Cardinal Forest Elementary

Public PK, KG-6

 8600 Forrester Blvd
       Springfield, VA  22152


(703) 923-5200

District: Fairfax County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
323rd of 1,114 Virginia Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,363 Help


Students who attend Cardinal Forest Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Irving Middle
High:    West Springfield High

Student/teacher ratio:  14.6 Help
Number of students:  632

Racial breakdown:

White:
47.6%
Hispanic:
22.0%
Asian:
13.1%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  29.6% Help


 See top rated Virginia elementary schools

 Compare Cardinal Forest Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Cardinal Forest Elementary ranks better than 71% of elementary schools in Virginia. It also ranks 59th among 137 ranked elementary schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 71.66. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Cardinal Forest Elementary is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (47.6%), Hispanic (22%), Asian (13.1%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 29.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Cardinal Forest Elementary is 14.6. 79 elementary schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Cardinal Forest Elementary employs 43.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Cardinal Forest Elementary is $11,363. 76 elementary schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2023 Rankings:

Cardinal Forest Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Cardinal Forest Elementary 323rd of 1114 Virginia public elementary schools. (See Cardinal Forest Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Fairfax County Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Fairfax County Public Schools 41st of 131 Virginia school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Cardinal Forest Elementary?

Rank History for Cardinal Forest Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Cardinal Forest Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 64.30 367th 1062 65.4%
2006 57.85 468th 1071 56.3%
2007 36.04 819th 1083 24.4%
2008 35.88 819th 1081 24.2%
2009 59.98 428th 1082 60.4%
2010 65.82 356th 1113 68.0%
2011 72.05 241st 1117 78.4%
2012 67.60 315th 1117 71.8%
2013 53.47 555th 1120 50.4%
2014 50.73 589th 1110 46.9%
2015 39.92 770th 1100 30.0%
2016 35.52 821st 1096 25.1%
2017 43.26 713th 1099 35.1%
2018 57.48 518th 1097 52.8%
2019 55.99 546th 1105 50.6%
2021 62.32 433rd 1103 60.7%
2022 71.61 324th 1109 70.8%
2023 71.66 323rd 1114 71.0%
See the entire list of Virginia Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Cardinal Forest Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 71.65 78th 300 74.0%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Female students at Cardinal Forest Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 69.85 321st 1100 70.8%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Cardinal Forest Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 61.83 121st 324 62.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Cardinal Forest Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 70.13 313th 1093 71.4%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Cardinal Forest Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 29.30 186th 230 19.1%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Cardinal Forest Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 73.00 123rd 579 78.8%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Cardinal Forest Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 63.03 209th 564 62.9%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Cardinal Forest Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 67.76 298th 984 69.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Virginia Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Cardinal Forest Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Virginia Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 2.8)
40%

0%

10%

0%

50%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, January 30, 2020

Open Quote We are very pleased with Cardinal Forest. We are a military family and we were previously at a highly rated school in TX. Test scores were emphasized more than the joy of learning. My kids enjoy going to school and the students and staff were very welcoming. The diversity of the students is wonderful. The families here seem to appreciate the value of a good education and do not take it for granted. Ms Drake is wonderful! Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Open Quote This school is one of the worst elementary schools not only in Fairfax county, but in the entire state. It does not measure up to the reputation that Fairfax County has for the quality of its schools and is consistently in the habit of treating education as an absolute joke. The curriculum is followed only superficially and there is absolutely no evidence that the teachers are invested in their students. Communication is at is absolute worst. If you have a child in this school, be prepared to teach your children any and all concepts that are supposed to be taught in school. Otherwise, your child will be disadvantaged. If you are planning to move to this area specifically for this school, please do yourself a favor and reconsider your options. You will be greatly disappointed. I am very much looking forward to have my child leave this school and hopefully catch up in middle school. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Open Quote If I could give it zero I would. Principal needs to retire already. It’s hard to believe the principal and vice principal are so called early education experts. Some teachers are good, but leadership is lacksidaisical, completely disorganized and unimaginative. Test scores are in the crapper and no one seems to be holding the administration accountable. This school sucks. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Open Quote Very happy with the excellent teachers! My kids have been challenged more than at other schools and have met or exceeded expectations. Close Quote


by a parent on FaceBook
Monday, April 4, 2016

Open Quote We are very disappointed with our experience at Cardinal Forest. If we could move, we would. If we could afford private school, we would send our children there. Such an overall lack of staff moral and ineffective administrators. We would never recommend. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, September 4, 2015

