History of Forest Hill
Forest Hill Elementary School opened its doors in September of 1969 in Camden, NJ on a beautifully landscaped seven-acre site at the end of Wildwood Avenue adjacent to Park Boulevard. The circular design of the school not only adds beauty to the physical structure, but also provides for greater flexibility in the usage of available space. The Instructional Media Center forms the core of this circular school reflecting the expanding and vital role of the "traditional" school library.
The Parkside section of Camden where the school is located is a diverse community of single-, two-, grandparent, and extended family homes. Many parents and guardians work and some families are assisted by Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).
Presently there are approximately 230 students enrolled in classes from Kindergarten to Fifth Grade. A dedicated staff of professional and support personnel provide daily instruction and other support services.
Our school colors are forest green and navy blue. Our mascot is the owl, a fierce symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
Dr. Mary Arnold-Frazier was Forest Hill’s first Principal. She was instrumental in the implementation of a variety of innovative programs including the Teacher Corp Program through which twenty-six Forest Hill teachers and support staff received Master’s Degree from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in 1977. Ms. Anita Ricks, a teacher at Forest Hill since its 1969 opening, followed Dr. Frazier as Principal at the school in 1981. Mrs. Maxine L. Campbell, was appointed Principal October 2000 and was followed by Mr. Brian C. Medley in 2008. Mrs. Gail Witherspoon was appointed in 2011.
In 2018, Mr. David M. Corvi became principal at Forest Hill School through an unprecedented cultural and academic shift that placed student discovery and responsibility at the center of instruction and learning.
Presently, Ms. Fatihah Abdur-Rahman is now principal at Forest Hill School and is a passionate and dedicated educational leader who is committed to academic excellence. She views education as a way to defy societal challenges that impact urban communities. As a visionary, Ms. Fatihah Abdur-Rahman sees beyond the here and now and recognized the potential in everyone she is called to serve. Through her implementation of social emotional learning programs, culturally relevant curriculum, and community driven approach, Ms. Abdur-Rahman envisions a school where all of her students are valued, challenged, and prepared to break cycles and close gaps.