On January 17th, our community gathered for a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at our newest facility, the Cognition and Learning Building and Diagnostic Center. 

This state-of-the-art building represents a significant step forward in advancing our mission to serve bright students who learn differently, further solidifying our school’s nearly 100-year legacy as a leader in education for neurodiverse learners.

"As Forman School officially opens its doors to our new Cognition and Learning Building and Diagnostic Center, we think about the fact that this is truly the most perfect home for the long-standing commitment that we have had as a school to the science of learning and the outstanding educators that stand among us that set those foundational practices in place for our students each and every day," said Head of School Amy Clemons during the ceremony.

Located next to the Henderson Administrative Building and enclosing the academic quad, the Cognition and Learning Building features a variety of spaces both inside and outside. The interior includes classrooms, office spaces, two large common areas, small seating nooks, and a conference room. Exterior spaces feature a small walled garden, a seating area, and a large patio. The building also houses the Diagnostic Center, which will offer comprehensive clinical evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults beyond the Forman community. Dr. Kelli Miller, a School Psychologist at Forman, will serve as the new Director of the Diagnostic Center. 

During her remarks, Amy Clemons expressed gratitude to the donors and individuals who made this project possible. “I want to thank the Forman Board of Trustees, both past and present, because it was their foresight and commitment that made this milestone happen,” she said.

This building was identified as a priority in our most recent Strategic Plan. Beyond serving our students and offering diagnostic testing, it will be a one-of-a-kind hub for ongoing research and collaboration with leading universities, researchers, and organizations partnering with Forman to continue making a difference in neurodivergent learning. 

Sustainability is a unique highlight of the new space. It is carbon neutral, powered by 12 ground-source heat pumps (geothermal wells) that provide heating and cooling year-round without the use of a furnace or boiler. Photovoltaic panels on the eastward-facing roofs also offset a portion of its electrical needs.

The Cognition and Learning Building is an exciting new facility for Forman’s students, colleagues, and the greater community. It proudly represents our long-standing commitment to educating and empowering students who learn differently.