Forest Edge Elementary School

Two of my children are attending Forest Edge and they are both very happy. I'm impressed that even with large classes, the teachers are exceptional and try to meet every need. I also like the fact that teachers communicate with me and are approachable. One of them emails reminders to parents regularly. My children have not had an issue with bullying and the school has a Character Counts program. The PTA is very active and the PTArt program is well-organized. Overall, the only thing I wish is that FFX Cty would include world languages in the program.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very excited about moving from Spotsylvania County to Fairfax County from an education perspective. However, her first grade teacher was completely unprepared and disorganized. This lead to disruptions in class and behavior problems with children. I should have known how the year was going to go when I walked into the classroom on back to school night, two weeks after school had started, and the classroom still had not been set up, things were still in boxes and the place was a mess. After that year was over, we moved to another school district and now my daughter attends Crossfield Elementary. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! The new school is only 4 miles away, but WORLDS apart in terms of attentiveness, enthusiasm, support and education.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves the school and she has excelled tremendously. The teachers and staff are very proactive and concerned about the students. I am very pleased knowing that my child enjoys going to school. Whenever she needs extra help in any subject they are always on top of things and they always keep me informed.
—Submitted by a parent

Forest Edge is not a good school. The first year my child went she got build my other children. The teachers there are not good at teaching.
—Submitted by a parent

children are bullied by both other students and faculty. Administration does not address these issues in the guidelines listed by Fairfax County Public Schools with the assaulting students nor the teachers . .
—Submitted by a parent

My children attended FEES for 6 years. 3 of those years were in GT. During that time both of my children were bullied by both other students and faculty. This was a yearly occurrence with both children. Administration did not address these issues in the guidelines listed by Fairfax County Public Schools with the assaulting students nor the teachers that injured my children. Some children's injuries were so serious they required emergency services and ongoing treatment. One of them has a permanent disability now. They were made to feel that they were the problem. If you are concerned about the safety of your children and the supervision provided, I do not recommend this school. My children did score highly on the SOL's and a few of GT teachers that were top notch. But, that being said, the stress was not worth it.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been a part of the Forest Edge school community for the past 6 years. My youngest daughter is now in 6th grade and we are so saddened to be leaving this extraordinary school. From the amazingly dedicated principal to the hard-working teachers, this school prepares children to go out and thrive in our diverse community. The teachers are well educated and enthusiastic about learning. My oldest daughter has found that she was beautifully prepared to succeed in middle school. I wish that I could name all of the staff who have made this school a welcome and nurturing environment for my children. They have been challenged and educated with care and respect.
—Submitted by a parent

As part of a mentoring group at Forest Edge, I find it to be a very caring and creative school.

My daughter just completed First Grade at Forest Edge. I was very impressed with her teacher and the administrative leadership. This school provides an excellent learning environment. Timely and appropriate communications are sent to parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Forest Edge may have lower test scores than a few other schools due to its social econic diversity. All in all it has more children pass advanced and fewer children fail than most others even those with much lower Free and Reduced Lunch %'s. I transferred my child there in the 1st quarter when it was determined he was 1 1/2 years below his grade level in reading and he had failed 2 of his 4 SOL's. What a difference, within two quarters, his reading DRA was at grade level and he is expected to pass in all subjects and pass advance in two. They use differencial teaching by breaking kids into groups based on skill level. Children may move to another level at any time. The principal is very open and very responsive to parent's concerns and works to partner with the parents for the good of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

If your child is in GT the school is okay. If your child is in community classes or special education.....find somewhere else!
—Submitted by a parent

Mr. Bensinger is the best principal ever. He is very involved and in monthly talks to each grade lets them know what they need to. Most of the teachers are middling to good. Some were excellent, some were poor, but none were truly awful. When I was there the band made up for in enthusiasm what it lacked in talent, and that's all I remember of the extracurriculars.
—Submitted by a former student

Forest Edge is the greatest school I have attended. I was at Forest Edge from 1st grade through sixth grade,and they wre the greatest years of my life. I graduated and am in seventh grade now, but wish was still back there. Forest Edge has AMAZING teachers and a wonderful principle. I love the extra cirrecular activities, and I will never forget Forest Edge Elementary School. The school I grew up in.
—Submitted by a student

Forest Edge has a spirit for learning. When one of my children started to struggle in Math, his teacher immediately offered her assistance to help him one on one. Both my children look forward to going to school, this speaks volumes about the school. They have extracurricular activities, homework shop where kids can get extra help, and fun field trips. Forest Edge is what every parent hopes that school would be for his or her child. One other thing about Forest Edge is that the children learn how to be good citizens. Respect, kindness, and safety are encouraged on a daily basis.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Forest Edge from the community spirit of the staff and volunteers to the high caliber learning environment. I especially like the fact that their focus is on reading and they have a strong extra-curricular program. From chess club to the orchestra, Forest Edge has it all!
—Submitted by shannon ruder, a parent

The principal, teachers, and staff make this school feel like an extension of your family. The ratios are low and teachers truly teach to the student not just the topic.
—Submitted by a parent