Forwood Elementary School

1900 Westminster Drive

Wilmington, DE 19810

School District

Brandywine
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Brandywine 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 October 16, 2022

I am not happy as a parent. I was excited about this school and strategically picked a place to live so that my child could enroll at Forwood. However, it has not been a positive experience. The first day of school, he told me that he hated it because the children were mean to him. He has been bullied on punched on by kids who ride his bus. My son didn't have a teacher for the first two months of school. They just got a permanent teacher. So, in short, the children were running amuck and there appears to be a lack of control in the classroom. My son also is in 5th grade and has developed a whole new vocabulary of disgusting words and concepts that he has learned from this school (e.g., sexual gestures, words and concepts). It is very disturbing to say the least. I regret my decision to move in this school district. Now, I am researching switching schools because of the experience. It's not welcoming at all from a diversity, inclusion and belonging point-of-view. Furthermore, there is no support structures in place for children who need it. I didn't have this experience at Mount Pleasant Elementary. They had support in place when my son attended that school -- and it helped him to transition. I guess that Brandywine schools are going downhill because they are losing a lot of good students to charter school programs. Thankfully my son only has one more year -- I'm going to try to choice him into Newark Charter, Conrad or Odyssey. But again, this has been a terrible experience. I wonder if Talley Middle School reads these reviews? I received paperwork from them to consider enrolling, but I'm not trying to have my son follow these students into that school. Also, my son comments that the students are behind. Like, they are struggling with basic information. Even worse, he gets bullied and reports that his work gets stolen away from him, copied and the teachers don't do anything about it. How are children learning by not doing the work? I'm telling you that if you care about your child's academic progress and their social/emotional well being, evaluate your options and reconsider sending them to this school. Because had I read a review such as this, I might have moved somewhere else. I guess that, on the bright side, you can always roll the dice and choice your child into Claymont. But do I really have to do this? Shouldn't they just get it right? ***Nothing further follows***
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2016

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable! Want a great neighborhood school? This is the place!
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2016

This is the school that made my son hate school. Years later in the appo school district, and we are still undoing the damage forwood did. Forwood doesnt allow the kids to move or burn energy throughout the winter and then the staff complain about how many hyperactive kids they have (recess is sit quietly and draw time if the weather is anything but perfect). The staff wouldn't tell us about the problems with our son or respond to our emails asking how things were going until situations reached crisis level. Then we'd get called in and they would "diagnose" him with any number of SEVERE mental disorders including borderline personality disorder!!! (Hint: they're grade school teachers, not psychiatrists. The professionals were appalled the teachers would even dare suggest such a diagnosis!) Absolutely awful school for my child. It was a cyle that repeated EVERY year that we were there.We moved to appo, and my son has flourished in comparison and almost likes school again. All the "forwood issues" we had just ceased to exist. I always blamed myself for the troubles he had in elementary school. But the night and day difference between our experience at forwood and cedar lane convinced me the school had a lot to do with it.Basically if your child isn't low energy and naturally subservient, this school won't know how to handle them and will do a terrible job educating them. Even if you know your child can be a handful and try to stay involved, they'll cut you out of the process as much as possible while they mishandle the situation as badly as they can muster.The staff was childish and rude when confronted about their refusal to respond to our emails and the principal was condescending and angry the few times I spoke to her. I remember asking myself why someone who didn't seem to like kids would be a principal at an elementary school.I really don't understand the positive reviews here. I guess everyone's experience is different. Ours was definitely not a good one.
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2014

My daughter has attended Forwood for the past 3 years. It is such a wonderful place! As a teacher myself - I tend to be picky about the education of my own kids. She is consistently challenged and encouraged to succeed! Keep up the good work!!!
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2014

Love this school. Both my kids go to it and the teachers and staff are wonderful.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2014

Forwood is a fabulous true neighborhood school! My children have attended for the past 5 years and have experienced many wonderful teachers. Most of their experiences have been positive, but there is always some room for improvement. You will have good and bad teachers in whatever school your child may go to. However, I feel that parents are extremely involved and heard when it comes to the decisions in their child's education. Great school!
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2014

