Carolina Forest Elementary
Jacksonville, NC 28546
Phone: (910) 346-1778
Fax: (910) 347-2108
District: Onslow County School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 570 students
Carolina Forest Elementary, a public school located in Jacksonville, NC, serves grades K-5 in the Onslow County School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Carolina Forest Elementary is a public school located in Jacksonville, NC. 570 students attend Carolina Forest Elementary.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 8/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Course Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. |
| Student Growth | 8/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2024 Student growth data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. |
Posted: May 25, 2023
Posted: May 25, 2023
Posted: May 25, 2023
Posted: May 25, 2023
Posted: May 25, 2023
Posted: May 25, 2023
Posted: May 25, 2023
I used to go to this school since 2018 it was the best. all of the teachers are nice some aren't. i saw this one teacher make a mess and she made her student clean it up for her. HE WAS IN 1ST GRADE!! she should've cleaned that up herself. anyways this is a really fun school and u should enroll your child!
Posted: November 13, 2020
Posted: November 13, 2020
Fantastic staff, curriculum, and administration. Very helpful with our military family and moving her in the middle of the school year without our kiddos taking behind. We're so happy we moved into this district and have found a home in Carolina Forest!
Posted: November 13, 2020
Posted: November 13, 2020
Posted: November 13, 2020
Posted: November 13, 2020
Posted: November 13, 2020
Posted: January 10, 2020
Posted: January 10, 2020
Just okay. I wouldn't move to the area just for the school. It's not what it used to be.
Posted: January 10, 2020
Homework seems purposeful and intentional. Students are not being sent home with "busywork."
Posted: January 10, 2020
"Most" of the teachers are effective. My child has had excellent teachers.
Posted: January 10, 2020
Posted: January 10, 2020
The principal is rarely seen. Even with a principal and two assistant principals vital information is not being passed along. I rarely see the principal. My daughter can't even tell me her name.
Posted: January 10, 2020
The special ed teachers are different every year. Most are very young.
Posted: June 24, 2019
Posted: June 24, 2019
Fantastic, great environment with top notch staff and teachers. I have 3 kids that attended CFE and it was a great experience.
Posted: June 24, 2019
Posted: June 24, 2019
Posted: June 24, 2019
Posted: June 24, 2019
Posted: June 24, 2019
Posted: August 27, 2018
Posted: August 27, 2018
Posted: August 27, 2018
Posted: August 27, 2018
Posted: August 27, 2018
Posted: August 27, 2018
Posted: August 27, 2018
My daughter had a great experience in the SPLASH program at CFIE. Amazing teachers.
Posted: August 22, 2018
Posted: August 22, 2018
Excellent! Wonderful staff and very attentive to the children & parents.
Posted: August 22, 2018
Posted: August 22, 2018
Posted: August 22, 2018
Posted: August 22, 2018
Posted: August 22, 2018
Posted: February 22, 2018
Posted: February 22, 2018
Unorganized. Discipline seems to be top priority at this school. Poor communication from the principle. When I had concerns about a possible bullying incident I was told just to talk to the teacher. The vice principal and principal were unreachable. I love the teacher. She is great but I feel like this school can make lots of improvement to make the teachers and students happier.
Posted: February 22, 2018
Posted: February 22, 2018
Posted: February 22, 2018
Posted: February 22, 2018
Posted: February 22, 2018
Posted: June 1, 2017
Posted: June 1, 2017
My daughter is in her first year at CFIE school, and it has been non-stop issues, problems and teachers who do not properly inform the parent about any areas that parents need to help their children with before giving low grades on report card. Not to mention when my daughter was retested was given extremely high marks.
When my daughter is so-called.out of dress code they call within 30minutes of her being at school, but let her have an issue in math or reading I don't hear about it until I initiate the conference.
Constantly the teacher has harassed her all year and sometimes won't even let her go to the bathroom. There are a lot of activities presented because it relieves money from all the military family, but the school is problematic and tries to sweep many issues under the rug.
Posted: June 1, 2017
Posted: June 1, 2017
Posted: June 1, 2017
Posted: June 1, 2017
Posted: June 1, 2017
Posted: September 26, 2015
My son attends CFIE and we enjoy the school. The principal is great. The teacher my son has for 3rd grade is wonderful, she is caring and goes over and beyond for her students. I love all the work she puts into the kids assignments, and homework. My son rides the bus from CP and so I haven't had to deal with the traffic. My son loves this school.
Posted: September 26, 2015
My sons 3rd grade teacher goes over and beyond. She takes so much time on their assignments and correcting homework. She has been a blessing for my son.
Posted: September 26, 2015
Posted: September 26, 2015
Posted: June 16, 2015
Teachers do not care!! It is so sad that it is like this! I am moving my child out of the school!!
