Student life At Forman
Forman Day-by-Day
We all thrive when we have a few essentials, like a sense of purpose, close relationships, a feeling of belonging in a community. We all like hitting more than one note throughout the day – aiming to balance work, play, and relaxation. From the way we design the general schedule to the way we transform students with learning differences into confident self-advocates, Forman School intentionally and consistently provides boarding and day students with everything they need to be successful.
Fundamentals of the Student Experience
- General Schedule
- Assemblies
- Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Food, Glorious Food!
- Dress Code
- Lion’s Den Bistro
- Study Hall
General Schedule
Forman is a 24/7 school community that shapes students with learning differences into well-rounded people. You can tell we aim to engage the “whole child” by the time we carve out for everyone to do everything: academics, arts, athletics, community service, and downtime with friends.
Students attend four classes each day. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday breakfast is at 7:45 a.m. and classes, consisting of four blocks, start at 8:35 a.m. and end at 3:10 p.m. Team sports, extracurricular activities, or community service occur after classes and dinner is served each day at 6:00 p.m.
Assemblies
Two all-school assemblies each week, on Monday and Friday, bring the entire school together in the auditorium of the Visual and Performing Arts Center. One assembly is run by student leaders. Both are a chance to hear from the head of school and from faculty, who use the opportunity to share information with the entire community. Students from across the School share their writings, music, and artwork at nearly every assembly. They are a great way to stay informed, cheer for friends, and get to know people and projects across the grades.
Wednesdays and Saturdays
Food, Glorious Food!
Dining Hall
The Dining Hall staff at Forman School is amazing, and the ever-changing menu by CulinArt Group reflects their passion for making students and staff healthy and happy. Every day is a little bit different at Forman, and weekly meal times reflect that.
Breakfast: Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri: 7:45 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. | Wednesday & Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Lunch: Monday- Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Saturday: 11:50 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dinner: Monday-Friday: 6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday: 5:30 p.m.–6:15 p.m. Sunday Brunch: 11:00 a.m.- 11:45 p.m.
Dress Code
Aside from our campus, nothing identifies Forman School as a traditional New England boarding and day school as much as the dress code. The idea behind it is that students learn to dress appropriately for different situations and to carry themselves in a professional way in class.
During the school day, girls typically wear a button-down shirt and skirt, dress, or dress-pants and a blazer and dress shoes. Boys typically wear blazers, Oxford shirts, ties, khakis, and dress shoes. No flip-flops or sneakers are allowed. Boys and girls tuck in their shirts. There isn’t a uniform, but there is a Forman style that looks clean and prep-school preppy.
On formal days and other special occasions, everyone wears a blue blazer – seniors with the school crest sewn over their breast pocket, if they like. There are other styles of dress to get to know: Leisure Dress and Smart Casual Dress have their own nuances. There are a few exceptions to the Class Dress rules, and students with a high fashion sense often add personal flair with funky socks or a cool shirt/tie combo. The guidelines do leave room for self-expression. After all, our differences bind this community together.
Lion’s Den Bistro
There is an eatery in the Malcolm G. Chace Student Center that is run by the school’s own culinary program – meaning the menu is created by the chef and Forman students. It’s open in the afternoons, evenings, and on weekends and serves entrees, small plates, snacks, and drinks. The focus on locally sourced ingredients makes the Lion’s Den extra special.
Study Hall
Study Hall runs 8–9:30 p.m. Sunday–Friday for all students. Day students may eat dinner in the Dining Hall (which starts at 6 p.m.) and stay for Study Hall if they choose. Students are expected to make good use of evening study time and are typically assigned to the dormitory, the library, or to an instructional study hall. Faculty members are available in each dorm to supervise and give academic help. The greatest benefit of participation (which is required for boarding students) is that you have three pairs of faculty eyes not only on you but also available to take a look and make sure your work is on point.
