Forest Avenue Elementary School

1700 West Fifth Street

School District

Montgomery County
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Montgomery County 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 August 16, 2022

My child has recently started here at this school and so far the emails I have received are more like your child is so sweet but lacks this or that needs to work on this and this teacher wasn’t at the open house so my first time meeting her very briefly was the first day of school As of now I don’t really see my child thriving here but I’m looking forward to a better year things may change otherwise everything else appears to be ok she doesn’t complain about any issues and is prompt to goto school each morning
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2020

Exceptionally pleased. Is FA perfect? No school is and my child certainly isn't perfect! But my child has been challenged, stretched, loved, nurtured, encouraged, helped, praised, corrected (when needed), and even cherished by several FA teachers. He has never complained about having to go to school and even looks forward to it!
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2018

Very good and lots of hands on learning outside of the school environment on a regular basis as well.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2018

I loved this school so much and owe the principal and teachers so much for instilling the kind of achievement and discipline it takes to be a good student. They enjoyed this school and all the amazing field trips. I wish every school was as wonderfully modeled and the principal dedicated her life to the students success! Can’t say enough good things!
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2017

I have two children who have gone to this wonderful school. One has already moved on to middle school but the younger one is in 5th grade. She loves what she learns and all of her friends. The teachers are so wonderful with the children and teach them so much. They all truely care for the kids and want them all to excel.
Submitted by other on December 28, 2016

FAAM is an academically-accelerated magnet elementary school where the students work a grade-level ahead. The curriculum also includes music, computer lab, science lab, library, PE, Spanish, and Chinese. Monthly field trips also round out the educational experience at FAAM. The test scores attest to the advanced curriculum. FAAM was also a recipient of the U.S. Department of Education's National Blue Ribbon Award for 2016. The students are challenged and never bored. They also have fun with seasonal parties, Back-to-School Bash, grade-level performances, art projects, 50s Day, Red Ribbon Week during which they have a crazy sock day, etc. They were also treated to a National Blue Ribbon celebration with a parade, music, and snacks. FAAM is an inclusive and diverse community of students, parents, teachers, and administrative staff. The Principal, Vice Principal, and office staff know each child by sight. It truly is a family atmosphere. The PTA is one of the most active PTAs in the state and has a great working relationship with the teachers and staff. There is a high level of parental involvement and volunteering at the school. FAAM's student body is very diverse, enabling the class environment to be even more enriching through the sharing of different cultures. The students are well-rounded. Besides excelling academically, they are involved with extracurricular activities. After-school extracurricular activities include dance, Girls on the Run, chess, Chinese, and Abrakadoodle art. The students participate in other activities outside of school including competitive sports, music, an dance. I have two children at FAAM who have been able to maintain straight A's while participating in softball, soccer, dance, and music lessons. I highly recommend FAAM for children who like to be challenged and well-rounded.
Submitted by parent on December 28, 2016

FAAM is a WONDERFUL program. The teachers are amazing and caring, the staff are like family. Our son is in the fourth grade, and we have fallen in love with EACH teacher each year! The students work one year ahead, and the children are kept busy, but what a wonderful outcome! Our son has plenty of time to participate in basketball, baseball, and even played All-Stars! The parents are amazing, we have such a GREAT support system! We absolutely love this program, and cannot imagine being anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2014

Adding to the reviews that say that FAAM is the best school in the area, hands down. The test scores speak for themselves. We are a military family - here for only a year - and have 2 kids at FAAM (2nd and 4th). This is the first time for both kids to be challenged in school, period. As a former educator, this is a dream school. The teachers want to be there, they want to push the kids, they LOVE the kids, and provide an extremely well rounded, organized educational experience. This program is not for everyone but if your kids excel and are motivated, this may be a good fit. We wish we could stay or bring the school with us!! We never expected to find our favorite school in Montgomery.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2014

