Forest North Elementary School in Austin, Texas

“This is the worst school situation I could have anticipated for my daughter. The kinder classes are more focused on ideas and concepts than academics. Personally, I send my daughter to school for a traditional academic education, to include reading-counting-writing-math and social skills. Not to fluff the staff's ego. The teachers are substandard, the principle is a dictator who rules her staff and the students with fear. The staff doesn't even respect her. If I knew then, what I know now, I would have moved intentionally to another district and specifically a different school. If you want your child to be forced into a cookie-cutter mold, with no room for individuality, acceleration and no focus on true academics beyond a TAKS test, then this school will be a perfect match.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I liked the attention from the administration office, really promptly and focus. I also like the security system that they have. Also the extra activities are really interesting and encourage the selve confidence of the kids. Although I think they can improve the organization of schedules because is a little complicated to follow. The PTA really good with their ideas and participation. Also the cafeteria services really well organized and administrated.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child has now graduated from Forest North. The principal is motivated and has a hands-on approach. The school needs to be more discerning about the quality of teachers. It would also benefit the school overall if it recognized students based on their performance and merit rather than being swayed by the influence of parents. Some parents are in the forefront of school activities and that is indeed commendable. But should that parental involvement translate as an eagle pride certificate for their child or several photographs of the same students in the yearbook? This is where I think the administration could step in and ensure a level of fairness while at the same time acknowledging parents' involvement in other ways. I am ofcourse not suggesting this bias creeps in every time. Overall this schools has improved over the years and Mrs. Josselet (Grade 1), PE, Art, and Music teachers are excellent.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am pulling my daughter out of this school as soon as the year is over. The school staff are unorganized and do not listen to parent concerns. There is a lack of consistency also. It's a shame that the few wonderful teachers at this school have to follow such poor leadership.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My Sons are studying at Forest North Elementary School. I took right decision to put my kids in this school. I appreciate Mary Patterson the Principal her hard work for studyies. We are very happy about my kids. Really, Great school and very systematic. thanks Dora. karuturi”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My Daughter is In Forest North and we are very happy that we took the decision of putting her in this school. I really appreciate Mary Patterson the Principal for her commitment to the school and she is very active and friendly. My daughter likes this school and all the students are given equal opportunity and importance.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I too have been at Forest North for 3 years and am very happy with the school overall. The teachers and leadership are excellent. I have not seen the turnover rate the previous parent talked about, rather the school is growing so fast they keep adding more teachers and classes. My child's teacher has been there for 16 years. The art, PE and music program are very good although, I would like to see more academic programs. We just had a terrific performance of 'Frog and Toad: All Year Round' in which the students had singing, speaking and choreographed parts. My biggest concern at this time, is lack of space for existing students - how may portables can you have before the district says enough. However, I think this is a district wide concern.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“While the school is old (25+ years) I see that the staff maintains the facility as stewards! They make do with the increasing population with prudent use of portables, placing the computer lab in the library, coverting art room to music, etc. The principal has impressed me with concern for the children's safety during the road construction.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great staff, lots of parent participatiion,love it”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Wonderfully well rounded program, enormous parental volunteerism, awesome principal,”
This review was posted by a parent.

“great positive attitude towards students”
This review was posted by a parent.

“It's our 3rd year at Forest North. We've had ups and downs. I think I can say now that overall we do not recommend the school. I agree that the principle is the main problem. She is just too subborn and has a rough demeanor. There are some good teachers, but the turnover rate is very high. It really varies from class to class, but the instruction is heading downhill overall. I work with my kids at home a lot and don't think they are learning much at school. I feel like I'm home schooling most of the time. The PE and Art programs are very good. We like the office staff too.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a wonderful school! This is the fourth year that my children have been here and they love it. They make really good grades and we always have the staff to support us through good times and especially through trying times. The area near and around the school are nice and safe. You have plenty of stores near by and the community is very supportive when it comes to donations or events. There are several big events every year. One being the 'Fall Festival,' and the 'Spring Carnival.' Both are great events that work as fund raisers as well as fun for the staff, students, and families. The PTA is great, too. Many choices are offerend on the lunch menu. Too many good things to mention all! Good Luck on your search!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We were very disappointed with Forest North. The school is very poorly managed. Special education services are weak and difficult to obtain. The school has a serious problem with bullying and is taking no steps to correct the problem. We moved from another RRISD school and were shocked at how diffent the quality was. I could not believe the outdated methods of discipline used. The principal discourages parent involvement. Parents are never allowed in the classroom. If you live in the Forest North district, I would seriously consider private school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We were not happy with Forest North. The principal is not an effective leader and does not address issues with professionalism. She discourages parent involvement, except for a few parents she selects. Special education programs are weak and services are very difficult to obtain. Several classrooms are poorly managed and bullying is a big problem at this school. Outdated and demeaning forms of discipline are used, focusing on shaming and exclusion. For example, if a child is noisy in the cafeteria he/she is placed in a chair, facing the wall without their lunch. Childen are often sent to the back of the classroom, excluded from activities for minor issues. No one works with children to teach them social and acedemic skills. Students that have acedemic difficulty are not assisted. You won't know there's a problem until the report cards comes out and then nothing is done. Don't expect much if your child can't teach himself.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“In most ways, this school is excellent. There are a lot of extra curricular activities, parents are encouraged to be involved, and music/art/sports seem adequate. When it comes to special education, the staff is not as informed as they should be. They are also resistant to changing classifications and services. The verdict is still out in this department. I will have to see how well they work with my special needs child now that we have a full medical diagnoses to back up the concerns I have had for 2 years now.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very happy with the school. The principal makes learning and parent participation a priority. My daughter is very happy there.”
This review was posted by a parent.