Wildwood Forest Elementary

Posted: May 26, 2026

As a parent, I normally don’t leave reviews, but I honestly feel obligated to speak up about my daughter’s experience at this school. While the older lady in the front office has always been kind, professional, and helpful, unfortunately I cannot say the same about the younger front office staff member. Her attitude and the way concerns are handled have been extremely disappointing and unprofessional.

On top of that, my daughter’s experience with her teacher has also been stressful and frustrating throughout the school year. Communication has been poor, concerns have felt dismissed, and overall this has not been the supportive learning environment I expected for my child. The school also tests at one of the lowest levels in Wake County, which is very concerning as a parent looking for a strong academic environment for their child.

No parent should feel uncomfortable every time they send their child to school, but sadly that has been our experience. I encourage parents considering this school to ask questions, pay attention to staff behavior, and truly advocate for their children.

Posted: May 26, 2026

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Posted: December 23, 2021

Teachers and administrators at this school really care for students. When families at home are also involved with their students education, the students really succeed.

Posted: December 23, 2021

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Posted: June 8, 2018

Posted: June 8, 2018

Ms. Shaw is afraid to deal with bullies. she's very soft on them,

Posted: June 8, 2018

The teachers try hard for the students. you can only work with what you have. The principal at this school needs to go. The assistant principal is much more effective and has the respect of the parents where the head prinicpal doesn't.

Posted: June 8, 2018

they give as much homework as needed and no more

Posted: June 8, 2018

Most of the teachers are good with the students and effective. The current principal,, Mrs. Shaw, is the problem.

Posted: June 8, 2018

the teachers do try to model this but some of the kids are badly behaved and they mess it up for everybody

Posted: June 8, 2018

Ms. Shaw takes a negative attitude toward leadership, finding fault with her staff and her teachers rather than taking responsibility for problems herself. She is a terrible people manager, and not well-liked among parents.

Posted: December 28, 2015

My son's math and science teacher in 4th grade changes their format of learning the curriculum quite often to keep them moving around or actively engaged. We have homeschooled until this year because we didn't think he would do well sitting all day. We really appreciate her keeping things interesting, instead of using the lecture format to teach everything.

Posted: December 28, 2015

I think the amount of homework is fine. It is not busywork. It is actually meaningful repetition and encourages parent interaction. My son usually finishes the math sent home within 15 mins and reads 30 mins and completes a reading response. I have taught him to be more concise with his reading responses so that he isn't spending a great deal of time on homework.

Posted: December 28, 2015

The school emphasizes positive character development and uses PBIS discipline strategies which is positive discipline rather than punitive discipline.

Posted: December 28, 2015

My oldest of 3 entered into 4th grade at Wildwood Forest at the beginning of this school year. He has been home schooled from kindergarten and has minor special needs. I had much anxiety that he would get lost in a big system due to his special needs, but he has done great. The first week of establishing school structure was hard for him. He found it to be quite oppressive and begged for me to take him out every day. However, he quickly made friends and learned how to thrive within the structure. I have come to appreciate the order of the school. I have not heard of any bullying that wasn't swiftly dealt with by the administration. In fact, my son had a minor incident of coercion and intimidation, and when I asked the teacher to be on the look out, she quickly intervened, and it was resolved within the day. He has 2 different teachers for his core classes, which helps him learn to begin to switch classes and meet the expectations of 2 different teachers. Both teachers appreciate communication and are prompt with feedback. I find both of them to be nurturing and stern, which is a good combination for my son. His math teacher uses active learning strategies. He gets to move around and collaborate with his classmates, which makes the learning more fun. He is able to retain easily from this more active teaching style. I am really impressed with how this very diverse group of kids have been so inclusive with one another. What a valuable experience, especially coming from being home schooled. The office staff is friendly and helpful in walking me as a new parent through their systems.
My only wish for this school was for there to be more opportunities for parent involvement, especially at the beginning of the year. It feels a bit like handing your kids off to strangers, and I think it would help children and parents build rapport and trust with the school more quickly if there were a bit more interaction and involvement opportunities. Overall, I rate the school as great and much better than I expected.

Posted: November 23, 2015

Our experience has been pleasant. The PTA and teachers are amazing. Yes, this is a highly diverse school and I find that all the kids treat each other with respect and kindness. It encourages our children to learn about others and embrace different cultures at an early age. Good job Wildwood Forest for teaching our children academics but also their inner being and new perspectives of the world in which we live..

Posted: November 23, 2015

Posted: November 23, 2015

Posted: November 23, 2015

Posted: April 27, 2014

It has drastically went down in performance of the teachers and it reflects in the scored of the students. I will be moving and happy my son will be getting needed help.

Posted: November 30, 2013

My son attended this school for early intervention and I had no idea what an amazing school this was until he was placed at a bad one. This school (principal included) will make every effort to work with and what is for the best of the child. They were a true blessing in my life and for my son. I have trying to get him back there ever since. Their communication is top notch as well as teachers with a passion for what they do.

Posted: September 23, 2013

Wildwood Forest turned out to be better than I was expecting. My son started mid 2nd grade due to some health and emotional issues, and because of that I was very nervous about his starting into a larger school. Ms. Jackie who worked in the office did a tour with us on his first day and helped him adjust to being at the school. He did very well and continues to do well this year in 3rd grade. I think the teachers do an excellent job of teamwork to help all the students do well in school.

Posted: February 3, 2013

Both my children attend this school and we have had nothing but wonderful things to say about it. The principal and staff are strong & it boasts some of the best academic scores in the county. The interior building is neat, bright and inviting. Nearly all classrooms have Promethean boards which helps children learn how to use current technology. The PTA is supportive and goes above & beyond to help keep the school climate positive.

Posted: January 28, 2013

My daughter is now if fifth grade at Wildwood and has been at this school since kindergarten. The school has been great and she s been lucky enough to have great teachers over the years most notably in 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th grades. The teachers have always been available when needed and have communicated effectively with me. The principal is very involved and seems to care a lot about the students. My daughter has made many friends here over the years. The PTA also has a strong presence and you can see that during the annual carnival as many people come out and volunteer their time. I ve been happy with this school and I would recommend it.

Posted: February 15, 2012

My son has attended this school for three years. His teachers have been amazing, the PTA is strong and I have had a very positive experience regarding opportunities to volunteer and participate in his classes. The staff and administration is responsive and understanding. Its been a great school for our family.

Posted: May 15, 2011

We moved and this was our base school. My son was so excited to attend and it could not have been a worse experience. So many things are wrong with this school, and his teacher was just plain awful. It became so bad that after 2.5 months, we pulled him out to homeschool. I would not recommend this school to anyone, ever.

Posted: December 8, 2010

How anyoone could give it a rating above 1, are you kdding me? The school is so bad the got rid of the principal and AP. Might get better but I wouldn't put an enemy's kid there. If you went to a school in a slum, then perhaps this MIGHT be an improvement. There are a bunch of good schools in the Wake county, Brassfield, Davis Dr, Highcroft, Green Hope...Stay away for this establishment!