In the fall of 1974, Woodland Forrest Elementary School opened in east Tuscaloosa, introducing an innovative model for education. The school was designed with an open-concept layout, eliminating permanent walls between classrooms to foster a more flexible and collaborative learning environment. Woodland Forrest was built to alleviate overcrowding at Skyland Elementary and accommodate the growing population in the eastern part of the city. Shelley E. Jones, a seasoned educator within the Tuscaloosa City School System, was appointed as the school’s first principal, guiding the institution through its early years as it served students in grades one through six.
As the population in the area continued to rise, Woodland Forrest faced significant growth. By the mid-1980s, the school was utilizing up to ten portable classrooms, prompting the construction of an addition to the main building. This new wing provided space for kindergarten, first and second grades, along with dedicated rooms for music and art instruction. Yet, the school’s expansion didn’t stop there—an additional wing for fourth and fifth graders opened in 2000. Throughout these years, the original building underwent numerous changes to integrate advances in technology, address safety concerns, and transition to self-contained classroom settings.
A key component of Woodland Forrest’s success has been the strong partnerships that supported the school’s mission. The Woodland Forrest Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) played a vital role in providing volunteers, funding, and leadership to ensure every student had access to top-tier educational resources. The PTA’s efforts have been recognized locally, statewide, and nationally for their excellence in programming and community service. Furthermore, in 1985, Woodland Forrest became one of the first schools to participate in the Adopt-A-School Program through the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, fostering a long-lasting relationship with local businesses like First National Bank. Today, Woodland Forrest proudly maintains two Adopt-A-School partnerships with Thompson Tractor and Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, ensuring continued support for its educational mission.
Woodland Forrest Elementary serves students from Pre-K through 5th grade and has earned a reputation for excellence in both environmental education and leadership development. It was named a Discovering Oshkosh Model School for its focus on local natural diversity and environmental education, integrating subjects like science, social studies, math, and the arts. In 2018, the school was honored as a Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education for its commitment to sustainability. In the early 2000’s our school welcomed the addition of an amphitheater for outside learning. A few years later a school garden was established adjacent to this outside learning area. Students have the opportunities to grow, harvest, cook and eat the “fruits” of their labor. Additionally, Woodland Forrest embraced the “Leader in Me” program, implementing the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Kids to promote leadership skills among students. In 2022, the school achieved another milestone by becoming the second STEM-certified school in the Tuscaloosa City School System.
Woodland Forrest Elementary School’s rich history of innovation, community partnerships, and educational excellence continues to shape its legacy. From its humble beginnings as an open-concept school to its growth into a STEM-certified institution, Woodland Forrest remains committed to providing a nurturing environment where students thrive academically and personally. With the ongoing support of dedicated staff, families, and community partners, the school stands as a beacon of progress and opportunity, preparing future generations for success in an ever-evolving world.
