10 Reasons Why Cardinal Forest Elementary School is an Amazing Place to Learn and Work

Purple Star School - Military Family Support

We proudly support military-connected families with our Military Connected Club, a special Military Welcome Open House, Veterans Day celebrations, and events like the Month of the Military Child.

Engaged PTA and Parent Involvement

Our strong PTA welcomes parents into our community, encouraging family involvement through volunteer opportunities, community events and a variety of before and after-school clubs. Parents will be co-contributors to their students’ education and partners in creating an environment where we are enlarging student potential and creating curiosity.

Commitment to Instruction and Academic Excellence

With collaborative learning teams, specialized content coaches, data dialogues, and our unique Cardinal Time for intervention and extension, our focus is on student growth and high achievement. At Cardinal Forest we believe that all students deserve and will have access to all the benefits of the FCPS curriculum and beyond. Students will be given opportunities to develop critical and creative thinking skills, access POG attributes and be able to be fully engaged in a manner that meets their needs.

Student-Centered Environment

We foster a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere with programs like Responsive Classroom and Restorative Justice, morning meetings, sensory paths, and joyful Friday dance parties during arrival. We will provide opportunities where students see people who have achieved in all fields and show how perseverance scaffolds students to be able to achieve. We are legacy creators!

Robust Early Childhood Programs

From Early Childhood Class-Based programs to Pre-K and Autism classrooms, we provide inclusive and supportive environments for our youngest learners.

Special Education Excellence

We offer inclusive environments, high achievement, and specialized support for students with diverse needs, including our Enhanced Autism Classroom and focus on the Least Restrictive Environment.

Full-Time Advanced Academics Program (AAP)

Cardinal Forest offers all areas of the AAP Services Continuum to include Access to Rigor opportunities  for all students, subject specific differentiation, part time services and full time services. 

Welcomig and Diverse School Culture

We celebrate our diverse community with Heritage Night and initiatives like Community Nest Swaps, fostering cross-grade level relationships during Morning Meetings.

Amazing, Caring Staff

Our dedicated and loving staff go above and beyond, creating a nurturing environment for students. Many staff members live locally and even send their children here, reflecting their deep investment in our school community.

Commitment to Sustainability

We prioritize the environment with initiatives like our Get2Green, Gardening Club, recycling programs, and outdoor learning spaces, fostering environmental stewardship from an early age.