Though Matthew began school in NYC at Grace Church School, it was at Far Hills Country Day School that he really matured. It was at FHCDS where he was surrounded by amazing lifelong friends that continue to reach out to our family, and a caring faculty that focused on his educational development, that Matthew found academic success. Despite his limitations, Matthew succeeded in attaining High Honors or Honors, every semester. The school recognizes that each child learns differently and that a differentiated approach to instruction is essential to academic success. One of our greatest achievements is the establishment of the Matthew Academic Learning Lab or, as it is affectionately known- the MALL. The MALL is a dedicated learning space with educational specialists to provide individual assistance and customized instruction and strategies to unlock a student’s potential. FHCDS has completely embraced the program and we hear from all the students that have used the MALL that it has been an essential tool in their learning.
FHCDS recognizes a student’s achievements and successes by awarding a silver bowl at graduation. Because Matthew was so successful there, despite the physical adversity he suffered, the Matthew C. Baumeister Mentorship Award is given annually to a student who has succeeded despite any substantial personal challenges.