4401 Maple Shade Dr
Baltimore, MD 21213

Unfortunately, Forest Park High School is not a school I would readily recommend. One of the most concerning issues is the lack of meaningful parent engagement, which also doesn't seem to be encouraged by the school. Communication with parents is minimal; I've only seen information regarding one PTA meeting, which was scheduled in the early afternoon, a time that doesn’t accommodate the schedules of most working parents.There’s also a noticeable issue with staff and administrative behavior. Many interactions I’ve had or witnessed reflect a lack of professionalism and empathy, particularly from some administrators. My personal experience with the principal was unfavorable; she came across as dismissive and unpleasant when I visited the school to advocate for my child, who had been unfairly suspended. The situation involved my child standing up to disrespect from another student, yet the resolution felt one-sided and insincere. They claimed both students would face consequences, but it was clear only my child did.Additionally, the school’s leadership does not appear to foster a positive, student-centered environment. There is more focus on promoting the principal on social media than celebrating the students themselves. Beyond Spirit Week, there are very few engaging activities that allow students to feel connected, relaxed, or excited about school life.While the school does offer some solid trade programs which are a definite highlight, many students express feeling disengaged or unhappy with the overall experience at Forest Park.Forest Park High has potential, but it’s clear that stronger leadership, more inclusive communication with families, and a shift toward student-focused culture are needed to make this a school worth recommending.

The kids in this school are not safe to hang around! The teachers cuss at kids and for some reason even having self defense against someone who may try to harm you, you will still get suspended?!?!?!?!? This school has stupid rules and your kid will highly get hurt in this school I just know it! Though, the teaching is slightly okay.

I teach at this school, so this isn't an easy review to write. However, I think it will give parents and the general community some insight into this school.This school's culture, if you want to call it that, is basically to repeatedly claim that the student body has a low socioeconomic status, so there's nothing that can be done to help them learn English or gain some understanding of the typical high school subjects that any parent would want their child to have. There is a lot of apathy about low levels of learning and an over-emphasis on empathy, because the empathy excuses the apathy.The apathy manifests itself in the incredible retention rate for administrators, department heads, and "ed associates" at this school. The people who, in theory, are supposed to ensure that the school is meeting its goals are completely insulated from any accountabilty whatsoever. As a teacher, I understand that students from lower SES backgrounds aren't going to pass assessments at the same rate as students in middle-class and upper-middle-class schools. However, Patterson right now has exactly zero expectation that any student will improve or even approach proficiency. Not one student is proficient in math, and yet the same person has been in charge of the math department for more than a decade. The ESOL department isn't getting many students to have minimal English skills? No problem, the very same ESOL department head has been in charge for over a decade. And so on, and so on.Despite perennially struggling to graduate students or produce any positive educational results, Patterson has an ossified clique of teachers who prevent any positive change from happening. The same relatively small group of teachers comprise its union chapter committee (UCC), its Grant-A-Wish group, and its Principal Selection Committee (the people who chose the current principal, who is failing). It's not a cross-section of teachers, it's not the best teachers, it's a subset of teachers who are obsessed with fringe political issues and maintaining control, even if it hurts the school as a whole. It has been incredibly corrosive to the culture of the school and many good teachers have left in the post-COVID years.

Had multiple experiences here,these things happened prior to the new principle 2026 My child has a learning disability and was supposed to be in class but was outside the school in which no one knew til she wanted to get back inside the school so definitely a safety concern then .There was also a shooting that happend on the property in which parents was still somewhat allowed to leave and I was near the incident when the suspect was asked to get on the ground.When trying to established child I.E.P there was no emotional support for my child she was frustrated for not understanding the work and wasn't giving a one on one help was told since there's different teachers during the day each teacher has different ways of handling things which means if one teacher has my child sitting arms reach the next class they may be in the back among other children that may be needing help and could be a easy distraction.Secretary never turns in all the excused notes that is giving for excused absences there also in which she didn't retire.This school overall has many issues the teachers seems as If they don't enjoy there work nothing but aggression towards the kids .I have another in 1st grade teacher says kids responsible for turning in homework to her I asked if there's reminders she says that they need to be taught responsibility I agree but there should be time for them to completely get used to school considering some skip pre k and go straight to kindergarten so coming from kindergarten to 1st grade its not much that was taught in kindergarten so how do you expect them to just catch on so fast even us as adults still need reminders.She also introduced almost 60 sight words plus wanted them to write sentence I informed that my child is a little behind its almost like she blames all the parents saying if the kids spend less time on tic Tok and stuff they could get the work (assuming).None of my children allowed on social media in fact none even have a cell phone nor tablet so I felt disrespected today world a lot of parents work long hours and have not that much time home with the children me personally (a little personal) I have been out of work recently and still feel overwhelmed by how much they send home for parents to do yes parents imagine a 1st grader doing equations,knowing over 60 sight words,writing sentences,knowing long vowels short vowels ,adding subtraction etc all before 2nd grade I think to much thrown at them.

In my experience, students at this school are not excited about what they’re learning. Lessons often feel repetitive or disconnected from their interests, which makes it hard for them to stay motivated or engaged.Teachers do not always treat students with respect or provide the support they need. Many students feel that their teachers don’t take the time to understand their learning needs or offer encouragement.The school does not do enough to support students’ mental health or emotional well-being. There are few resources available, and when issues are brought up, they’re often ignored or dismissed.Students with disabilities are not always given the support or accommodations they are supposed to receive. Communication about IEPs and other services is poor, and families are often left out of important decisions.Safety is a serious concern at this school. Some students face bullying or discrimination, and disciplinary actions are sometimes unfair or overly harsh. It doesn’t feel like a secure environment for everyone.Families are rarely included or welcomed as true partners in the school community. Communication with parents is limited, and many feel left out of their child’s learning experience.

Good afternoon this David Dziecichowicz pick up Abigail person i feel disconnected how told me stay down stairs saff wear green shirt today was very rude and disrespectful to me and say maintenance office or outside the building and I feel disrespectful how she said it to me and say her name nothing pick up anybody office or outside me feel not comfortable

Not go at all fighting and conflict

It is a fantastic school kids are so respectful and kind they get along and there so welcoming and we love

As a student going to the school, I can recommend it, the teachers are actually friendly and very supportive. (Mix, Corly)

It used to be a phenomenal school when Ms. Collins was principle at the school. Since she left the past 2 years have been horrible. My daughter is in the 10th grade, teachers fail to grade work timely, no afterschool sports or clubs, no connection to families, front office staff is completely incompetent of knowing which way is up and which way is down. The new principle will not meet with families or talk, she does not have the same standards that Ms. Collins held the young ladies too and it shows in the behavior and grades. Constant fights which lead to lack of education actually being taught. Not to mention who has a school nurse who CAN NOT do anything for a school full of young women? Worst decision to stay after Ms. Collins left she made that school what it WAS not what it is NOW!!!