Application Step 2
Complete your research by watching the videos, reading the FAQs, and discussing as a family.
how is the Forest school model different from traditional school, and what is a micro-school?
The Forest School’s model is based on the micro-school concept and is an intentionally diverse, learner-driven community. A micro-school is a modernized version of the one-room school house with mixed-age level groupings, personalized education, a small student population, and lower overhead in operating structure. As a small school, it feels more like a family! We want to grow organically and have like-minded, mission-aligned families involved with The Forest School.
In addition to the micro-school structure, here are other characteristics that differentiate our model from traditional school:
Student-driven, self-paced learning
Real-world projects and apprenticeships
Student self-governance
Mixed-age classes
Guides rather than teachers
Socratic discussions rather than lectures
Exploration and assessment of skill levels, learning styles, aptitudes, personality traits, and interests
Mastery learning and student portfolios of achievements rather than grades
No homework
No teaching to the test
As a family, watch this video for a behind the scenes look…
what is a "learner-driven community"?
First, we are self-directed, meaning that young people are in charge of their own learning. Second, we are a community of learners in which students are bound together by their pledge to hold themselves and each other to high standards. We believe self-directed learners with strong character will be the leaders of the next generation.
As a family, watch these videos for a behind the scenes look…
Why do you have Guides not teachers?
This difference is the biggest and most important differentiator of our school. We believe that when rightly motivated and supported, young people can learn to shoulder the responsibility for, and ultimately direct, their own learning. Below is an in-depth look at the differences between teacher-led and learner-led environments…
how does the school look and feel?
Forest School parents, learners, and Guides made these videos to shed light on the school’s signature learning experiences. Please watch at least 8-10 of these with your children before completing the formal application below. Parent testimonies can be seen here.
what grades do you offer?
While we won't have traditional grade levels, we serve children ages 4-18. We started very small in Fall 2018 with like-minded families to build a strong community and solid foundation.
We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than splitting into groups based solely on age. In addition to an individualized curriculum, students of all ages work together in groups.
Our Studios—long-term groupings will look something like this:
Ages 4-6 Spark Studio
Learners in the Spark Studio engage with a combination of Montessori works, e-learning, and hands-on projects, and explorations.
Ages 7-10 Elementary Studio
The Elementary Studio is where children become more fully immersed in a learner-led model where they independently set out on their Hero's Journey to explore, create, and discover their unique abilities. While there is some teaching, learners are eventually weaned off of direction instruction and moved towards self-directed learning.
Ages 11-13/14 Middle School Studio
Ages 13/14-18 High School Studio
our language and philosophy
Students are Learners or Heroes.
We have Guides not Teachers.
We have Studios not Classrooms.
We have Portfolios and Exhibitions not Grades.
We have Contracts not arbitrary Rules.
Our learners find their own Apprenticeships.
We are Socratic and do not lecture.
We build our curriculum around the Hero’s Journey.
Our Philosophy
Clear thinking leads to good decisions.
Good decisions lead to the right habits.
The right habits lead to character.
Character becomes destiny.
what do you mean by a Hero's Journey?
We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.
why do you put so much emphasis on character and growth mindset?
When you look at the world as a hero, you welcome challenges, embrace responsibility, and act kindly towards others, all while being grateful for the opportunities that have come your way. We treat each child who enters our doors as a Hero on a Hero’s Journey. Our goal is to equip and inspire young heroes with the mindset, skills, and courage to change the world, all the while realizing that perseverance, character and grit are far more important than raw talent.
what is an independent learner?
Someone who can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems, admit that they don’t know something, figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock without asking an adult for help, participate in group discussions, and strive for mastery.
Check out these two videos that show how we think about independent learning…
how will my child stay on task in a self-directed environment?
Our approach is relationship-based. When caring adults and trained educators hold learners accountable to pursue the goals they set for themselves, then their development will accelerate.
A child's ability to set and track goals in order to evaluate progress is essential to success in a learner-driven, individualized program. Children need a lot of practice setting specific, measurable goals that are challenging but realistic. For younger ages, our Guides are hands-on and walk them through this approach.
In all our Studios, children set weekly and daily goals, track progress, and establish a rhythm of meeting with peers to hold each other accountable. In addition, they will develop an agreement with the Guides to set boundaries for acceptable behavior and rules for engagement in the classroom.
We believe that learning to set goals, challenging yourself, and practice self-leadership are critical skills for the real world.
As a family, watch this video to understand how learners stay motivated…
how much homework will there be?
We believe that children need time to play, relax, and be with family and friends. There will not be any homework assigned. We find that children educated in this way become passionate about learning and have no trouble keeping themselves busy. If learners repeatedly choose not to do their work at school, then there will be homework if they are to remain on track. However, learners who learn to “get in flow” and be productive at school will not have homework.
how do students compare on standardized tests?
Our learners are progressing 2-4 grade levels above students their age. On average Forest School elementary learners are 3 to 5 months ahead of their peers nationally, middle school learners are two years ahead, and high schoolers are three years ahead.
how much screen time will learners have?
