J V Forrestal Elementary School

125 Liberty Street

School District

Beacon City
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Beacon City School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 02, 2019

My son tested out of reading intervention in Kindergarten and although we read all summer long, by his 1st grade year it was determined he needed help again. 3 times a week he met with a male teacher for extra reading help from November to February. This plan proved to be highly effective resulting in reducing the meeting down to twice a week from February to June. My son exceeded the reading level goals of G-H (P&F criteria) by 3rd quarter, successfully reading level I-J at 98% and 35wpm according to the 4th quarter report card. The head teacher ran a class size of 19 and for the most part remained relatively consistent throughout the school year with at-home assignments, snap words and 3 books sent home each night. I mostly appreciated that she graded the students' class work. Class work seemed to be progressive in nature, appropriate and challenging. 1st grade was really fast-paced and required my husband and I to dedicate an hour each morning and approx an hour or more after school with our son to be certain he wouldn't fall behind but overall our family is happy with his experience thus far. One concern I have is the lack of diversity within the teaching staff. I read that currently the school is 84% white female, I'm hoping more poc and male educators are recruited. Job postings alone may not be as effective today as they once were.
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2018

We have had nothing but lovely experience. My child loves attending school and has grown so much each year acedemically as well as emotionally.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2014

We started this school with K and 5th grade students, both of whom had attended high performing schools prior too. I was reluctant for a few reasons, one the reputation was questionable and two, the GreatSchools Rating. I have to say, I am so pleased and happy that our kids are attending this school. The new principal is active in promoting parent engagment events, the teachers are all equiped with the latest in teaching tools, many of them using technology such as tablets as well as smart boards in the classroom. The facilities are clean and have all the amenities a parent would want for their child in a school. All in all, very happy our two kids go here.
Submitted by other on May 18, 2010

I attended J.V. Forrestal as a little kid. I am a Forrestal Falcon. No words can describe your home school as a little kid. The teachers were very nice, several could be strict, but they taught you how to be respectful, your hands behind your back while walking formally in the hallways, you didn't talk in the hallways, you walked single-file or double-file depending on the situation. The teachers were very good. I can still faintly remember some of the very good examples that helped me learn english and other things. There was lots of time with the class as a whole. In Kindergarten, we went on field trips to Beacon& other places. We got to see our little city doing different things. There were various other activities we did. Forrestal did a great job with family events and the staff is wonderful. Was moved to Sargent. Nothing like J.V.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2009

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