Answers to your questions about life at Forman—from the admission process to academics, athletics, and beyond.

Admissions

What is the profile of a Forman student?

Forman School students are academically motivated and have identified learning differences such as dyslexia, executive function difficulties, or attention deficits. Our program does not support students with behavioral and emotional difficulties, social communication disorder, or those on the autism spectrum.

How much does it cost to attend Forman School?

The boarding tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year is $98,592, which includes room, board, and all services provided by our learning specialists and tutors.

The day tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year is $80,600, which includes board and all services provided by our learning specialists and tutors.

How do I apply to Forman School?

The preferred method of application is through the online Forman Application. In addition, we support the SSATB Common Application.

Apply

What is the application deadline?

We operate on a rolling admission basis. As soon as an application is complete, the decision process begins.

What tests are required for admission to Forman School?

Please submit educational testing given within the last three years along with the application form. Forman requires testing prior to scheduling a campus visit and interview. Testing must include measures of cognitive ability such as a WISC/WAIS test and measures of achievement such as WJ-IV or WIAT-III.

How many students attend Forman School?

Around 180 students attend Forman.

Where do students at Forman come from?

The student body represents more than 30 states and seven countries. 

What grades are taught at Forman School?

We teach grades 9-12, as well as postgraduates.

Does Forman School have a summer program?

Yes. The Forman Summer Program is a four-week, coeducational boarding and day camp that takes place on the Forman School campus in Litchfield, CT. Open to any students entering grades 7-11 who would benefit from our individualized approach to learning, this program provides students insight into our innovative teaching techniques.

More on Forman Summer

Academics

What are the class sizes at Forman School?

Class sizes average eight students, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 4:1, allowing individualized learning. 

What is the class schedule at Forman School?

Forman’s trimester schedule creates flexibility and choice for students. They’re able to master core academic skills in a highly structured environment and dig deeper into topics that intrigue them. Faculty meet regularly to track individual progress and help students connect the dots between concepts and subjects, elevating their critical thinking.

What tools will be provided for my student with learning differences?

Support for students with learning differences is built into the curriculum at Forman through expertly trained teachers and Cognition and Learning courses.

Students graduate from Forman with strong core skills and the self-knowledge to advocate for what they will always need to succeed in the classroom and in life.

What are Forman School’s flagship programs?

We have several transformative flagship programs. They're all part of a curriculum aimed at providing individualized instruction and creative, hands-on environments to learn.

Flagship programs include courses from our Cognition and Learning Department, Winterim, Promethean Program, Cambridge Level Classes, and the Rainforest Project.

Learn More

What is Forman School’s Winterim program?

For two weeks in March, right before Spring Break, Forman students and teachers leave the classroom for our Winterim program. After choosing a course of study, students immerse themselves in an intensive hands-on learning experience.

Courses may involve anything from producing a full-length feature film to exploring a foreign country. More than two dozen options are available each year, domestically and abroad. Click here for the 2026-2027 Winterim Course Guide. 

More on Winterim

What courses are required for students to graduate from Forman School?

Credit requirements for graduation: 

12 Credits of English 

9 Credits of Mathematics 

9 Credits of History & Social Sciences, including 3 Credits of U.S. History 

9 Credits of Science, including 6 Credits of Lab Sciences; 3 Credits of Biology or Chemistry required 

3 Credits of Thinking and Writing 

3 Credits of Cognition & Learning 

3 Credits of Post-Secondary Planning 

6 Credits of Art 

6 Credits of a World Language are Strongly Recommended 

1 Credit of Health & Physical Education, per year 

1.5 Credit of Winterim, per year 

15 Hours of Community Service, per year

What is the matriculation rate of Forman School graduates?

100% of Forman students earn the opportunity to attend the four-year college or university that is best for them.

When do students study and complete their homework?

All students participate in study hall from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Additionally, there is an evening instructional study hall from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Faculty members are also available in each dorm to supervise and provide academic assistance.

How can I get updates about how my student is doing in their classes?

Grades and comments can be viewed by parents and students on LION, which is the parent and student portal.

Login to LION

Student life

Do students board at Forman School?

Yes. About 85% of the student body are boarding students.

How many dorms are there at Forman School?

 Forman School has 15 dorms. Click here for the campus map.

Do Forman faculty/staff live in the dorms?

Yes. Each dorm has houseparents, who are often students’ teachers and coaches. They supervise students who live in the residence halls, address individual student needs, support the overall well-being of the residents, and more. 

What activities are offered on the weekends?

There is a wide range of weekend activities for students, including board game competitions, shopping at nearby malls, movie trips, ice cream runs, shuttle rides into Litchfield center, and baking sessions, just to name a few. Weekends also include many options for students to earn their community service hours.

What happens after classes at Forman?

Team sports and recreational activities occur after classes, and dinner is served each weekday at 6:00 p.m.

Do students have to pay for meals?

No. The cost of meals is included in the tuition.

What is the Student Code of Conduct?

At Forman, we hold ourselves to high standards. We understand that other people matter. We respect others at all times, in all ways, and on all platforms.

We strive for the ideals of honesty in action—we do not lie, cheat, or steal. We want to be constructive, not destructive. We do not use illegal drugs, alcohol, or weapons. We do not degrade ourselves, each other, or our community. We respect boundaries, and we respect the law. We hold the safety of our community above all else, and we do not disregard the community for selfish pursuits.

We are a community of Lions, bonded in our mission to strive for excellence and understanding. With that in mind, we at Forman show up. We show up for class, we show up on stage, we show up for competition, and we show up to serve. Each time we show up, we represent our school culture. We hold dear the privilege it is to work and live together at Forman, and we honor our commitment to strive for Truth, Respect, and Kindness.  

