Forest Ridge Elementary School

9550 Gorman Road

Laurel, MD 20723

School District

Howard County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Howard County Public Schools

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 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.
Submitted by teacher on April 01, 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.
Submitted by parent on 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!
Submitted by parent on August 06, 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.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2018

Excellent teachers and administration. I am surprised by the score.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2018

I LOVE Forest Ridge. I'm always surprised it rates so low. The teachers and staff are amazing.
Submitted by parent on January 04, 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.
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 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!
Submitted by parent on 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!
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2015

PREDJUICE!!!!!! Don't do it!!!!!! Worst experience ever!!!!!!!!!! So glad my daughter is gone now!! Principal should be fired!
Submitted by other on 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!
Submitted by parent on May 16, 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!
Submitted by parent on April 23, 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.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2014

Our family loves this school. The teachers are very involved. The education they provide is outstanding!!
Submitted by parent on July 30, 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.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 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.
Submitted by parent on September 10, 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.
Submitted by parent on August 22, 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.