Program or AAP) can now choose whether to keep their child at the center at Forestville or send them to the center at Forest Edge.
--Submitted by a parent

Love it for the past 15 years!
--Submitted by a parent

Great school!! I enjoyed the website of the school and the amount of information it had provided me with!Absolutely great curriculum(Core Knowledge).Great communication among principal and parents!
--Submitted by Olga Aspinwall, a parent

Excellent school, extreme level of parental involvement (seems to be a committee for everything, very strong PTA). Mr. Harris (principal) has brought in a good leadership style for the school, and teacher quality seems to be improving under him. Fairfax County Gifted and Talented (GT) Program starts diverting many bright children to the GT Center at Forest Edge Elementary starting in 3rd grade. Absence of a center at Forestville means that you have to make a choice of where to send your child if he or she tests into GT. SAC program (before / after school care) is consistently good - even though SAC staff rotates among schools, the SAC director at Forestville has maintained a good program. Fairfax County Public Schools is a wealthy school district, and it shows in the availability of extracurricular activities. Also, the very high level of parental involvement and resources supplements programs at Forestville.
--Submitted by a parent