What’s a good life? Forest’s 9th school year has begun!

spark studio

What about Core Skills?

Our first week back was packed with games, team challenges designed to build confidence, fun activities, outdoor adventures, and plenty of opportunities to form new friendships. There was very little introduction to Core Skills because we wanted to focus on reconnecting, building community, and helping everyone feel at home. As the first day came to an end and the learners were told it was almost time to go home, we were met with an unexpected response. The room filled with cries of, "What about Core Skills?" and "I didn't get to do any work!"

After talking it through, we discovered something wonderful: while the games and activities were fun, our learners were eager to get back to learning. Even though our Rules of Engagement were part of every day's launch, the learners made it clear they wanted Core Skills back in the daily schedule. So that's exactly what we did. Their voices helped shape our routine, and before long, it felt like we had never even left for the summer.

Although one-third of our learners are new to Spark, it already feels like they've always been part of our community. We watched new friendships blossom, old friendships grow deeper, leaders emerge, curiosity flourish, and learners encourage one another every step of the way.

This is what a self-directed school looks like. Our learners recognized what they needed, communicated it, and took ownership of shaping their daily experience. It was a beautiful reminder that when children are trusted with real responsibility, they rise to the occasion.
It has been a joy to watch our youngest heroes walk in independently, confidently try new things, welcome new learners with kindness, and continue growing into capable, compassionate individuals.

We're off to an incredible start and can't wait to see what this school year has in store!

lower elementary studio

An Amazing First Week in Lower Elementary!

What an incredible first week it has been in Lower Elementary! Our Heroes jumped right into Studio life by participating in a variety of math, language, geography, and team-building games during their Core Skills rotations.

In the afternoons, heroes strengthened their creativity, communication, and collaboration through several exciting challenges. During the Story Challenge, they found an item outside and used it as inspiration to create an original story. They also completed a Bingo Scavenger Hunt, which helped them get to know one another and become more familiar with the Studio.

Another favorite activity was Robot Guide. One Hero closed their eyes while their partner carefully guided them through a maze using clear directions. This challenge encouraged trust, patience, careful listening, and teamwork.

Our Heroes also participated in their first DRIP Friday! After a wonderful week of Core Skills, Studio Maintenance, collaboration, and responsible choices, every Hero unlocked the Persistence Mission. We were so proud to see them continue working, helping one another, and staying committed even when activities felt challenging.

We ended the week with an exciting Squad Reveal! Heroes discovered their new Squads and worked together to create banners representing who they are as a team. It was a joyful way to celebrate a successful first week and begin building a strong Lower Elementary community.

We cannot wait to see how our Heroes continue to grow, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning throughout the year!

upper elementary studio

The Best First Week Ever?

We've spent weeks preparing the Studio, planning Quests, designing learning experiences, and getting everything ready for Session 1. But as exciting as all of that is, nothing compares to having the learners back. Seeing familiar faces (and welcoming new ones!) is a wonderful reminder of why we're here—to help young people grow, flourish, and discover who they are. We already know this is going to be an amazing group.

This week was all about building our tribe.

We laughed our way through the Rock, Paper, Scissors World Cup, worked together during the Silent Line-Up Challenge, carefully navigated the Mission Impossible: Cross the Laser Maze Challenge, and learned more about one another with Get to Know You Bingo. The grand prize? A potato, of course—which has since been officially adopted and named Timmy the Potato by Halle. (We're sure Timmy has a bright future ahead.)

We also kicked off several important launches that will shape our learning this session.

Mr. Hadrian shared a story about growing up and feeling an unexpected sense of belonging while visiting his Malay relatives, despite looking very different from them. Together, we explored what it really means to belong and how we can create a studio where every learner feels seen, valued, and welcomed.

We also learned about Frederick Douglass and how learning to read transformed the course of his life, reminding us that literacy is one of the greatest tools for freedom and opportunity.

Mr. K challenged learners to think about mental toughness through the idea of the Diamond Gym, exploring how challenges and struggles help us grow stronger over time.

Our major learning experiences are officially underway!

Story Arts launched with learners creating expert presentations, with opportunities for many to extend their work into short educational video reels.

Our Quest, Operation: Fireproofing Fayetteville, invites learners to partner with the Fayetteville Fire Department to think like Community Risk Reduction consultants. Throughout the session, they'll investigate fire science, emergency planning, and building safety as they develop an Emergency Response Plan for Trilith Live, one of the community's largest and most complex facilities.

In Civilization (Civ), we're traveling back to the 1500s and 1600s to explore the Age of Exploration, the Reformation, and the Enlightenment. Learners will step into the shoes of world leaders, wrestle with difficult decisions, and discover how ideas, exploration, trade, and innovation reshaped the world.

Finally, we've begun building the culture of our studio together. Learners helped establish our Non-Negotiables, Studio Contract, Rules of Engagement, and began participating in Council and Town Hall—important traditions that give learners ownership of our community and help create a respectful, supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

As always, we've intentionally left out many of the details. Instead of reading about them here, we encourage you to ask your learner! Some great conversation starters might be:

What was the most fun Build the Tribe activity?
Who is Timmy the Potato?
What did you learn from Frederick Douglass?
What is the Diamond Gym?
What is your Quest this Session?
What happened in the 1500s and 1600s?
What are the Studio Contract and Rules of Engagement?

We hope you'll enjoy hearing the stories directly from them. They should have plenty to share.

