Cardinal Forest Elementary School

Posted: August 14, 2025

This school has been a disappointment. If you are fortunate enough to get a good teacher your child will have a good year. If you are unfortunate and get a poorly performing teacher, your student will not receive adequate educational services. And the administration absolutely will not admit that the teacher is doing a substandard job. Poor performing teachers here do not perform to the educational standards set by Fairfax county and are not held accountable by the administration. Staff attendance policies are not enforced. And if your child is not a particularly difficult student you will not receive adequate communications from the teachers or the administration.

Posted: August 14, 2025

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Posted: May 19, 2024

THE BEST SCHOOL IVE EVER WENT TO WOULD RECOMMEND NO HOMEWORK EASY EDUCATION NO BULLYING AND 6TH GRADE IN HERE BEST SCHOOL IVE USED TO WENT TO SINCE IVE BEEN IN THERE IN PRE-K KINDERGARDEN 1ST GRADE 2ND 3RD 4TH 5TH GRADE PLS COME HERE CHILL SCHOOL im an acient student in there since ive moved to the worst school wich is (featherstone in woodbrdige)

Posted: May 19, 2024

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Posted: April 10, 2024

Cardinal Forest Elementary is truly a jewel! From the welcoming staff in the front office, to the teacher's in the classrooms and the administration they're professional towards parents and caring towards students. Cardinal Forest staff are truly phenomenal and it shows via the students academic progress and attitudes.

Posted: February 20, 2024

Cardinal Forest Elementary has dramatically improved in the four years I have been associated with and have kids attending this school!! The addition of the Advanced Academic Program (AAP) has been huge in retaining talented young students instead to going to Keene Mill Elementary for the AAP magnet program there. The results are visible in the school’s significantly improved test scores and ratings by both GreatSchools and Niche, and moreover in the feeling and vibe within the school. The teachers know they are being successful, they are being recognized for it, and it permeates throughout the entire student body. CFES has become a sought-after elementary school, and for very justified reasons. Look at the results! And visit the school to see and feel for yourself!

Posted: February 20, 2024

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Posted: February 9, 2023

Posted: February 9, 2023

the staff, admin, and teachers go above and beyond! i can not express how much gratitude i have for this school

Posted: June 19, 2022

As a military family, this is not our first rodeo with assessing the caliber of elementary schools. My son attended K-2nd grade at Cardinal Forest and we have had nothing but positive experiences. His teachers have been nurturing and attentive, despite a lot of adversity navigating COVID restrictions. My son has an IEP for speech and he's shown so much positive growth over the last 3 years, it's been really encouraging. He loves to learn and be social and this school and the teachers have really embraced him for who he is. The principal has been responsive and friendly. The SACC program for before and after school care at the school was fantastic, as well. I'll also say that diversity is something that is important to us as a family as we move around, and this school celebrates student heritage and culture with a Heritage Night and we loved it!

On a safety note, I appreciated that the front doors are locked and a camera is there to monitor visitors. I felt safe sending my son there.

Posted: June 19, 2022

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Posted: March 28, 2022

Excellent school! Teachers and staff communicate well and keep parents informed. Cardinal Forest is very inclusive and we really enough the community.

Posted: March 28, 2022

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Posted: January 14, 2022

So far we haven't had any problems with this school. We get timely and helpful communication from both the admin staff and the teachers. The teachers have been nice and daughter seems happy overall and has had a little bit of social stress from a few catty peers but generally there doesn't seem to be a problem with bullies. I doc one star because I do feel the need to supplement learning with workbook homework of my own, but that could possibly be due to pandemic-related issues, also seems to depend on the teacher as some are good at keeping a lid on unruly kids, and others seem to get overwhelmed by the task.