Open Quote Terrible administration, the principal seems to think she is in command of the parents. Some good, concerned teachers but otherwise no. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Open Quote The school administration is, in my experience, punitive and non-responsive. The handling of special education children is especially troubling. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, October 17, 2014

Open Quote I think your child's experience depends on the teacher he/she has for the school year. It has some school activities throughout the year and fundraisers too but overall it seems there is very little parental involvement and it's sense of community seems lacking. Not one of the better schools in Fairfax County. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, January 25, 2010

Open Quote Very committed and experienced staff. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of teachers with 10-20 years of experience, the type my sons really do well with. Learning is adjusted well to meet the learning needs of each child. Opportunities for advanced children are plentiful. The before and/or after-school SACC program is a blessing to working families - and fun for the kids. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Cardinal Forest Elementary

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 643 643
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 614 614
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 570 570
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 585 585
1993 396 42 95 60 2 n/a n/a 0 595
1994 390 45 84 49 3 n/a n/a 0 571
1995 395 56 122 57 4 n/a n/a 0 634
1996 395 56 122 57 4 n/a n/a 0 634
1997 423 55 128 71 4 n/a n/a 0 681
1998 410 55 110 74 2 n/a n/a 0 651
1999 422 54 115 71 4 n/a n/a 0 666
2000 425 55 121 69 4 n/a n/a -4 670
2001 421 53 120 83 3 n/a n/a 0 680
2002 379 53 135 100 3 n/a n/a 41 711
2003 379 53 135 100 3 n/a n/a 41 711
2004 355 49 137 121 1 n/a n/a 37 700
2005 335 47 133 116 0 n/a n/a 43 674
2006 322 51 120 103 0 n/a n/a 40 636
2007 288 59 110 113 0 n/a n/a 48 618
2008 275 63 103 110 1 n/a n/a 51 603
2009 243 62 77 117 0 n/a n/a 60 559
2010 241 61 86 123 2 n/a n/a 60 573
2011 230 62 88 164 4 0 44 0 592
2012 230 57 93 170 3 0 37 0 590
2013 236 56 87 171 1 0 39 0 590
2014 237 64 101 172 1 0 42 0 617
2015 250 65 92 180 1 1 43 0 632
2016 255 71 93 176 2 1 39 0 637
2017 273 68 88 184 4 1 39 0 657
2018 261 63 87 175 4 1 38 0 629
2019 267 60 71 152 3 1 50 0 604
2020 265 66 68 158 3 0 53 0 613
2021 249 76 67 139 2 0 51 0 584
2022 274 72 67 129 1 0 44 0 587
2023 301 63 83 139 2 0 44 0 632