Student health

What happens if my student gets sick at school?

Forman has a Student Health Center on campus, which promotes wellness and provides supportive (not primary) clinical care for students.

What mental health support is offered to students at Forman?

There are counselors and psychologists on staff who provide support for students’ emotional health and well-being.

Day students

What is the schedule for day students?

Day students are not required to attend breakfast, but they are welcome. Community Block begins each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday and Friday classes begin at 9:20 a.m., with Wednesday classes beginning at 9:05 a.m. For attendance purposes, day students are asked to check in for the day either at breakfast or by texting the Administrator on Duty upon arrival before the first class of the day. Some day students choose to depart after their mandatory sport or afternoon activity commitment (typically anywhere from 5:00-6:00 p.m., depending on the sport), while others stay until after dinner or study hall.

On Saturdays, all students are required to attend their athletic or activity commitment immediately after lunch. Coaches will let students know the exact times depending on their sport/activity. Additionally, many Saturday mornings and occasional Friday evenings will include community programming or cultural events.

Are day students allowed to leave campus during the day?

Day students are expected to remain on campus from the beginning of the academic day until the completion of their athletic commitment. During this window of time, they may not leave without their parent/guardian's permission.

Day students must notify the AOD via text whenever they arrive and depart from campus each day.

How are day families notified about changes to the school schedule?

Changes to the regular school schedule and other important updates will be communicated through the parent e-newsletter, school-wide announcements, and other communication channels as needed.

Athletics

What sports and recreational activities are offered at Forman?

Forman offers something for everyone—from traditional interscholastic sports to surprising options like culinary arts and theater. 

Athletic sports include alpine skiing, baseball, basketball, crew, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, whitewater kayaking, and wrestling.

Recreational activities include boatbuilding, CrossFit, culinary arts, dance, equestrian, mindful meditation and movement, music, outdoor adventure, robotics, skiing and snowboarding, theater, and yearbook. 

Are students required to participate in a sport or recreational activity?

Students are required to participate each afternoon, Monday-Saturday, throughout the year in Forman’s after-class program. All students are expected to attend their selected sport/activity home and away competitions and events.

I live far away. How can I watch my student’s athletic games and competitions?

If you are unable to attend in-person, many athletic games and competitions are live-streamed

Ways to connect

How can I meet and connect with other Forman parents and families?

Forman offers many opportunities throughout the year for families to connect, learn more about the student experience, and build relationships with one another. We encourage families to find the opportunities that feel meaningful and manageable for them.


Attend family events and gatherings
Fall and Spring Family Weekends, Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day, parent webinars, workshops, and regional gatherings offer opportunities to connect with other families while learning more about Forman’s programs and the student experience.


Get involved through the Parents’ Association
All Forman parents and guardians are members of the Parents’ Association (PA). The PA fosters fellowship, promotes engagement, and helps build community spirit among Forman families, students, and the school. Parents can participate in ways that fit their interests and availability, including serving as a class or day parent representative or joining one of our volunteer committees.


Opportunities include:

  • Admissions & Family Mentoring Ambassadors — welcome new families, support Drop-Off Day, or serve as a family mentor

  • Class & Day Parent Representatives — serve as a connection point for families in your grade

  • Annual Fund Committee — help encourage participation and share stories about the impact of giving

  • Colleague Appreciation & Family Weekends Committee — celebrate our faculty and staff and help support Family Weekend

  • Community Engagement Committee — help develop parent programming, speakers, workshops, and regional gatherings

Families are also welcome to share a professional connection, speaker, or resource that could benefit the Forman community.


Connect through the Parent Directory
The Parent Directory is available through LION/Parent Portal and is a helpful way to connect with other Forman families. Parents can use the directory to reach out to families in their grade, connect with families in their area, or simply introduce themselves.

Who can I contact about parent engagement and getting connected?

Heather Ford, Director of Parent and Alumni Engagement, is a resource for families looking to connect with the Forman community, learn more about opportunities for parent involvement, or share ideas for strengthening the family experience.

Heather can be reached at heather.ford@formanschool.org.

There is no single way to be involved at Forman, and there is no expectation that every family participates in the same way. Whether you volunteer, attend an event, join a webinar, connect with another parent, or simply stay engaged with school communications, we hope you find a way to feel connected to the Forman community.

How can I connect with fellow Forman School alumni?

The Forman Alumni Office strives to cultivate a strong alumni network through various programs, including on-campus events, such as Alumni Weekend, and off-campus gatherings and experiences.

Please contact Heather Ford, Director of Parent and Alumni Engagement, at heather.ford@formanschool.org

Forman and Beyond

How can I give back to Forman?

There are many ways to support the transformative experience that constitutes a Forman education, including: 

  • Online: Give now with a credit card through the secure online gift portal

  • By mail: Mail your gift, in the form of a check, to Forman School, P.O. Box 80, Litchfield, CT 06759-9977.

  • Stock transfer: Please contact Ben Nadeau, Director of Development Operations, at 860.567.1833 or benjamin.nadeau@formanschool.org.

  • Wire transfer: Please contact Ben Nadeau, Director of Development Operations, at 860.567.1833 or benjamin.nadeau@formanschool.org with any questions.

More on Giving

Does Forman have a school store?

The School Store is located on the lower level of Peirce Dining Hall. Textbooks and academic supplies, health and beauty aids, sporting goods, clothing, and other miscellaneous items are available. Click here for the School Store website.