Posted: January 14, 2022

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Posted: October 14, 2019

This school is one of the worst elementary schools not only in Fairfax county, but in the entire state. It does not measure up to the reputation that Fairfax County has for the quality of its schools and is consistently in the habit of treating education as an absolute joke. The curriculum is followed only superficially and there is absolutely no evidence that the teachers are invested in their students. Communication is at is absolute worst. If you have a child in this school, be prepared to teach your children any and all concepts that are supposed to be taught in school. Otherwise, your child will be disadvantaged. If you are planning to move to this area specifically for this school, please do yourself a favor and reconsider your options. You will be greatly disappointed. I am very much looking forward to have my child leave this school and hopefully catch up in middle school.

Posted: October 14, 2019

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Posted: June 5, 2019

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Posted: June 5, 2019

Our kids enjoy going to school every day and we have seen them progress here from being at or below grade level to performing well above grade level. One of the teachers we've seen was below average, but our children's other teachers have been fantastic!

Posted: April 3, 2019

Our children receive homework that is appropriate for their age. It is not substantial, but they do receive assignments that need to be completed at home and reinforce what they learn at school.

Posted: April 3, 2019

We currently have three children at this elementary school. All three of them have exceptional teachers who are very good at providing a tailored educational experience that meets our kids' needs.

Posted: April 3, 2019

Posted: April 3, 2019

We had little interaction with the principal before last month when an unfortunate incident was brought to her attention involving one of our children. The way she handled it was PERFECT. I've read some negative comments about the principal and I don't know who people are talking about - she's fantastic.

Posted: April 3, 2019

One of our children has some identified special needs. The services she has received are excellent.

Posted: April 3, 2019

No issues with bullying. My kids say that children at this school are kinder to one another than their prior school.

Posted: April 3, 2019

We cannot say enough good things about this school! We're a military family and have had our children in four different elementary schools. This school stands out for a lot of good reasons and my kids are typically more excited about going to school and learning here than any of their other schools. I've heard a couple of reasons why this school receives a lower rating than other nearby schools (the primary being that some high-scoring students are pulled from this school to the nearby Keene Mill, which artificially inflates Keene Mill's test scores and deflates Cardinal Forest's scores, particularly with regard to minority students). Whatever the reason, I would strongly argue that the score for this school underrepresents the quality of the education here. Based on our experience with other schools, I would say this school should probably be a "7" or "8." All of my children have seen their test scores go up since coming to Cardinal Forest and are now reading well above grade level.

Posted: February 3, 2019

We have loved our teachers at this school, and having three kids attend over different years has meant we’ve seen many different teaching styles.

Posted: February 3, 2019

School spirit is very strong at this school, and there are many great traditions that have been continued throughout the year that give parents and teachers a great sense of community.

Posted: February 3, 2019

Each grade is represented by a strong team lead, and we’ve always felt very connected with the teachers and their mission to help the kids succeed.

Posted: February 3, 2019

Our kids have had a range of abilities, and they have received great support whatever their needs. We have also had many friends with children ranging from those with learning disabilities to those who are advanced academically and they have each received the support they have needed to do well.

Posted: February 3, 2019

Our children have attended many school spirit and other events to learn about bullying, and they have instilled a strong sense of friendship among all the children at the school.

Posted: February 3, 2019

Our children have really enjoyed the school, and we have enjoyed how the school has helped us connect as a community and collectively assist with the education of our children. The test ratings don’t do it justice at all, as it’s a really great school with an incredible diversity that helps children learn more than just test taking strategies.

Posted: February 3, 2019

Teachers generally assign a limited amount of homework, and have not assigned busywork but instead things that help the students reinforce what they learned that day.

Posted: May 9, 2018

Posted: May 9, 2018

Very old school, so much focus on embracing other cultures and not offending anyone that normal American traditions are ignored.

Posted: May 9, 2018

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Posted: May 9, 2018

Kids aren't given much homework until 4th grade, hard to teach them a hard work ethic early on

Posted: May 9, 2018

Many are of old-school mentality or very by the book where each child fits into the mold and if they don't they are special needs, need a 508 or Adderall

Posted: May 9, 2018

I am not a fan but it's close to our home, I think the PTA does what they can but in general every school year is a rinse and repeat of activities. We don't attend any anymore.

