Forman School - Review #3

Overall positive experience. Small classes of 5-15, Faculty that genuinely cared & provided specialized attention to students who were either slow learners or behind their grade level. They laid a foundation I draw upon to this day.

I learned to live away from home, to become independent, to live on a budget. As a tall uncoordinated teenager I never would have blossomed athletically in a public school. At Forman I was encouraged, to excel in my niche which I never would have found apart from Forman. Many thanks to Mr. Haynes for that.

At Forman, they are dedicated to help kids who for what ever reason may not be the best students. The faculty is there to help you, to work with you. Looking back once you're an adult, everybody knows High School teen age years are rough but I found The Forman experience to have been a good one and good for me.

Dedicated staff, small classes, personalize attention

So much has changed over 50 years any recommendations I could make would be irrelevant at this point.

I was 2 grades behind in reading level, English teacher Mrs. Sharp told me "it's not your fault but it is your problem" and worked with me to improve. Mr. Haynes was a favorite of mine both as chemistry & Physics teacher and coach of track & Cross Country teams. Always wiling to spend the time to make sure you got it right. Individual attention if necessary.

As mentioned my involvement with track and Cross Country running made a huge difference to me. Always encouraged, always positive, Instilled lasting principles I rely on to this day.

School much more into the arts today than when I attended but I did get my start in oil painting at Forman. Painted my 1st painting there in 10th grade. Today school dedicated to creativity & the arts much more than in 60's.

50 yrs ago these type of activities were limited and what few there were I did not participate in. Today it is much different with a wide variety of volunteer programs. Boat building, rain forest studies, etc.

Dorms were individual houses which housed 12-24 students each with 2-3 per room and over seen by a faculty member and a senior student. Although the campus has expanded in 50 years the small home-style atmosphere remains in tact. Students knew each other, grew together, as opposed to large dorms.

50 yrs ago all meals were served family style at tables of 6-8 students and headed by a faculty member. Students took turns serving as waiters for 2 wks at a time. Today meals are buffet style. Food was and remains excellent.

School is located in Litchfield, Ct a town of many stately homes dating back to the revolution. Twice a wk we walked the .6 mile into town to shop or go to the church of our choice which was required. Not sure what the policy is today but a spiritual hunger was instilled in me while at Forman. Something I'm grateful for today. Litchfield is small, rural, very scenic and beautiful.

50 yrs ago while at Forman social life was limited although school was co-ed. There were dances but guys & girls stayed on separate campuses interacting during class time and special occasions. This has since changed. Interaction with the girls was strictly supervised in 1967 but then we didn't have any pregnancies either.