What is the admissions process?

A: Most placements begin with a tour. Parents and school districts can arrange a tour at any time by calling (201) 444-5882. We strongly encourage parents to tour with members of their Child Study Team.

To apply for admission, the student’s Child Study Team should contact us by calling (201) 444-5882, or using our Student Referral Form, and be prepared to send relevant records (IEP, educational testing, and social and psychological reports). A member of our intake staff will reply to your inquiry immediately.

Student learning how to ride a bike with a teacher

We accept children and their families without regard to race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or disability.

If the student appears to be a good fit for The Forum School, our intake team will arrange an intake meeting with the Case Manager, the student, and his/her parent(s)/guardian. Virtual intakes via ZOOM are still available. Simply let us know if a virtual intake is preferred.

During the intake meeting, we will share information about the school and offer additional tours, and the prospective student will spend time in a classroom doing some informal assessment and getting to know some of our staff and students.

If the parent(s)/guardian, CST case manager and The Forum School intake staff agree that the program is an appropriate placement for the student, the necessary acceptance paperwork will be completed.

Forum School student with teacher using iPad, private special education, Waldwick, NJ

How quickly can my child start?

A: We offer open admissions, meaning that students can enroll at any time, including during our summer Extended School Year (ESY) program. In many cases students can start within a few days. The CST will arrange for round trip transportation, provided as part of the IEP. The parent(s) or guardian has the option to transport the student until transportation can be arranged.

What about the tuition?

As a New Jersey state- approved private school for students with disabilities, most students are placed by their local school district and attend at no cost to parents. Round trip transportation is also provided at no charge to parents as part of the IEP.

Parentally Placed Students

A number of families, particularly those from the New York Metropolitan area, have opted to place their child at The Forum School as “parentally placed” students. We welcome parents seeking placement and would be happy to offer you a tour and answer your questions.