Here's to a fantastic start to Session 1—we can't wait to see where this journey takes us!

middle school studio

Growing Independent and Leadership

Building the Tribe in our Middle School Studio this week has been an excellent adventure! Heroes began the year by participating in a variety of team-building activities designed to strengthen communication, collaboration, and trust. We had a lot of fun competing in teams during our “camp-style” games, especially the cup flip challenge! These activities gave heroes opportunities to solve problems together, encourage their teammates, and practice responding positively when a plan did not work the first time.

Important work is also happening in the development of our Rules of Engagement for Studio self-governance. Heroes are discussing what respectful, focused, and productive participation should look and sound like during launches and Socratic discussions. We are also enthusiastically examining learner candidates for Council. This is an exciting opportunity for heroes to take on meaningful leadership roles, listen to the needs of the Studio, and help protect the culture they are creating together.

Heroes also began building their Badge Plans and getting to know their Running Partners. These partnerships will eventually support goal setting, accountability, encouragement, and reflection throughout the year. For now, learners are beginning to build relationships and understand how they can support one another as they grow. We look forward to really “locking in” during Core Skills, developing strong routines, and tracking evidence of progress throughout what we know will be a fulfilling year.

This week also marked the beginning of our Future Me Financial Quest! Heroes are stepping into the role of their future selves as they begin exploring the choices and responsibilities that come with adult life. Throughout the Quest, they will investigate careers, income, housing, transportation, budgeting, saving, and other real-world financial decisions. This week, learners began developing the foundational financial vocabulary they will need to make informed choices and successfully navigate the challenges ahead.

In Civilization, heroes traveled back to 1453 to explore the fall of Constantinople and the beginning of the Renaissance. They examined how major historical changes can influence trade, technology, exploration, art, education, and the spread of new ideas. Learners began making connections between these developments and considering which events represented the most important turning points in history.

Heroes also began work on their public service announcements, or PSAs. They are thinking carefully about how media can be used to inform an audience, inspire action, and bring attention to an important issue. As they move forward, learners will develop clear messages, consider their intended audiences, and practice using persuasive communication techniques.

It has been a full and exciting first week of learning, leadership, teamwork, and community building. We are proud of the energy our heroes have brought into the Studio and look forward to seeing them continue to grow as self-directed learners, thoughtful collaborators, and courageous leaders!

high school studio

Building Community and Exploring Civilization

This week was filled with growth, connection, and meaningful learning as our Heroes continued building the foundation for a successful year.
We began by ensuring every Hero understands the path ahead. We reviewed graduation requirements, discussed what success looks like, and helped Heroes better understand how their choices impact their journey. Each Hero also completed an individual check-in with Ms. Brittney to discuss goals, progress, and areas where they may need support. Heroes also created their Badge Plans to help them map out their learning goals and growth throughout the year.

Heroes strengthened their academic skills through Math Lab with Ms. Rhonda, while also participating in several studio-wide discussions focused on new changes, expectations, and how we can continue building a strong studio culture. We also had many team-building activities this week that brought laughter, collaboration, and opportunities for Heroes to connect with one another.

Civilization: Our First Signature Learning Experience
This week, we officially launched our first signature learning experience: Civilization.

We began by diving into one of history’s most complex topics: oppression. Rather than simply reading about oppression, Heroes participated in an immersive simulation designed to help them understand how oppressive systems begin and develop over time.
Through this experience, Heroes explored how systems of oppression can begin with decisions about who is considered “ideal,” who belongs, and who holds power. They discovered that oppression rarely happens through one single event; instead, it develops through a series of choices, beliefs, policies, and systems that gradually impact the lives of people and communities.

Next, Heroes will step into the role of historians as they investigate real societies throughout history that experienced oppression. They will analyze how these systems developed, how they affected the lives of oppressed groups, and how individuals responded within those societies.

The goal of this experience isn’t simply to memorize historical events. It is to help Heroes recognize patterns, think critically, develop empathy, and understand the human experiences behind history.

So far, we are off to a GREAT start! Our Heroes have shown incredible engagement, curiosity, and care for everything connected to our school year. One thing that has stood out the most is the growing sense of belonging within our studio. Heroes are building relationships, participating in conversations, and showing that they understand they are an important part of this community.

We are incredibly proud of the energy, effort, and ownership our Heroes have demonstrated already. Thank you for your continued partnership as we begin what promises to be an incredible year of growth, learning, and discovery!

Math Lab

Becoming a Self-Directed Math Learner

As learners show up for Math Lab, I feel the joy as they enter! I hope we can keep that spirit of excitement about how to solve problems using math as a central tool. My goal is to help learners realize that everyone can do and learn math, but that does not mean always getting a correct answer at first. It means learning to use mistakes and misunderstandings to prompt more research, use more resources, and lead to understanding and improved math fluency.

The more learners interact with problem solving using mathematics, the better they become at normalizing taking wrong turns in the process and correcting those. Some of the best mathematicians in history have taken huge wrong turns that have led to discovering new branches of mathematics.

This year, Session 1 is about learning what it takes to be your best self-directed math learner. We started the week with a group discussion “Is it possible to be bad at math?” I urge you to ask your Heroes how they would respond to that question. My hope is that if they believe that they are “bad at math” because they do not understand a problem at first attempt we can change that. By the end of this year, I want each internal dialog to be “I am great at using math to solve problems because I struggle.”

Session 1: Year 8, Week 1 In Review