I hate that my child has to attend this school (FAAM). We cannot afford private, and the public school system here is not an option. So we are forced to endure the accelerated program. While the students work at a grade level above the grade they are enrolled in, it is still the same curriculum as the public schools, with emphasis on drill and repetition. There is no innovation, just more work. The worst aspect is the conduct grade. Our child has received conduct marks for: yelling on the playground, and jumping in the hall. Worse yet, while academic grades are all averaged together, conduct stands alone, not averaged with any other subject. This, I believe is the root of the problem. Parents without the means to send their children to private schools have no viable alternative. At least in Elementary school, the system knows that they have the power to coerce obedience out of the children and their parents. I met one of the teachers outside of the school one day, she asked how our child was doing. I responded that academically he is fine, but we have the typical conduct grade issues that FAAM is known for. Her response was Don t let them break his spirit.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2014

FAAM is a fantastic academic magnet program! I have two children there. My oldest entered in 2nd grade and is currently a 3rd grader. My youngest is in K. It certainly is a challenge for them. My oldest loves learning and thrives with academic challenge. My youngest has to work hard at academics, but has had a fabulous teacher to help his efforts! We are a military family and will be SO sad to leave this magnet program here in Montgomery. I don't know how we'll find a school to compare after we move! I'd highly recommend this program to parents with children who are academically-minded and love to be challenged!
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2014

Everybody knows Forest Ave is the best! But in order for your child to survive they will need a strong, educated support system. It has been difficult for me because:I never did well in school, i am a single parent and i'm gone for work two weeks a month. However,my child deserves the best! And i will continue to pull from every resource possible to keep her on top. I am so proud of her because she is doing great! Always remember, anything worth having, is worth working for!
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2013

I love this school! Yes it is absolutely a challenge, the teachers are tough and the kids are held to a high standard. That is exactly what I am looking for for my daughter and we are going into 4th grade now and have been with forest ave since kindergarten. The only thing I would say I would hope for is more school sponsored activities, sports, art classes etc. I love that we have such a strong emphasis on academics and character, but I d o think that arts and athletics help to build character as well.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2013

I'm not quite sure how to rate the school overall. Honestly, our experience here was pretty terrible, but I do not think the school is bad. My child was here for 4 years, and I would say that 3 out of 10 teachers were right for this school. I understand that the curriculum is harder than average schools, but that doesn't mean that the teachers can just stop teaching and expect the child to understand everything. They should be challenged and taught above grade level, but not expected to already KNOW above grade level information. If you're a working family then go ahead and count yourself as an "outsider" for school functions. All stay at home moms volunteer every opportunity and when you find one that you can help with, it is just awkward. Very unwelcoming since you aren't part of their group. Now, Mrs. Hill (principal) is fantastic. I think that she does have what it takes to run this school and I don't fault her for some of the teachers. My child enjoyed this school and her friends, but I was less than impressed with the teachers. I will not attempt testing for my other children at Forest Avenue when they are old enough for elementary school. We will most likely try Bear.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2013

When the school year began, I was a little concerned. The academic rigors were fine but the conduct requirements seemed a little over the top. After an entire year at this school, I am more than pleased with the entire school, and curriculum. FAAM is not for those who expect it to be easy. There are tremendous expectations on the children in academics and conduct. If you're looking for an easy school, this is not the one for you. If you're looking for a challenge, you have found it. The teachers and administration are wonderful, and have the children's best interest at heart. The only negative that I have is that I don't feel the children are given enough outside time. There were days and weeks where my child was not outside at all. Other than that, the school is FANTASTIC. The parents at this school are also quite wonderful.
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2013

FAAM has earned so many awards, and deserves every single one of them. My daughter is in 3rd grade now, and has been at Forest Ave since K. You cannot find a better school anywhere!! The teachers and administration are absolutely the tops! The kids come first no matter what, and communication between parents and teachers is open and available - whether its extra explanation with work assignments or a book-keeping question, the teachers respond as soon as they have a moment to read their emails. This is truly a first class education! Do not let the work load rumors frighten you! Kids need homework to remember the lesson, and projects are a part of growing up. A wonderful school that I would recommend to anyone looking for the best for their children!