Newington Forest Elementary School

THIS SCHOOL IS BEYOND GREAT! MY DAUGTHER IS BEEN HERE SCENCE KINDERGARDEN AND I SACRIFICE NOT TO MOVE OUT OF THE AREA SO THAT SHE CAN FINISH IN THIS SCHOOL. WE ARE SO PROUD AND THANKFULL TO THE SCHOOL STAFF THANK YOU! :)
—Submitted by a parent

we moved to the area Nov 2011 and I have been very happy with this school! The teachers really helped our kids transition easily from our move and they have addressed their needs quickly. By the time they ended their first semester, the needs of 2 of our children were noticed and means to help them started the following school year. (into the advanced classes and one child to speech). The staff is wonderful, approachable and kind. Definitely recommend!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been in Newington Forest for 5 years now. I am so impressed with the high quality of teachers who go above and beyond for my children. I have a Special Needs son and his needs have been met beyond my expectations. Teachers and Office staff are happy and welcoming. Mr. Kren is a great Principal who obviously has hired a staff that creates this wonderful environment for children and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers,staff and parent relationships are above and beyond expe tations. Great experience for our family.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school, excellent teachers/admin, good environment, very inclusive, glad to have had my children here. Keep up the great work.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent neighborhood school. Very warm and open environment. Every staff member is so positive and accommodating for parents and kids. Mr. Kren is a great Principal who is always making decisions based on what is best for kids. Thumbs up!
—Submitted by a parent

Great School, wonderful teachers and administration. My children have flourished at this school. The quality of teachers and the positive climate at this school start from the example and great leadership from the Principal. Love this school!
—Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough good things about Newington Forest. My children have been attending this school since 2005. One has graduated and moved on to middle school and the other is still in attendance. My oldest is thriving in middle school thanks to his education at NFS. The teachers, staff and administration are like a family to us. The PTA is well-organized and very involved. It is amazing to me that so many caring, wonderful people are gathered together in the same place. I wouldn't trade our experience at this school for anything!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has gone to school here since 3rd grade 2 years ago, and loved it there. This year has been a very bad experience. The team of teachers that my child has this year are not to our satisfaction. My child is afraid of the teachers, and he/she is not the only one. I have informed leadership about this, and the yelling continues. This team is harsh, unflexible, and unreliable. Our parent info night seemed like a lecture night. I really want to switch my student, and If I had been given the choice earlier, I would have. I am NOT the only one who feels this way. How can my child continue to love school, when he/she is afraid to go? Makes me sad.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has had amazing teachers throughout his time at Newington Forest. I'm grateful for how accessible the principals are and how the school works to address academic and behavioral concerns. It's a great neighborhood school!
—Submitted by a parent

My kids are happy here and have learned an amazing amount of things in a short time. The teachers and staff are caring and take the time to address any concerns that parents and students may have. There are plenty of things to do and learn at Newington Forest!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to Springfield in June, 2007 from Ft Campbell, KY. So far I'm pleased with the school's curriculum, teachers, and administrative staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Since Donna Lewis retired, the school and it's leadership started going down hill. The best thing the school had going for it was Mr Kraft (teacher) and he was promoted to AP at another school two years ago. The teachers no longer do anything extra with the kids like: making a movie in 4th grade, a 'real' Medieval feast with turkey and a big banquet of food, games and songs of that time, no more ' Classical Parents event' where the parents, kids and teacher read a book and have a fun activity afterwards. It seems to be just a job and nothing more to many teacher. It's sad to see this happen and hopefully things will change for the better.
—Submitted by a staff

I will only say this. My husband has been deployed for over 5 months now and has several more to go. If it weren't for Mr. Kraft (6th grade), I think my head would have crushed from pressure. I think all teachers should be molded and trained from him. He is by far the best teacher I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, working with, and to educate my child. He has CONSTANT contact with me, whether I initiate it, or not. I know my son's level at all times. I can not say that about my other son, but I can say this about Mr. Kraft/my son. I really wish every teacher could come from his mold. I love the school, the activities they offer are INCREDIBLE! We have to transfer, but I can't bring myself to withdraw them!
—Submitted by a parent

What impresses me most about this school is their ability to acommodate learners at all different levels. Students are pre and post-tested for each lesson and are then grouped accordingly. The multi-age classes are wonderful and we feel they have contributed much to our children's learning experience. The teachers are wonderful, highly educated and just plain excellent. Our children have attended three other schools in the last five years, and Newington Forest exceeds these schools by a wide margin. We plan to stay here just so our kids can attend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I just moved here from California and I can see the improvement in my children's learning! I'm lucky to be part of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't want to move because this school is so good and the parents, teachers and staff work great together!!
—Submitted by a parent