Posted: June 16, 2015
Posted: June 16, 2015
Posted: June 16, 2015
Posted: March 2, 2015
Some teachers seem very friendly and really care but most don't care. It is extremely unorganized in the morning. The drop off line is very long and if you wait long will be counted tardy. With the amount of student drop off they really need to start a bit earlier. You are counted tardy if not in your seat by 8 am and they start after 740 unloading the cars. You never know if the guard is holding traffic. It is very stressful as a parent. You never know especially when the weather is bad or you get behind traffic or a bus etc. The school should consider how this reflect on the children. Go look down the street at the traffic it's horrible. It's not fun! I bet they would have a lot less tardies and see a big improvement. If they would allow the extra 5 or so minutes. This school is an exception because there are so many drop-offs. It may improve a lot next year. There are a lot walkers who wait outside until they open the doors. Don't get there too early because you will stand in the cold waiting for the doors to open. No hallways or caf opens until 740am. I am surprised no one speaks out. My child loves the teacher this year.
Posted: November 19, 2014
Your child has no value beyond their report cards at this overpopulated school. Principal will back the teacher EVERY TIME, no matter what the situation is.
Posted: April 23, 2014
My 2nd and 5th grader attend Carolina Forest International Elementary School. We moved back to NC and I was very excited for my children to attend CFE since the school was excellent in the past. I cannot speak about every teacher at CFE however, the teachers that my children received this year are substandard. My daughter's 5th grade teacher is extremely unorganized, will not answer questions in class and is known as the teacher that yells a lot. It takes weeks to find out a test grade and we never have the opportunity to see the incorrect answers. My child cried the entire first week of school. My son's 2nd grade teacher does not seem to be able to communicate with parents. The only feedback I receive is he is on grade level. At the end of each report card period he receives a pile a work without feedback. Since returning to CFE I feel this school has become so focused on end of the year test scores and their image as an "international" school that they have lost track of the the importance of teaching within the classroom. Our family has experienced many schools and from personal experience this school does not meet the standard of 8/10 school.
Posted: March 26, 2014
I just read all of the comments below and I think people need to realize that common core has reared its ugly head, and the teachers are having to bend over backwards to meet all of the requirements. To blame test score solely on the teacher is just ridiculous. We have been at this school for 3 years. We love the CFIE family and have been very pleased. Parents have to step up and fill in the gaps at home.. sometimes it is hard to do, I get it... but there is only so much a teacher can do. "They really need to step up their test scores".. Come on! This is by far the best elementary school in town! I do agree that the traffic is a little ridiculous, but once you figure out what works for you (walker, car rider, etc..) it's doable.
Posted: March 4, 2014
What happen to these tests scores? Did you they fire the best teachers or something? 2012 G-3 (95%) to 2013 G-3 (55%). What happen? Carolina Forest is the best school in these area. They just really need to step up there test scores. Or have teachers work a lot harder to get test scores up.
Posted: January 2, 2014
Wonderful school! Wonderful neighborhood too! The teachers are amazing (that doesn't mean everybody is amazing but 80% of the staff is good!!!) and that's really hard to find in jacksonville town! Principal is wonderful too! She is the rock of that school. And that is why she won the award as "The principal of the year". This is the second year for my children to attend CFE. And I can just tell you that you would not regret it. Is not any private or public school that match this school quality. I'm a proud mom to have my children's and this amazing school! Go Eagles!!!!!!!
Posted: December 12, 2013
Ok, but not what I expected!! Some of the staff behavior towards the kids are sometimes inappropriate. Some staff members are yelling and screaming at kids for no reason. Kids also should be able to relax and talk in the breakfast line at least prior to 8 am, but they aren't allowed to. Most of the teachers are cordial and reasonable with the students.The principal is cordial most of the time, but she works her agenda through her staff. Gossip and sarcastic remarks about parents needs to stop. I'm very familiar with other schools in the county and this one is not at the top of my list. I really love when my child has homework, but I do feel that it can be a bit excessive (2-3 hours) for a 3rd grader. Kids are asked to remove their cotton covers from their heads as soon as they step a foot into the building. Can they warm up on their way to class? I think most of the staff does a great job with having at least 27 to 28 kids in some classes! My child has attended a school that has over a 1000 kids to, but everything ran a little smoother. The car drop off line and dismissal times weren't so long. Waiting in the car line in the evening for almost 30 minutes is unreal!
Posted: August 17, 2013
My children have been attending Carolina Forest Elementary school for 4 years. We couldn't be happier with their education. The teachers and support staff are amazing. I had some concerns and when I reached out to see what I can do to help it opened my eyes. This school keeps growing my the minute because we are rated one of the best schools. I am amazed how the principal and staff work and operate on such a tight budget. Congrats!! and we are looking forward to another great year at the forest.
