The Amabel Boyce '70 Center for Learning and Thriving at Garrison Forest School is a comprehensive program that unites our academic success, counseling and wellness resources to take a holistic approach to each student’s overall success and wellbeing.
Building on a long history of excellence in educating girls and expertise in how students learn best, the Boyce Center aims to help each student become the healthiest, best version of themselves. At its core is a commitment to research-based best practices in learning for girls and cross-campus collaboration that will create a tailored experience meeting each student’s needs. The Center was founded on the idea that students—and especially girls—learn best when:
- their academic and social-emotional needs are met throughout the evolution of their learning journey;
- support and enrichment is proactive, intentional and meaningful;
- they are seen and valued as individuals.
Learn more about the Boyce Center for Learning and Thriving:
Recognizing the vital connection between a student’s overall wellness and their academic success, the Boyce Center:
- Provides structure and clarity around academic enrichment opportunities for all students.
- Builds resiliency, proactive wellness and long-term well-being.
- Empowers students to embrace their gifts, explore their passions and tackle challenges with a growth mindset.
- Helps each student build a toolbox of resources to power future success .
The Boyce Center for Learning and Thriving is located on the first floor of McLennan Library.
The Boyce Bulletin
Boyce Center Advisory Board
Representing a wide range of industries and expertise in many different areas of academic achievement, wellness, girls' education and social-emotional wellbeing, the following group will serve as an advisory board for the Boyce Center for Learning and Thriving—click here to learn more:
Lisa Fleck, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Susan Resnick, math education consultant and author of Math in Focus K-8 (2020), Primary Math (2022) and Singapore Math Fact Fluency K-6
Ben Shifrin, Head of School, Jemicy School, Owings Mills, MD
Rachel Simmons, Internationally known expert in raising and supporting girls and women in school and business. Author of Odd Girl Out, The Curse of the Good Girl, and Enough As She Is
Rev. Caroline "Stuart" Rinehart Stewart '66, Spiritual Director and Chaplain
Karen Swartz, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University; Founder and Director of Adolescent Depression Awareness Program (ADAP)
Martha Sweeney, Former Head of School, The Odyssey School, Lutherville, MD