We have only had a student attending Forwood for going on 2 years, but we are very happy with teachers, administration, and support staff. The atmosphere is positive and nurturing and I am pleased how engaged my student is. GREAT school!!
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2014

I have been a Forwood parent for the past 7 years. My children truly enjoy attending school here. I feel that we are very lucky and have some exceptional teachers who always go out of their way to help the kids. Our administrative staff is wonderful as well and although they may not be perfect (no one is), they seem to get better every year. My kids have gotten involved in different activities that are offered after school and enjoyed them. I feel that we are a wonderful school community and I'm proud to send my kids here.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2014

I have been a parent at Forwood elementary school going on my 8th year. I love Forwood and my children have been very happy here. We have gotten so lucky to have had some amazing teachers whose dedication is unmatched. There can be improvements with anything in this world, and I don't claim for Forwood to be perfect...but if you're looking for a well run, safe school that is open to parent communication and involvement - then Forwood is a great place to be! I look forward to being at Forwood for another 6 years!
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2014

Caring teachers and staff are the hallmark of Forwood Elementary. I believe that the teachers and staff generally care about the quality of the education and all around development that each student receives. They demonstrate this in class, through extracurricular activities, and through school community events. Parents are encouraged to be very active in their child's education and educators go out of their way to help parents stay in tune with their child's development.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2014

I have two children at Forwood, and I have never had a problem with anything. Their teachers have been excellent! Forwood offers band, chorus, and orchestra for students to be a part. They also have after school activities, like flag football, basketball, and kickball. The entire staff does a wonderful job!
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2014

I love Forwood!!! My son loves going to school. The staff is friendly and they really care about the children. This is my son's second year going on third at Forwood and I can't wait to get to know his new teacher next year. Everyone in the school seems to know my child and are so warm and caring with him. I loved his teachers for kindergarten and first grade. Looking forward to second grade now.
Submitted by other on October 19, 2013

I am a Grandmother of a first grader in MS Poomans class. i do not know her but was so impressed with the daily communication with parents, ie, sending home daily work and special help for the individual student. Thank You, MS Poorman and all those who are teachers. I baby sat for a week , while mom was away. My granddaughter loves school both years. Kudos to MS Mosel also for making kindergarten so enjoyable.
Submitted by other on October 18, 2013

Forwood Elementary School is an excellent school in every way. Though this is only the second year that we have known Forwood, my personal experience has been very much above par. Teachers and administrators alike demonstrate each and every day that the children in their care are number one priority. I would love to see Forwood wind $5,000, as I am confident it would be put to use to improve an already excellent teaching program.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2013

I was highly disappointed with this school. My son went from k-3, but we decided to move him in 4th grade. Bullying issues were not addressed, and he no longer felt safe there. This school has the potential to be a great school, but poor leadership is not allowing the school to reach it...
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2013

I am being generous in my score only because my daughter whom has attended. Forwood for 3 years now has had a wonderful experience. However this is my sons first year and it has been horrible! He attended Wilbur Elementary last year for kindergarten and was a model student. He loved school and was always disappointed on the weekends that he couldn't go. This year he has been labeled by his teacher a troublemaker from the very beginning. I have had countless meetings with the teacher, the principal, the vice principal, his guidance counselor and many of these meetings were attended by 3 or more of these individuals. The principal wants me to have yet another meeting with their psycologist to list his strengths and weaknesses and see how we can use it to overcome his "behavior problems". Except he isnt a problem for his other teachers. That and on our first conference she tells me that if he comes to her she just cant deal with him and sends him back in line or to his desk. HE IS A FIRST GRADER THAT BEGS ME NOT TO SEND HIM TO SCHOOL! So the staff isnt parent friendly and are lacking in compassion for the plight of their students. They cover for each other and the kids suffer, PERIOD!