9418 Forest Gates Path
Laurel, MD 20723

As a parent, I couldn’t be happier with Forest Ridge Elementary School. From the moment you walk in, you feel the warmth and sense of community that makes this school special. The staff and leadership team truly care about every child—they go above and beyond to make sure students are safe, supported, and excited about learning.Academically, the school sets high expectations while also providing the right support so that every child can succeed. Teachers are creative, dedicated, and keep families in the loop about progress. I love how much emphasis they place on both academics and social-emotional growth. Programs like the Zones of Regulation help students learn how to manage their feelings and build positive relationships.Forest Ridge also shines when it comes to diversity and inclusivity. The student body reflects so many cultures and backgrounds, and the school celebrates that in meaningful ways through events, activities, and curriculum. It’s wonderful to see children learning in such an accepting and respectful environment.Communication from the school is excellent, with regular newsletters and updates so parents always know what’s happening. There’s also a strong partnership with the PTA, which plans family-friendly events that bring everyone together.Most importantly, my child feels happy and proud to be a FRES Eagle. The school’s values of Focus, Respect, Empathy, and Safety are more than just words - they are lived out daily. Forest Ridge Elementary truly is a place where students can soar to success!

My kid is thriving at Hammond High and is in mostly AP/GT courses. Assignments and feedback are very organized. He seems to be enjoying himself, despite the long study hours . He enjoys friendships that are supportive. Ms. Reid is an engaged and effective Principal. The school sends emails to parents daily. The teachers are mostly veteran instructors who have command of their subjects. They care about the kids and enjoy them. This school appears to be an inclusive community. I am astounded by the opportunities provided for the students to help them on their path to being productive adults. The books, projects, and discussions are often college level. There is something for everyone. The upgrade of the building is wonderful.

The principal has 0 control over the school, the 2 female assistant admin do the best they can to try to get clarity and handle issues but.... Mr.Smart is "Mr.Community" yet he is pushy, rude, and pompeous when having to handle matters with him. They're is constant bullying and fights all the time, students who never had issues before middle school being dragged into altercations. There is a particularly nasty old verbally abusive teacher in 6th grade who speaks down to the kids and makes snide comments regularly. Other teachers ignore emails from parents and delay in grading so you never really understand if your child is missing work or not. Just be prepared for never ending list of issues if your child is going to attend this school. The principal will give you a huge false Impression at orientation and it will leave you so insanely disappointed after. This is also partly HCPSS's fault. They need to provide better security and security cameras for the school. They need to give the support that is so OBVIOUSLY needed yet they only seem to care about cutting positions and taking away from the schools. This school needs SECURITY and a change in leadership ASAP!!!!!