Forest Ridge Elementary School

Posted: September 7, 2025

Posted: September 7, 2025

Posted: September 7, 2025

Posted: September 7, 2025

Posted: September 7, 2025

Posted: September 7, 2025

Posted: September 7, 2025

Posted: September 7, 2025

As a parent, I couldn’t be happier with Forest Ridge Elementary School. From the moment you walk in, you feel the warmth and sense of community that makes this school special. The staff and leadership team truly care about every child—they go above and beyond to make sure students are safe, supported, and excited about learning.

Academically, the school sets high expectations while also providing the right support so that every child can succeed. Teachers are creative, dedicated, and keep families in the loop about progress. I love how much emphasis they place on both academics and social-emotional growth. Programs like the Zones of Regulation help students learn how to manage their feelings and build positive relationships.

Forest Ridge also shines when it comes to diversity and inclusivity. The student body reflects so many cultures and backgrounds, and the school celebrates that in meaningful ways through events, activities, and curriculum. It’s wonderful to see children learning in such an accepting and respectful environment.

Communication from the school is excellent, with regular newsletters and updates so parents always know what’s happening. There’s also a strong partnership with the PTA, which plans family-friendly events that bring everyone together.

Most importantly, my child feels happy and proud to be a FRES Eagle. The school’s values of Focus, Respect, Empathy, and Safety are more than just words - they are lived out daily. Forest Ridge Elementary truly is a place where students can soar to success!

Posted: October 28, 2024

Posted: October 28, 2024

Posted: October 28, 2024

Posted: October 28, 2024

Posted: October 28, 2024

Posted: October 28, 2024

Posted: October 28, 2024

Posted: October 28, 2024

I don’t know why this school is rated so low. I love Forest Ridge! The teachers are amazing, the curriculum is enriching and everybody shows devotion to their work whether they are a teacher or a student. My kids have been going to FRES for about 3 years now and I see a change in the way they’re learning which is phenomenal. Again, I love Forest Ridge and I would recommend it greatly.

Posted: April 1, 2023

Posted: April 1, 2023

Posted: April 1, 2023

Posted: April 1, 2023

Posted: April 1, 2023

Posted: April 1, 2023

Posted: April 1, 2023

Posted: April 1, 2023

I’ve taught at multiple schools in different counties and am so happy here. This will be my last stop as I love the staff, the community involvement with families, and the outstanding administration. The environment is warm and teachers support each other to give students the resources and enrichment they need to be successful.

Posted: June 18, 2019

Posted: June 18, 2019

Posted: June 18, 2019

Posted: June 18, 2019

Posted: June 18, 2019

I don't know why the rating of this school is so low. Our children have done phenomenally here, the teachers are amazing, as well as the administration and the facility. Other parents agree - talk to them!

Posted: June 18, 2019

Posted: August 6, 2018

Posted: August 6, 2018

Posted: August 6, 2018

Posted: August 6, 2018

Posted: August 6, 2018

Posted: August 6, 2018

Posted: August 6, 2018

It was a fantastic 6 years for our son at FRES. From the teachers to the PTA, I cannot say anything other than "Thank You" for everything.

Posted: May 9, 2018

Posted: May 9, 2018

Posted: May 9, 2018

Posted: May 9, 2018

Posted: May 9, 2018

Posted: May 9, 2018

Posted: May 9, 2018

Excellent teachers and administration. I am surprised by the score.

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

I wish they would give more homework. I get that family time is important but so is reinforcing what was learned during the day.

Posted: February 23, 2018

My son has attended Forest Ridge since Kindergarten and has always had wonderful teachers. I can't say enough about his experience at this school through now, his 2nd grade year.

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

I feel the support staff is of high quality HOWEVER I don't think they always make the best choice when assessing whom needs support. My son struggles at reading and they would not continue his support last year, only to give him support again this year. I think he should have continued with support all the way through without interruption.

Posted: February 23, 2018

I LOVE Forest Ridge. I'm always surprised it rates so low. The teachers and staff are amazing.

Posted: January 4, 2018

Posted: January 4, 2018

Posted: January 4, 2018

Posted: January 4, 2018

Posted: January 4, 2018

Posted: January 4, 2018

Posted: January 4, 2018

Excellent teachers and administration. I am surprised by the score. Just know that there are many opportunities for all levels of learning. We are really happy overall.

Posted: October 28, 2017

Posted: October 28, 2017

Posted: October 28, 2017

Posted: October 28, 2017

Posted: October 28, 2017

Posted: October 28, 2017

Posted: October 28, 2017

My daughter has been attending for the past three years. The teachers are excellent and the administration is very responsive.
I agree with the prev reviewer. Do not be fooled by the score.

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

I have two chidlren at FRES and they have been attending since they were in KG. I am shocked at this school rating! There are some very smart students and teachers at this school. Do not be fooled by this rating. It is an EXCELLENT school!