Technology is a useful tool and we are excited for our students to learn how to responsibly use computers to access information, communicate effectively, and learn independently. In our Studios, learners will learn about the responsible use of technology, which will be used primarily for research and core skills. In addition to plenty of tech-free, hands-on learning opportunities, children will spend an ample amount of free time outdoors each day. Spark learners (ages 4-6) are online max 20 minutes per day. Elementary learners average 45 minutes to 2 hours daily. Middle and High School learners average 2 to 3 hours online daily.
how do you prepare kids for college or if they decide to transition to a traditional school?
Our graduates have been accepted into a number of public and private colleges and universities including some of the most elite schools in the world, including Georgia Tech, Howard, SCAD, Brown, Loyola, Marquette, Auburn, Mercer, Kennesaw State, NCA&T, and more.
Our heroes learn problem-solving, resilience, empathy, listening skills, and personal organization. These skills are transferable to every area of life, including more traditional schooling. Children with experience setting their own learning goals and managing their time will thrive in a college setting.
Although we don’t issue grades to students, all core work is tracked, managed, and saved by our Guides. We are able to provide records upon request.
what kind of parent commitment is involved?
One of our main purposes in creating The Forest School is to bring together a diverse, community of like-minded families. In addition to parent-Guide conferences, we invite families to engage in our welcome and closing parties, the public Exhibitions of our learners, monthly parent coffees, and our regular feedback surveys. To keep track of their child's learning, as a minimum we encourage parents to ask their children about their goal setting at the beginning of the week, and to follow up at the end of the week.
What are the most common struggles parents experience at The Forest School?
Over the years, we’ve seen parents struggle with the following…
Letting go and getting comfortable with letting their learners fail and learn from failing through natural consequences.
Letting go and letting learners learn at their own pace, as opposed to making sure they learn something in accordance with some idea of when their child should learn that thing.
Learning to communicate directly with their child instead of with a Guide (our term for teacher) so we keep learners at the center.
Realizing their child is sometimes exposed at school to more mature topics because of being in a mixed age learning environment.
Understanding all the new school lingo and simply being a beginner at this new way of learning.
Letting go and letting learners self govern, instead of adults stepping in like they’re used to.
Letting go of agendas (short and long term plans) that parents and caregivers have for their child’s careers, as opposed to following the learner’s calling.
Learning how to monitor and track their child’s progress over time (especially without grades).
Seeing their learner face challenges with their friends as they learn to give and receive feedback in an intentionally diverse environment.
Despite the above realities being challenging, we welcome these challenges as they are giving our learners what researchers call “productive struggle” so they can learn to become independent. That said, which of the following will be most challenging for you?
will kids have time for unstructured play outdoors?
Absolutely. Unstructured, outdoor play will be built into the daily schedule as well as opportunities for children to take their work outdoors and take short breaks to mentally reset throughout their school day.
school calendar and hours
Our learning model is based on an eleven-month calendar. We believe that children learn best when they have time to rest between educational units (Sessions), and when they experience a shorter summer break that allows them to maintain their subject interest, passion for learning and academic progress from the previous year. The sessions will last around four to seven weeks with a one (or sometimes two) week break in between. We will be closed in the summer for approximately half of June, the full month of July, and the beginning of August.
Learners will arrive between 8:00-8:30am, and the school day will begin promptly at 8:30am. Pick up is between 3:15-3:30pm.
If there is significant demand, we will consider offering daily enrichment activities during after school hours which will be open to the surrounding community.
what is the attendance policy?
We value freedom and flexibility. Families will not be penalized for travel or days off to pursue family and personal endeavors. However, if attendance is extremely low, we may need to reevaluate if our program is right for the family and free up the spot for someone on our waiting list.
location of The Forest School
The Forest School is temporarily located at the Trilith Studios Production Center—461 Sandy Creek Road, Fayetteville, GA— just outside of Trilith. We have identified a site in Trilith for the school’s long term home. We will announce long term plans as soon as details are finalized.
Check out this video featuring our school’s neighborhood!
next steps
To finish your research, please make sure you have thoroughly reviewed our website and especially our blog and videos, which provide further context.
If you want to learn more from a parent's perspective, check out Acton Academy cofounder Laura Sandefer’s blog for parents.
If you want to explore deeply the principles of The Forest School, please read Unschooling Rules by Clark Aldrich and/or Courage to Grow by Acton Acadmey co-founder, Laura Sandefer, for the story of Acton Academy.
We will add you to our email list and notify you with important updates.
Liking our Facebook page and/or following us on Instagram or Twitter is another way to stay informed.
Formal Application
If you feel like The Forest School is the right fit for your family, after you have done your research—thoroughly reviewed our website and FAQ, read The Forest School blog, read "Unschooling Rules" or "Courage to Grow," and viewed all recommended articles and videos from our Resources page—then we invite you to finish your online application (on the TADs platform) and submit a short video introducing us to your family.
Video responses:
Why do you want to be part of The Forest School?
What do you enjoy doing together? Or whatever you would like to share with us so that we can get to know you.