Posted: April 16, 2018

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Posted: April 16, 2018

Great school spirit and good support by the surrounding community.

Posted: April 28, 2017

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Posted: April 28, 2017

Principal Kenna is terrible. The school is hit or miss as to whether you get a good teacher, and god forbid you have any questions since the principal does not return phone calls. Any school events are completely disorganized and chaotic, likely a reflection of the school's leader.

This school has gone downhill seriously in the past 5 years. Test scores continue to sink. When will Principal Kenna be held accountable? It's time for her to quit or retire and hand the reins over to someone who cares.

Posted: April 4, 2017

We moved from Prince William County to Fairfax county last year. I have been nothing but pleased with Cardinal Forest. My son is in second grade with a phenomenal teacher, Mr Wall, and is doing so much more than he was last year. The interactions I've had with the principal and the vice principal have been positive and it is clear to me that they care about the student and the environment. and Kenna goes out of her way to have a diverse teaching staff which is a benefit to the children. The PTA is involved and does it's best to improve the school as well. I can't understand why it has such a low rating. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.

Posted: December 20, 2016

This is an odd school. The special ed teachers are excellent, very capable and concerned. They go out of their way to be helpful and communicative. They would rate 5 stars for sure. However, the upper administration gets one. The principal is awful and the vice should not be allowed near children. They are best dealt with through an attorney. Threatening to go to the school board helps too.

Posted: December 20, 2016

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Posted: December 20, 2016

The leadership needs to understand that they are not authority figures outside the small confines of a mediocre elementary school. They have confused themselves with someone important.

Posted: December 20, 2016

I think they honestly try, but I am not sure how effective it is.

Posted: December 20, 2016

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Posted: April 7, 2016

CFES is an outstanding school and supports every kind of student. I have three children that have attend CFES and each child receive the level and focused education that helped them grow.
The teachers, principals, and office staff are all a pleasure to work with and strive to know ever child by name. Lastly, the families and PTA are welcoming and involved to better the student's experience and opportunities at CFES.

Posted: April 7, 2016

Posted: April 7, 2016

At other schools we have attended the homework requirements where excessive. I was thrilled that the 1st grade daily homework is reading for 20 minutes allowing the kids to have time to be kids. The upper grades recommend no more that 1 hour and I have seen the teachers stay true to this goal.

Posted: April 7, 2016

The school counselors as well as the culture of community continue to I courage and teach the students to hold these values.

Posted: April 7, 2016

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Posted: April 7, 2016

This is our 5th year with children at CFES and could not be more pleased! The administration really cares about the well being of all the students and the teachers have all been wonderful!! We look forward to the next 5 years!

Posted: April 3, 2016

Posted: April 3, 2016

Posted: April 3, 2016

If you have any special needs that might be a bit messy or not orderly, they are very unfair. They have some good teachers in the autism program but overall if your child is remotely a little difficult they will want you moved to another school.

Posted: April 3, 2016

I have had two children at Cardinal Forest. I have been extremely disappointed by the administration. The principal didn't work well with us and our son's needs. We ended up moving him. She and the vice principal were unfair with my other child as well. I also felt some of the teachers were not that great. Very inexperienced. I would NOT recommend this school. The staff has low moral and many talk with the parents about how unhappy they are there. I don't mean to be so negative as there are a few great teachers but overall not worth taking the chance.

Posted: February 4, 2016

My daughter doesn't have much homework in 3rd grade, my 6th grader has some homework (takes him between 15 to an hour though he usually gets up and gets snacks, talks to his siblings, etc on those longer nights) most nights and it decreases throughout the week. Usually none on Fridays.

Posted: February 4, 2016

The staff has been fairly responsive and helpful with making our kids feel comfortable moving here. I have a child who had a really terrible school experience right before moving here and the staff put the effort into choosing the right class for him/getting him involved in a new students' group, etc. Academics are pretty competitive.

Posted: November 18, 2015

It's not great. Could be better. After few interaction with principal, she seems cold. No homework rules this year.

Posted: April 27, 2015

I wish I can give it a zero. The principal does NOT care about students. The teachers are either young and have no experience or they are getting ready to retire and don't care any more. If your child has a problem at school they will not call you and if you have any issues good luck getting anything resolved. This place is a joke if you can put your child in another school please do!

Posted: August 21, 2014

Both of my children went to Cardinal Forest Elementary and are now successful students achieving all A's at Irving MS and West Springfield HS. The teachers are wonderful and the environment very supportive and collaborative. I am not sure why this school is only rated a 6 out of 10 and wanted to relay our positive experience, especially with the teachers and band teacher at this school!

Posted: June 24, 2014

This school is not one of the best schools in Fairfax county, when I was in 1st grade back in 2007 My first grade would treat me poorly, she would'nt bother to pay any attention to me. she always got me trouble, So then we moved to herndon And I attended Clearview and that is a really good school I actually won a presidential award just on friday from clearview.

Posted: December 12, 2013

Principal Karen McKenna just does not make the grade. Unless there are changes, avoid this school like the plague. The school's academic, social and community image have declined over the past four years since November 2009. Looking at the school's AYP in 2011, the last year it reported under No Child Left Behind, tells the same same mediocre story that you read in a number of these reviews. Historically, this Principal likes to hold out the high FCPS SOL scores as a mark of her achievement. These indicators for core Math and English curriculum were largely a factor of the highly educated West Springfield parents and the income. However, if you take a look at the income and population shift, you see a decline. Principal Mckenna, we challenge you, as concerned parents, to show some real thought leadership and reach across the aisle to groups that are not like you to find solutions to your school's almost 5 year decline. The message fell on deaf ears almost 5 years ago. -signed, Vindicated

Posted: May 11, 2013

This is an update to my earlier 5/7/13 review: My daughter has not been at Keene Mill for a year. The difference between an competent administration and an excellent administration has made itself apparent over the last year. There is nothing wrong with Cardinal Forest, per say, I think they respond the way any average administration would respond to problems. The only issue there is that FCPS parents tend to not be an average parent population, particularly those who move to this area specifically for the schools. Also- parent comunication and lack of control in the classroom sounds like a problem to me, and is one of the main reasons I did not want my child in a mixed grade class. There are enough issues with a mixed grade class that I wouldn't want to worry about that issue on top of it all. Had anyone called me back at the time, I could've communicated that. I did not ultimately want to swich schools, I don't think that kind of change is good for kids all the time, but now that I've had some time to see what it's like elsewhere, Cardinal Forest is still rating as just an average school with an average administration.

Posted: May 6, 2013

I truly enjoy Cardinal Forest. I have kids at 3 different schools in the Springfield area and this is the best one. The school is bright, the principle very visible and the communication strong. Overall the teachers are better than expected. I have only had 1 teacher do far that I struggled with. Even with that, she was not mean or unreasonable with the children. She seemed to struggle with parent communication and some classroom control. I am part of the 1/2 class mentioned in another review and I am not having any issues. The teachers are strong enough and the kids are moving at or above grade level. I was concerned at first but after giving it a chance I am pleased.

Posted: December 31, 2012

Everything is fine until it isn't. Then you can't get anyone to even call you back. The lack of responsiveness caused us to transfer my daughter to another school. My daughter, an excellent student, was selected for a mixed first/second grade class. I heard great things about the teacher but was still concerned that being with first graders would hold my daughter back. There was a community meeting for parents, and based on what the principal said, there was no comfort given that they even had thought about the issues with this kind of class, much less thought about how to address them. My daughter was singled out because she is an easy student, which is not fair for her. When I called to talk to the principal to express my strong concerns with this situation and ask questions, the secretary said she would call me back. Three phone calls later, still no response. We had to switch her to another school because I was so worried that she would be in a less than optimal situation and I couldn't get anyone responsive at all. Total nightmare.