Posted: February 11, 2017

Posted: February 11, 2017

Posted: February 11, 2017

Posted: February 11, 2017

Posted: February 11, 2017

Posted: February 11, 2017

Posted: February 11, 2017

The administration is supportive of the teachers and the teachers, in turn, provide effective, tailored instruction based on the child's ability. I had 2 children attend this school over the last 9 years and have always had a positive experience with the teachers and staff. The community and PTA have a large presence as well at the school. It is true what they say, "It takes a village to raise a child." Forest Ridge and its community is a prime example of this!

Posted: December 17, 2015

I have two kids at Forest Ridge, and our experience has been fantastic so far. We've had excellent teachers, challenging work and the kids are excited to attend school each day. The PTA is very active and involved, which makes for a positive experience for the students, the teachers, parents and administration.

Posted: June 17, 2015

Posted: June 17, 2015

Posted: June 17, 2015

They are extremely prejudice! They don't care about minorities. I hope they fire the principal!!!!!

Posted: June 17, 2015

PREDJUICE!!!!!! Don't do it!!!!!! Worst experience ever!!!!!!!!!! So glad my daughter is gone now!! Principal should be fired!

Posted: May 28, 2015

This school is FANTASTIC! Not only are the staff top notch, the community that surrounds "the Ridge" are great too. Three of my four girls attend currently and I wouldn't move for anything!

Posted: May 15, 2015

I have a first grader at Forest Ridge who has been doing really well since she entered last year in Kindergarten. She was already very advanced in reading when she entered and her teachers have consistently been pushing her to reach her full potential. Very early on she was grouped according to her reading ability and according to math ability (in a separate group meeting with a different teacher), so it's clear to us that FRES teachers really care about their little learners and are doing their best to help them excel by offering appropriate teaching material. My daughter loves all of her teachers. The PTA is also very active. I am pleased to see the school's rating at 7 this year up from a 6. I couldn't understand why the rating had dipped so low because our experiences have always been quite good. I expect the rating to continue to rise based on what we've seen!

Posted: April 22, 2015

I love this school! My daughter was really behind in learning, but as soon as she came here she went sky high!!! I just love the teacher they are a really big help.

Posted: August 29, 2014

Our family loves this school. The teachers are very involved. The education they provide is outstanding!!

Posted: July 29, 2014

My children and I love Forest Ridge. The teachers are outstanding, highly motivating while making learning fun. They do an excellent job of bringing together lessons from all subjects into creative programs and projects. The PTA is wonderful, an energic and dedicated group who sponsor many activities for the students.

Posted: May 20, 2014

Forest Ridge is a phenomenal school. I have been so impressed with the staff and teachers this year and would highly recommend this school to anyone. We moved here at the beginning of the school year and I was concerned how my children would acclimate.The school has exceeded my expectations in every way. I am greeted daily by my daughter's special education teacher and my other daughter has thrived in her GT classes. Forest Ridge is a gem and I would not let the score of 6 out of 10 deter any parent from choosing to live in the surrounding neighborhood.

Posted: September 9, 2013

My daughter loves FRES! The PTA is great and very active. The administration and teachers are nice and welcoming. My daughter is in her 3rd year and really enjoys her school. We both enjoy the after school activities and G/T programs offered.

Posted: August 21, 2013

My child loves Forest Ridge! The school is so warm and welcoming, and morale and school spirit are high. The academics have been great so far (through second grade), with advanced G/T type offerings/activities as young as kindergarten. The PTA sponsors so many wonderful activities too. The on-site Howard County Parks and Rec before- and after-care is great too - also very friendly.

Posted: April 29, 2013

We moved to this school district from another state where both of my children attended private school. The transition was not easy as there were different curricula and expectations, as well as normal angst about meeting new neighbors and friends. However, the teachers and school counselor at Forest Ridge were very committed to helping my children through some rough spots and always welcomed my feedback, thoroughly addressing my concerns and genuinely caring for my childrens' well-being. The principal is approachable, reasonable and thorough. I have lived in 17 addresses in my life (fortunately my kids haven't!) and this is the first time I can say I do not want to ever move again. It's the first real sense of community I have ever felt and my children have embraced the neighborhood, school friends and withouth a doubt, love their teachers. Kudos to Mrs. Crawford, Mrs. Caha, Mrs. Chrzanowski, Mrs. Kruft, Mrs. Menck, Mrs. Rachael Schwartz and Principal Swartz! Thank you for being such an important part of my children's development.

Posted: August 21, 2011

Two of my children attended K at FRES, and we love the school! The educators are enthusiastic, helpful and they keep the lines of communication open. Whenever I have a concern, I send an email to one of their teachers and the respond in a timely, courteous and professional manner. My children grew so much within the school year. We are all looking forward to first grade there! The PTA is also wonderful and I have had great interactions with other parents.

Posted: October 26, 2010

Unfortunately my child's experience at this school left us very disappointed with the staff and the principal leadership.

Posted: April 14, 2010

Posted: March 8, 2010

My son attended 1st, 2nd and part of 3rd grade at FRES and my stepson started Kindergarten there as well. The school is fantastic. The teachers we dealt with were great. The teachers truly care about a student's progress. We were sad to leave this school and the kids miss it very much.

Posted: December 19, 2009

Posted: November 21, 2009

Posted: October 7, 2009