The Forum School offers a therapeutic educational environment for children who cannot be accommodated in a public school setting. All classes are small, with a ratio of one adult to every two children. The Forum School curriculum includes adapted physical education and aquatics. For the younger, tentative swimmers, this program provides a warm, private, non-threatening environment in which comfort in the water is the main objective. The water temperature is 88 degrees.
Children receive water instruction at least one forty minute-period per week.
Ease of movement, tolerance to splashing, and submersion are accomplished with play, games, song, and adapted activities all geared to move from caution to confidence. As the children learn to relax, swimming skills are introduced, such as floating, gliding, bobbing, all of which are focused on balance, fluidity, and rhythm. Within this non-forced atmosphere, stroke work can then be addressed. Streamlined body position, correct strokes, timing, and breathing will naturally progress. On a weekly basis, a group of fifty 11 to 16 year olds are bused to Montclair State University where they learn water safety, transitioning to deep water, treading, and diving.