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Cardinal Forest Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 643 36.2 17.7 n/a
1990 614 37.5 16.3 n/a
1991 570 36.9 15.4 n/a
1992 585 37.6 15.5 n/a
1993 595 2.1 283.3 n/a
1994 571 34.3 n/a 12.1
1995 634 n/a 0.0 11
1996 634 n/a 0.0 11
1997 681 n/a 0.0 13.7
1998 651 n/a 0.0 13.8
1999 666 38.8 17.2 17.4
2000 670 n/a 0.0 17.7
2001 680 38.6 17.6 17.2
2002 711 52.3 13.6 17.2
2003 711 52.3 13.6 17.2
2004 700 44.8 15.6 20.8
2005 674 41.8 16.1 20.8
2006 636 47.0 13.5 20
2007 618 50.1 12.3 18.9
2008 603 38.0 15.9 19.2
2009 559 32.0 17.5 19.8
2010 573 33.0 17.3 26.1
2011 592 36.0 16.4 26
2012 590 42.5 13.8 26.8
2013 590 41.5 14.2 30.3
2014 617 43.1 14.3 30.6
2015 632 46.0 13.7 29
2016 637 42.0 15.1 27
2017 657 33.5 19.5 28
2018 629 41.0 15.3 29.4
2019 604 42.7 14.1 30
2020 613 43.5 14.0 30.7
2021 584 44.0 13.2 n/a
2022 587 44.0 13.3 32
2023 632 43.2 14.6 29.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Cardinal Forest Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 643 36.2 17.7 n/a
1990 614 37.5 16.3 n/a
1991 570 36.9 15.4 n/a
1992 585 37.6 15.5 n/a
1993 595 2.1 283.3 n/a
1994 571 34.3 n/a 12.1
1995 634 n/a 0.0 11
1996 634 n/a 0.0 11
1997 681 n/a 0.0 13.7
1998 651 n/a 0.0 13.8
1999 666 38.8 17.2 17.4
2000 670 n/a 0.0 17.7
2001 680 38.6 17.6 17.2
2002 711 52.3 13.6 17.2
2003 711 52.3 13.6 17.2
2004 700 44.8 15.6 20.8
2005 674 41.8 16.1 20.8
2006 636 47.0 13.5 20
2007 618 50.1 12.3 18.9
2008 603 38.0 15.9 19.2
2009 559 32.0 17.5 19.8
2010 573 33.0 17.3 26.1
2011 592 36.0 16.4 26
2012 590 42.5 13.8 26.8
2013 590 41.5 14.2 30.3
2014 617 43.1 14.3 30.6
2015 632 46.0 13.7 29
2016 637 42.0 15.1 27
2017 657 33.5 19.5 28
2018 629 41.0 15.3 29.4
2019 604 42.7 14.1 30
2020 613 43.5 14.0 30.7
2021 584 44.0 13.2 n/a
2022 587 44.0 13.3 32
2023 632 43.2 14.6 29.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Cardinal Forest Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $128 (1.3%) $9,890 (98.7%) $10,018
2020 $358 (3.4%) $10,029 (96.6%) $10,387
2021 $278 (2.4%) $11,085 (97.6%) $11,363

Data source: Virginia Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Cardinal Forest Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 546th of 1105 Elementary schoolsRanks 323rd of 1114 Elementary schools
 20.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (Cardinal Forest Elementary)8274.7
 7.3%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8571.3
 13.7%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8269.1
 12.9%
3rd Grade English Reading (Cardinal Forest Elementary)6577.8
 12.8%
   3rd Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)7269.6
 2.4%
   3rd Grade English Reading (Virginia)7166.1
 4.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Cardinal Forest Elementary)9583.8
 11.3%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8673.8
 12.2%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8369.7
 13.3%
4th Grade English Reading (Cardinal Forest Elementary)8587.2
 2.2%
   4th Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)7776.3
 0.8%
   4th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7572.7
 2.3%
5th Grade Mathematics (Cardinal Forest Elementary)7976.7
 2.3%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)7763
 14%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8167
 14%
5th Grade Science (Cardinal Forest Elementary)7262.9
 9.1%
   5th Grade Science (Fairfax County Public Schools)8170.7
 10.3%
   5th Grade Science (Virginia)7966
 13%
5th Grade English Reading (Cardinal Forest Elementary)8482.9
 1.1%
   5th Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)8075.6
 4.4%
   5th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7871.4
 6.6%
6th Grade Mathematics (Cardinal Forest Elementary)8567.9
 17.1%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8765.2
 21.8%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7857.8
 20.2%
6th Grade English Reading (Cardinal Forest Elementary)8282.6
 0.6%
   6th Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)8378.5
 4.5%
   6th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7770.4
 6.6%
7th Grade Mathematics (Cardinal Forest Elementary)100100
   7th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8669
 17%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7855
 23%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students604632
 4.6%
African American6063
 5%
American Indian32
 33.3%
Asian7183
 16.9%
Hispanic152139
 8.6%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White267301
 12.7%
Two or More Races5044
 12%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients30%29.6%
 0.4%


Schools Near Cardinal Forest Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about Cardinal Forest Elementary

In the 2022-23 school year, 632 students attended Cardinal Forest Elementary.

Cardinal Forest Elementary ranks 323rd of 1114 Virginia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Students who attend Cardinal Forest Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Irving Middle
High : West Springfield High

Students at Cardinal Forest Elementary are 48% White, 22% Hispanic, 13% Asian, 10% African American, 7% Two or more races.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Virginia Department of Education. School Attendance Areas provided by ATTOM.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that school and district boundary data are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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