Forestville Elementary School opened its doors in 1980 to meet the needs of a growing population in the Great Falls, Herndon, and Reston areas. The school's name is taken from the original name of the town of Great Falls.

Strong traditions are an integral part of Forestville with an eye on continuous improvement.  Part of the continuous improvement is in technology: interactive white boards (Smartboards), mobile computer labs, classroom computers, and a computer lab.

Forestville teachers and parents work together as partners in the education of all students. Each year over 300 parent volunteers regularly help in the classrooms, in after-school activities, and in extracurricular activities. In 2004-05, the National PTA recognized Forestville as a School of Excellence for the wonderful interrelationship of school, home, and community. Approximately 50 PTA committees help keep Forestville vibrant.

Forestville has received a number of accolades for its academic programs over the years including a three year grant to promote teacher leadership.  In 2010, it was recognized as a Governor School of Excellence.  It has also received the Virginia School Board School of Excellence Award on numerous occasions.  In August 2012, Northern Virginia magazine cited Forestville as one of the best elementary schools in Northern Virginia. 

A character education program is seamlessly integrated into the curriculum. A school-wide buddy program exists in which younger children are paired with older children who listen to them read aloud, help them complete special projects, and accompany them on field trips. Finally, the Forestville community strongly believes in helping others outside its boundaries. An active outreach program functions to provide school supplies, food, clothing, gifts, and other needed materials to the school's adopted sister school, a local homeless shelter, and victims of natural disasters wherever they live. Forestville parent volunteers are active in the instructional lives of those children as well.

Forestville has had a Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program since 2007.  It also offers a Peaceful Bus program. 

The core of Forestville's program continues to be the strong general education foundation it has always provided to students, but it also strives to keep a vision on the future in order to prepare its students to be leaders.