Forest Elementary School

If the anxiety of COVID wasn't enough, factor in trying to find a school for your new preschooler in fall of 2020. We knew that we wanted a Montessori school, but we were really anxious about the process, the COVID protocol, and having our daughter with someone else other than family for an extended period of time. Up until it was time for preschool, our daughter was in the care of my parents while my husband and I worked. This put our daughter at a disadvantage socially because she hadn't really interacted with very many kids. This school was the 2nd school we visited. The Admin of the first school (a few blocks east) wasn't friendly, she didn't believe that children could catch COVID and overall her energy wasn't positive, giving us more anxiety about the process. When we met with Ms. Suman at MAFH, immediately, our daughter took to her, she was allowed to interact with the classroom tools while we were on tour, each building required handprints and a key code to enter, and she was very well versed in all aspects of the program. She pointed out assignments on the walls and described each child and their progress. VERY HANDS ON! VERY ENGAGED! She answered every question we had, very thoroughly. Her COVID plan was already implemented, and most importantly our daughter was engaged with Ms. Suman. On the first day of school our daughter bounced into the school and bounced out of the school. And it's been like that everyday since. And it's the same for every kid that comes in and out. All of the parents we interact with agree. The enrichment is comprehensive and individualized for each student and completely gaged for the student to be successful. We're absolutely going to miss the entire school and the entire staff. If we had to do it again, we absolutely, undoubtedly enroll her here!

I don’t think they are actually practicing the Montessori method of teaching here. We were told that our child cannot receive a “mastery level” in some subjects because of their age.The teacher expects you to learn according to their teaching style rather than adapting their teaching to how you learn.Worst decision we ever made.

We feel the faith life of St. Fabian has been fabulous for our kids. The teachers are friendly, and teach well. We appreciate all the extra activities that are available also like plays, sports, Rosary club, and National Junior Honor Society.

We’ve been to several schools in the area, including all the local Montessori options, and this one stands out as the least aligned with Montessori principles.The staff seem unwilling to acknowledge mistakes or take responsibility. When items go missing, instead of addressing the issue constructively, children are often made to feel at fault. In one instance, a teacher suggested that a child’s belongings couldn’t have been taken because their parents could easily afford replacements, which discouraged a fair resolution. Interestingly, the missing items later reappeared without any explanation or follow-up, reinforcing the lack of accountability.The elementary facility itself is very small, with students crowded into a tight space (storage-container-type). At one point, at least seven children transferred to another school simultaneously, which raises further concerns about the overall environment.

I spent my early schooling years here, and I cannot discourage it enough. Growing up as a child with an attention deficit disorder, I felt that my needs as a student were completely ignored. At Hillel Day, there are absolutely no guidelines put in place to facilitate the education of students with learning disabilities. Lessons were catered to students who didn't suffer from such difficulties, and students like me were forced to fall by the wayside. My mother recalls a time when she requested I be given an IEP (Individualized Education Program) so that I can receive more help during class time. However, she was denied, as Hillel Day apparently "doesn't do that" (which from a legal perspective is fairly concerning, I might add). At the age of 13, I did not know my multiplication tables, as math was a difficult subject for me -- and the math teachers here simply chose to ignore me and focus on the students who had a better grasp on the topics.I also felt that, coming from a poorer economic standing, I was treated differently than my peers -- many of which came from rich, affluent Jewish families. Many of my friends at the time, due to the school's more casual classroom environment, would be considered "class clowns" -- yet none of them would be punished / penalized in the same way I was -- no doubt due to their status, as well as how much their families probably donated to the school. I felt that I was the frequent target of punishment / harassment from a select few teachers due to my learning challenges, as well as my family's economic standing. Over the years, I've simply come to the conclusion that they didn't care -- and if you have a child who suffers from learning challenges, stay far away from Hillel Day.