Forman is the leading destination for bright students with learning difficulties. Our heritage is rich and stretches back almost a century—we’re America’s first coed boarding and day school specializing in ADHD and dyslexia—and our scienceled curriculum is expertly tailored to the needs of every student.
Who we are
We know it’s hard to find the right school, a place that authentically builds your child’s confidence, independence, and academic success.
To help you navigate the educational landscape, here are six reasons our program is unlike any other.
Our story began with Einstein.
Dr. Albert Einstein—one of history’s greatest physicists— faced reading challenges of his own. Forman’s cofounder, John Forman, tapped Einstein to consult on our groundbreaking curriculum and join the Academic Board of Advisors. That spirit of research-based innovation and collaboration still drives us. In the 1980s, we introduced computer-assisted writing courses before any other school. Today, our flagship modular learning system consists of six terms—allowing for shorter, in-depth bursts of learning that boost engagement and motivation.
There’s a Cognition & Learning Department.
No missing class for extra help, or isolating with an expert at the back. Cognition and learning is built into our curriculum, like any timetabled subject. Students succeed at their own pace with dedicated classes on metacognition strategies; reading principles, skills, and understanding; and executive function coaching designed to create accountability. Professional development keeps all faculty on the leading edge of learning science, and all classrooms feature assistive technology, from SMART Boards to iPads, that supports note-taking, speech-to-text, and organization.
Our faculty-student ratio is 4:1.
From their first day at Forman, students are immersed in a community of care. Small class sizes—averaging eight students—mean personal challenges and growth are closely monitored, and no one is left behind. Students have twice-weekly meetings with a faculty advisor (who keeps parents regularly updated). Together, they set academic, athletic, and social goals, and make actionable plans to reach them. Be it dorm parents, coaches, or faculty, there’s a team of on-campus specialists connecting with each student, ensuring they feel seen.
Love Dungeons & Dragons, soccer, or rock climbing?
We have something for you. Difference is our students’ superpower—that’s why we cultivate it wherever we can. Our club program is ever-changing and inventive, reimagined around each grade level’s interests—so that they engage with each other on a deeper level, building organic relationships as they learn. We believe every student can be an athlete—and our 30 sports and activities boast multiple All-Star, All-League, and All-American players. Whether whitewater kayaking, alpine skiing, football, dance, equestrian, or rock climbing, Forman’s fitness offerings can enhance leadership skills, ease stress, and improve executive function.
Talent thrives
in
the Promethean Lab & beyond.
The Promethean Program catapults passion projects to reality.
Ambitious students are partnered with faculty advisors as they problem solve and experiment, all within a high-tech, resourced lab environment. Whether enterprising business minds, future scientists, or conservationists, projectbased and experiential learning opportunities for students abound. Think mentoring young learners in the Eye to Eye program; our Lion’s Den Bistro, a collaboration between a chef, local farming communities, and students; a hands-on Rainforest Project; Cambridge-level honors classes; or our two-week Winterim experience, where students do everything from producing films to taking history tours abroad.
Our college admission rate is 100%.
Forman prepares students for real-world success.
Not only do we maintain a 100% college acceptance rate, our graduates leave with tools to navigate higher education and beyond—from advocacy and time management to the self-knowledge of how their brains work best. After graduating, our tight-knit community flourishes. Alumni return to talk about career development with students, offering insights into their diverse fields. Additionally, all Forman Summer Program counselors are college-enrolled alumni, who return to inspire a new generation of students by sharing their journeys during evening talks.
