Forest Trail Elementary School

Overall I am fine with the school, most of the teachers are nice and diligent, the staff are warm and helpful. But they don't have much expectation on academics and my kid never had any homework until she got into the 6-7 grade math class when she was in the 5th grade. Social pressure is big for girls as there are popular girls cliques starting at 4th grade. The school does not pay attention to diversity issue as most kids are white. The white moms run the school, begin with the white mom's club in the neighborhood. They run the booster club, the mom daughter retreat, the parties, and the social events. They form their own circles and make no efforts to include minorities. Most boys are into sports and girls are into fashion stuff....

We moved into the district back in 2016 and have had 2 kids work their way through Forest Trail. It has been an incredible experience. We have found the staff to be incredibly warm, helpful, and mentally challenging for our 2 children. Having been enrolled in 2 previous schools, we can say without reservation, that FTE has been the best experience we could have hoped for. We appreciate the focus on family instead of homework just to keep the kids busy at home and the nurturing environment that FTE provides.

All around great school - great teachers, administrators and support systems for students in all applicable grades. Truly one of the best in the state!

Five stars, or "Great" just doesn't even begin to cut it when it comes to Forest Trail. I need the star that says "BEST SCHOOL EVER"! Seriously! I spent over a decade in public education prior to staying at home with children, and I can honestly say that it just doesn't get any better than this! From the wise decision-making under the leadership of Charles McCasland, to the expertise among classroom teachers, to the friendliness of staff members, to the "just right" level of involvement of the parents, to the well-mannered behavior of the students, to the importance placed on philanthropic activities, to the engagement of students in the school garden and chicken coup...this school HAS IT ALL! Charles McCasland has "built an empire" in his many years at Forest Trail. He seems to have a knack for hiring the cream of the crop and then working to bring out greatness in them that they did not even know was there. He is an inspirational leader rather than a micromanager. Teachers universally speak very highly of him, which speaks volumes! Mr. McCasland has a gentle way of communicating. He is thoughtful, wise and caring. Even when sharing concerns, (which he has had the opportunity to do with my children), he speaks in a way that lets me know he has my child's best interest at heart. My children have been blessed with FAB-U-LOUS teachers who put in countless hours working to reach my children academically, socially and emotionally. By engaging the students with projects and activities that build independence, cooperation, and responsibility, the teachers FAR exceed the basic "test prep" minimums! I have fully appreciated the unique strengths each teacher has offered my children and the ways they have all worked to meet and challenge the specific needs of my children - academically and behaviorally. Each year, I have felt a strong partnership between home and school. My children get off the bus each day excited to share about the things they are learning - from math centers, to science experiments, to art projects! They ask to to download songs they've learned in music and they teach my husband and I the games they learn in PE! ALL of the teachers seem to teach from a place of passion, which has lit a learning spark in my children! I could not imagine a better place to launch my children's educational career! Forest Trail really is the BEST SCHOOL EVER!

I usually don't comment on boards such as this, but it's important for me to tell as many people as possible that as a former Forest Trail parent, what a fabulous school this is. First of all, Forest Trail is one of the most loving, caring, professional, schools my kids have ever gone to. Forest Trail does such a good job meeting the needs of ALL students. The staff is a group of highly qualified teachers who genuinely care about every student. The teachers spend countless hours doing what they need to do to make school great for every student. Both of my children were very much ready for middle school, high school, college and ultimately life because of the wonderful base they had at Forest Trail.Forest Trail teachers not only taught my children the book knowledge needed to move on to the next level, but Forest Trail seemed very committed to teaching my children life skills. They learned manners and skills that didn't just come from our home.Forest Trail was also a very fun place for my kids. They LOVED the Trailblazer Assemblies that happened every 6 weeks. The assemblies provided an opportunity for my children to learn the school songs (one of which is a fun parody using an 80s hit-not 60s as mentioned in another comment) as well as patriotic songs important to all Americans such as The Star Spangled Banner and other fun songs. I still hear former Falcons singing these songs. They also loved the "cut the tie" and the fun kid-friendly awards they received when they earned "trailblazers." My kids also have fond memories of Live Oak camp for 5th grade, the ocean trip for 4th grade, Falcon Frolics and a vast amount of other activities and memories the staff at Forest Trail did and still does for their beloved students.The staff at Forest Trail is the best of the best. They were and continue to be very highly qualified, caring people who helped my children be successful as they progressed and continue to progress through life.You can't go wrong if you choose to live in a neighborhood that gets to attend Forest Trail.