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Forest Ridge Elementary

Learning Together so we can Stand Alone!

Our Story

Why Choose Forest Ridge Elementary School

We aren't just a place of learning; we are the heartbeat of our community. As a proud neighborhood school, we foster deep, generational roots and meaningful connections. Because our families live, work, and play alongside one another, our students benefit from a close-knit, supportive network where every child is known by name, and every family is a vital partner in our shared success.

What We Offer

What truly sets our school apart are the experiential, long-standing traditions that turn history and social studies into lifelong memories. Our students don't just read about the past—they live it through iconic campus experiences:

FRE Checkmark The 5th Grade Wax Museum:
A beloved project where history comes alive! Students research, dress up, and transform into historical figures, teaching public speaking and deep research in a thrilling way.
FRE Checkmark The Valley Forge Reenactment & The Oregon Trail:
Interactive, unforgettable journeys where students research and then step into the shoes of revolutionary soldiers and early pioneers to learn resilience, teamwork, and heritage firsthand.
FRE Checkmark Hurricane Tony:
Our legendary, school-wide tradition that challenges our Owls to think critically and solve real-world problems. Putting their engineering skills and hurricane safety knowledge to the test, students are tasked with designing and building structures capable of withstanding intense winds and rain.
FRE Checkmark Stage & Song - Chorus & Drama:
Our popular Chorus program and our upcoming Drama program give students a chance to shine in the spotlight. Whether they are finding their voice in a musical ensemble or collaborating on a theatrical performance, our young performers learn the power of teamwork, expression, and stage presence.
FRE Checkmark Visual Expression - Art Club (upcoming):
For our visual creators, the dedicated Art Club provides a supportive, imaginative space outside of regular class hours. Students experiment with different mediums, design unique projects, and learn to express their individuality through art.
Professional portrait of Heather Bone, Principal of Forest Ridge Elementary School

Principal Heather Bone

At Forest Ridge Elementary School, our core mission is to ensure that every student who walks through our door feels safe, valued, and empowered to succeed. Grounded in our powerful theme, "Respect Starts with Me," our dedicated staff is committed to delivering high-quality instruction while promoting a supportive and inclusive school culture. Through rich classroom experiences and exciting extracurricular activities—from Chorus and Drama to the Fitness Owls—we cultivate a lifelong love of learning and prepare our students to stand tall in the world.

Professional portrait of Kathleen Beaser, Assistant Principal of Forest Ridge Elementary School

Assistant Principal Kathleen Beaser

Points of Pride

FRE Checkmark Civic & Citizenship Awards: In partnership with local organizations like the VFW, we routinely honor our young leaders with prestigious awards like the VFW Good Citizenship Award, celebrating exceptional patriotism and character.
FRE Checkmark Elite Academic Scholarships: Through a proud partnership with the College of Central Florida Foundation, select outstanding 5th-grade Owls are awarded $4,000 college scholarships to jumpstart their higher education futures.
FRE Checkmark Student-Led Leadership: From our dedicated Safety Patrol to our creative Morning Show broadcast crew and student-run School Store entrepreneurs, our Owls gain real-world leadership skills every single day.
FRE Checkmark Continuous Summer Learning & Literacy: Our dedication to our students' growth doesn't stop when the summer bell rings! Through our unique "FRE Readers" partnership with the Central Ridge Library, we keep our Owls engaged, reading, and learning all summer long, ensuring they return in the fall confident and ready to succeed.
FRE Checkmark Celebrating Outstanding Character: Through our "FRE Owls" Positive Behavior System, we catch our students doing good! Owls earn daily rewards and recognition for meeting high behavior expectations, cultivating a joyful and supportive campus environment. We incorporate quarterly PBIS celebrations as well as quarterly Positive Referral Goal incentives.