Boarding students have been an essential part of the Garrison Forest School community since the School's founding in 1910. We provide a warm and caring family environment for students, Eighth through Twelfth Grade, from near and far.
Garrison Forest is home to students from places as close as Washington, D.C., and to those from across the oceans. Through the School's vibrant regional, national, and international residential life community, our students do not just learn about a global community--they live it. Day and resident boarders develop lifelong friendships in and out of the classroom and residence halls.
A dedicated, welcoming residential faculty offers expanded opportunities for interaction among students and adults, providing another level of support beyond the close bond between a student and her faculty advisor. As a support to their academic life, students spend time studying individually and in groups each weekday evening. Students may also seek assistance from faculty members on duty.
Activities
In addition to academics, there is also time in the evenings for students to pursue other interests. At any given time, students may be found practicing instruments and working on art projects in the Hathaway Fine and Performing Arts Center, riding at the barn, playing games in the Student Activities Center, watching a movie with friends in the residence hall common areas, participating in a pick-up game at the Gym, or spending time with friends around campus.
The weekend activities are designed to appeal to a wide range of interests. A typical weekend may include trips to local shopping areas, movies, the opera, museums, concerts, sporting events, or mixers at nearby independent day and boarding schools. Many day students participate in weekend activities as well, furthering the bonds of friendship and feeling of "one school." Throughout the year there are a wealth of on-campus activities offered, some of which include theater productions, arts performances, club and class sponsored activities, and school dances.