Founded in 1954, our work has always been rooted in a deep sense of respect for our students. We believe in the dignity, worth, and capacity for self-realization of every child. We celebrate every milestone and achievement, and help students succeed.

The Forum School was founded by parents, and today families and caregivers continue to be an integral part of our school community. Parent input is sought and valued.

Our Students

The Forum School serves students ages 5-21 who are eligible for special education and related services. Most of our students come to us with difficulties in speech and language, as well as challenges in the areas of behavior and social relatedness. Many of our students are working at or below grade level in most academic areas, while other students have advanced academic skills but benefit from the behavioral and social-emotional support our program provides.

Some students may have a clinical diagnosis such as autism spectrum disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, or mental health conditions.

Regardless of the challenges that our students and their caregivers have faced in the past, we offer the promise of new achievements and hope.

Our Approach

After more than 60 years of working with students who have special needs, we know that a single approach to teaching is not enough. Every child is different, and every child needs a unique approach to special education that draws from a wide range of proven teaching methods.

We use a combination of behavioral and psycho-educational approaches within a structured, yet nurturing developmentally stimulating curriculum appropriate to each student’s level.

Our staff – including our credentialed special education teachers, trained para-professionals, speech therapists, occupational therapist, physical therapist, social worker, counselor, board certified behavior analyst (BCBA), nurses, and consulting psychiatrist – collaborate to use a “tool box” approach, drawing on experience and knowledge to reach each child in the most effective way possible. We meet students where they are, and move them forward. At The Forum School, teaching takes place in every environment, throughout the day – not just in the classroom.

Here are some of the strategies we use:

MULTISENSORY APPROACHES that build on the pioneering work of education researcher Dr. Howard Gardner tap into the many ways in which students learn: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, logical/mathematical, musical, spatial, interpersonal, and naturalistic.

APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (ABA) draws on decades of research and is the framework for all learning theory. Our teachers use a modern approach to ABA that expands the notion of traditional discrete trial teaching, taking learning into every setting and every interaction in order to gain insight into learning and behavior from the student’s perspective.

NATURALISTIC TEACHING is a behavioral approach that emphasizes a child’s interests, taking his/her lead and pace. Learning incorporates natural activities, natural rewards, and natural consequences. Naturalistic teaching can help decrease problem behavior, and improve generalization – one of the core challenges our students face.

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY is rooted in the work of psychologist Albert Bandura and provides a “bridge” from behavioral learning to learning through observation. It addresses challenges such as attention, memory, and motivation. It helps students learn to imitate others and identify with them, building empathy and connection.

SCAFFOLDING builds on a child’s existing strengths and skills. The learning experience is broken down into smaller skills so students can master each component more easily. Teachers provide successive levels of support to help students reach higher levels of comprehension. Like physical scaffolding, supports are incrementally removed as the student masters new skills and grows more independent.

DIFFERENTIAL INSTRUCTION allows each student to learn concepts, skills, and new ideas in ways that work best for him or her. Students show progress and mastery based on their own learning style, and are given learning choices based on their skills and abilities.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING provides rich support for learning variability as a way to reduce barriers to the curriculum. It provides options for engagement which stimulate interest and motivation for learning. The content is provided in various ways allowing different learning modalities to be addressed. Students are encouraged to demonstrate their knowledge through various alternate means.

When you have been around for as long as The Forum School, you hear a lot of things, including some misperceptions. We want you to have the facts:

Quick Facts About The Forum School and its Programs:

• 2:1 student/staff ratio
• One of New Jersey’s oldest state approved private schools
• Serving students ages 5-21
• Students grouped based on age and ability
• Evidence-based approach to reading instruction
• Technology infused learning
• School Counselor
• Social Worker
• Consulting Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• Consulting Psychiatrist
• Computer lab
• Smart boards
• iPad learning
• Extended School Year Program
• A Range of Transition Services
• Job experiences
• L.I.F.T. Transition Program
• E.L.I.T.E. Transition Program
• Onsite Life Skills Center for learning life skills
• Cafeteria with freshly prepared meals
• Free hot lunch every day, cooked by our school chef
• Emphasis on fitness and recreation
• Indoor pool on site
• Climbing Wall
• Bike riding instruction
• Outdoor classroom and Sensory garden
• Nature paths on campus
• Nurse Station with a full time nurse
• Unique art and music program
• Choral program
• Chimes and Bell Choir Program
• Community-based learning
• Speech language therapy 1:1 and in small groups
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy