Residential Life

Character, Culture and Community

At Shattuck-St. Mary's Forest City School (SSM-FC), we provide an immersive American-style education and foster a tight-knit community for our boarding students. We believe that every child has the potential to be successful, and we are here to provide the encouragement and support they need to reach their full potential. SSM-FC is a global learning community that embraces innovation, cultivates independent thinking, and transforms students into citizens of integrity. We guide students to develop the Attributes of a Shattuck Citizen: adaptable, purposeful, empathetic, have agency, collaborate effectively, and are self-aware.

Community is at the heart of the boarding experience at SSM-FC. We organize boarding students into small, close-knit family groups that provide a warm, welcoming, and friendly environment, allowing us to better meet each student's needs.

At SSM-FC, boarders find a true home away from home. Here, they will forge strong bonds of friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a rich, culturally immersive experience as they share their unique backgrounds and cultures with their fellow boarders. SSM-FC provides daily and weekend activities as well as exciting day trips on weekends to help further enhance this cultural exchange. Through these experiences, students deepen their understanding of different cultures and create lasting bonds, making their time genuinely transformative.

The SSM-FC Residential Life uses a holistic approach for our boarding program, encompassing education, life skills, social development, emotional well-being, and overall wellness. We designed this comprehensive approach to nurture every aspect of your student's growth.

Boarding students participate in a daily dedicated study hall time facilitated by our world-class teachers. This dedicated time ensures that Dorm Students receive the best possible academic support while living at SSM-FC.

Additionally, we understand that some students may require extra assistance with their coursework, which is why we offer supplementary educational support on weekends. These resources are readily available to all Dorm Students during our dedicated Student Support sessions led by our teachers.

Our experienced and nurturing boarding staff are available 24/7 to oversee the smooth operation of residential life. They play a crucial role in supporting students as they navigate their SSM-FC experience, both academically and in terms of their personal development and well-being.
We believe that the SSM-FC boarding program is a unique and transformative experience that can help students develop into well-rounded, successful adults. We are committed to providing our boarding students with the best possible support and guidance, both academically and personally.

Living at school means life at SSM-FC is a 24/7 experience for adults and students.

Learning to live independently and managing one’s own time under the supervision and guidance of dorm parents is a great preparation for university.

Bridging the distance between parents and students is accomplished in a number of ways at SSM-FC. There is full wi-fi access throughout campus, so students can stay connected with home. Parents are also able to log on to our intranet to view their child’s schedule, assignment and test grades, attendance, and comments from teachers. And, we have webcasts available for a variety of on-campus events from senior speeches, to athletic competitions to performing arts events.

At the same time students are looked after by their dorm parents, (who are also teachers at the school), who have apartments on the same floor as students.  The dorm parents will be sure the student is thriving academically and socially; encouraging students to get their homework done, eat healthy foods and get proper rest.

Life Long Friendships are Formed Here

Most students have roommates, often from different countries.  Sharing the experience of being away from home with people from all over the world is a strong start to life-long friendships.

Hanging out with friends in the common spaces, going downstairs for a game of badminton in the afternoon, group board game competitions with teacher supervisors and fun outings on weekends creates opportunities for bonding and the development of a network of friends from around the world.  After graduation our students will join a world-wide network of alumni.

Dorm Parents Rock!

Our Dorm Parents are a dedicated group of International educators who look after the wellbeing of our boarding students. They assist with assignments, logistics and assuring the students are enjoying their time away while studying and growing. Most of our Faculty live in our residence hall, some with their families and pets, and serve as on-site guardians for our students. Dorm students have an opportunity to interact with community members while dining, recreating and studying. The community has baking and cooking sessions in their Teaching kitchens, spontaneous tutoring sessions, and hang-out time when students need a dose of home.

Weekends

There are plenty of activities organized for the weekends. Students have access to the full range of school resources at designated times including the pool, the weight room, the soccer pitch and the net sports. Excursions to the local malls, movie theatres, IKEA, or even to Singapore are regularly scheduled and chaperoned by teachers.  Recent trips included an visiting an Edible park, horseback riding and recent movie releases with friends on campus. Time for studying is always allowed and dedicated spaces on campus are utilized for the dorm students.

Student Apartments

Students live in two room apartments which include a sleeping area, a dedicated bathroom in each suite, and a lounge and study area where each student has their own desk. Each apartment is shared by up to four students. Just down the hall is their dorm parent where a listening ear is always available when a student needs an adult or is feeling homesick. Our dorm parents are all International edcators at the school, and most of our Faculty also live in the dormitories.

Sample Daily Schedule 
(Schedules differ)

Time	Activity
7:00 - 8:30	Wake, dress, breakfast in canteen, gather books for class.
8:30 - 9:55	Math Class
10:05 - 11:30	Science Class
11:40 – 12:20	Lunch
12:30 – 1:55	PE
2:05 – 3:40	English/Social Studies
4:00 – 5:00	Football Practice
6:00 – 7:00	Dinner
7:00 – 8:45	Study Time
10:00	Bed Time

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