Posted: August 16, 2013
I have had the privilege of teaching at Carolina Forest Elementary School since the doors first opened in 2004. We have a large and diverse population of eager learners and have been awarded the "Honor School of Excellence" due to inspiring administrators, committed staff members and involved parents. Our student population has grown from approximately 400 students when the doors opened in 2004 to over 900 students last year and we are "busting at the seams" this year. We have added 7 international teachers to our school and will begin a Spanish immersion class this year. As we continue to strive to help all of our students become 21st century competitive learners and educationally advantaged in their global world we need to add more technological tools (laptops, netbooks, e-readers, etc.). All students need access to technological devices both in the classroom and at home in order to bring the latest knowledge and research to their finger tips. With budget constraints, being awarded grants will certainly assist us in meeting these challenges.
Posted: August 14, 2013
It is horrible!!! No talking at lunch, no talking in the hallways, recess seems to be optional. If the kids are bad they have to walk laps rather than play. The PTA is almost no existent. The teachers very knowledgable are unhappy. The stress to make sure the school rating stays up has come at the price of happiness, and learning. There is too much stress put on the kids to pass the end of year test. Teachers tell students not to tell the parents what happens in school. I have witnessed on several occasions students being screamed by the staff. Being a military mom my children have gone to 4 different schools from private to public in other states. This is by far the worst.
Posted: June 10, 2013
My daughter has just completed her 3rd year at Carolina Forest. We couldn't be happier with the quality of the education she received. It is truly a great school, with fabulous teachers and a very involved principle. We are sad to be leaving the district, but know she has a great foundation to build upon because of this school.
Posted: November 25, 2012
Before we moved to jacksonville I had used the community ratings to decide on where we where going to move. I was very overwhelmed because my children where in pensacola christian academy. I have to say everything was fine great school great teachers.
Posted: October 16, 2012
I have searched schools and thought CFE was perfect for my kids. I think they are too concerned with gossip and making sure kids are at school. Being that I am in school for my Ph.d I kow schools. There should be more programs funded through the school because they are always asking for money for something but no programs are ran by the school itself. Then they are more strict and negative than they are supportive and wanting to motivate the kids. I hope things get better here because so far they are not that great and I went out on the ledge for this school ith my kids.
Posted: September 20, 2012
Our family just recently moved into the area. Our daughter is currently attending CFE. We heard really good things about CFE from other parents in the neighborhood, but our experience thus far has been anything but. There is too much emphasis on appearance and the negative aspects of a child's personality and not enough rewards for good behavior. Also there is not enough encouragement for the children to do better just rigid control over behavior. I think there should be more focus on academics. Very disappointed. I had high hopes for this school.
Posted: March 13, 2011
We were really excited when we moved and put our children in CFE, however soon after we started noticing disturbing trends. While we were pleased with the structure, sometimes the expectations were too high. Some of the teachers reminded me of "tiger moms." Upliting a child is crucial at this point along with discipline. Some of the reasons for punishments were absurd.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carolina Forest | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 0.4 mi | |
| 2 | WilliamsburgPlantation | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 2.1 mi | |
| 3 | Timber Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 3.8 mi | |
| 4 | Country Club Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 3.9 mi | |
| 5 | The Bluffs on The New River | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 4.3 mi | |
| 6 | Carolina Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 5.2 mi | |
| 7 | Countrywood Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 6.8 mi | |
| 8 | West River | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 9 mi | |
| 9 | Mallard Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 10.1 mi | |
| 10 | Wildflowers | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Richlands | NC | 10.1 mi | |
| 11 | Killis Hills | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Richlands | NC | 11.6 mi | |
| 12 | Trailwood | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Hubert | NC | 11.8 mi | |
| 13 | Hall Creek - North | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Swansboro | NC | 17 mi | |
| 14 | Deer Park | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Swansboro | NC | 17.7 mi | |
| 15 | River Reach | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Swansboro | NC | 18 mi | |
| 16 | The Landing at Mill Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Sneads Ferry | NC | 19.3 mi | |
| 17 | Marsh Harbour | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Cedar Point | NC | 20.4 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Piney green | Jacksonville | NC | 5.3 mi | |
| 2 | Richlands | Richlands | NC | 9.9 mi | |
| 3 | Hubert | Hubert | NC | 11.4 mi | |
| 4 | Richlands Area | Beulaville | NC | 15.1 mi | |
| 5 | Swansboro, NC | Swansboro | NC | 17.4 mi | |
| 6 | Sneads Ferry | Sneads Ferry | NC | 17.9 mi | |
| 7 | Swansboro | Swansboro | NC | 18.5 mi | |
| 8 | Downtown Swansboro | Swansboro | NC | 18.6 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| New River MCAS | 7 mi. |
| Camp Lejeune | 10.9 mi. |
| Stone Bay | 18.8 mi. |
| Cherry Point MCAS | 29.7 mi. |
| Coast Guard Fort Macon | 42 mi. |
| Seymour Johnson AFB | 48.7 mi. |
