FAQ
What age range do you accept at The Forest School?
We are currently accepting learners ages 4 through 18 for our Spark, Elementary, Middle, and High School Studios. The Forest School Online accepts learners grades 3-12.
In what ways are you diverse?
We believe learning is better in a diverse environment. As a community we want to bring together families from across lines of difference to help them know, love, and support one another. We strive to maximize diversity across six dimensions:
race
economics
gender
age
religion
school background
Currently The Forest School includes 48% families of color and 33% families on scholarship. Learn more here.
Why Guides instead of teachers?
We believe self-directed learners with strong character will be the leaders of the next generation.
What is the school calendar and what does The Forest School cost?
The Forest School runs eleven months a year, typically with four to seven week “sprints” followed by a week off. Tuition varies by year and can be seen here.
What kind of learner thrives at The Forest School?
Children who love to learn, are curious, self-motivated, and respectful. Our environment is an accelerator for the independent learner who can tackle challenging questions, follow instructions, and solve problems.
Is The Forest School accredited?
Yes. We are accredited by the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools and the Georgia Accrediting Commission. The Forest School Online is also accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
What do you mean by “Every child can change the world”?
We believe each of our learners will find a passion — something they love and have a gift to do. They will use this gift to serve others and fulfill a need they are passionate about in the world. This may be by becoming a shoe-shiner who tells stories and makes people's day just by doing his job with love and vigor; it may be by becoming a coach who sees the light in a child’s eyes and guides her to pursue a dream; it may be by becoming a father or mother who leads a family on a Hero's Journey; it may be becoming an entrepreneur or business leader guided by compassion and integrity; or it may be by becoming an artist or writer who brings beauty to people's lives.
How do you measure how a child is progressing at The Forest School?
We measure learner progress in several different ways:
We set Daily, Weekly, and Session goals between the learner and the Guides. Learners share these goals with parents and caregivers.
We utilize robust real-time data for each of our online learning tools. At any given time both parents and Guides can find out exactly what their student is learning. It easily allows us to track progress, identify areas of struggle, and close any learning gaps. The staff is alerted if a learner gets anymore than 2 wrong in a row. Having a small class size, we are able to work one-on-one with the student to make sure that we can close gaps and help them master the skill. The web-based programs don’t allow the student to move on to the next skill until it has been mastered. Our Guides receive training in helping kids get unstuck, embrace a growth mindset, and develop grit.
We utilize individual portfolios where each learner showcases and adds their best work. We can measure their growth in things such as History, Writer’s Workshops, and any Quest using projects we have completed.
Though we never “teach to the test,” standardized tests are given each year to provide useful benchmark data.
Is The Forest School like Montessori?
The Forest School uses the best of Montessori methods: mixed-age classrooms, student choice within limits, large blocks of work time, learning through “discovery,” and freedom of movement in the classroom. Then we go three important steps further by using the best 21st century e-Learning tools, immersing learners in real-world projects, and adhering to the Socratic method of instruction, which emphasizes asking and answering questions to cultivate critical thinking. Our learners don’t just memorize facts; they learn how to learn, learn how to do, learn how to be, and learn how to live together.
Is The Forest School a religious school?
While we guide children to explore mindfulness, ethical principles, and the significance of religion in history and the development of society, we are not a religious school. We value and respect each individual’s beliefs.
How does The Forest School promote and develop the character of learners?
At The Forest School, we desire to see every student flourish and find their calling that will change the world, That is why character development is integrated into every child’s experience. We form both the head and the heart of the student utilizing four character virtue domains that correspond to our learning outcomes
Learn to Learn | Intellectual Virtues - Cultivating the mind of a learner through virtues that empower students to pursue knowledge, truth, and understanding
Learn to Be | Moral Virtues - Cultivating the identity of the learner through virtues that develop an empathetic heart for the good of humanity.
Learning to Live Together | Civic Virtues - Cultivating the worldview of a learner to become an engaged citizen in an ever-increasing complex world.
Learn to Do | Performance Virtues - Cultivating the work of the learning to create value, participate in society, and do good in the world
Do you serve special needs children?
We are not trained or staffed to serve children with serious learning disabilities, special needs, or who need specialized attention. If you are interested in The Forest School and believe it is a great fit for your family, please inquire and we will personally assess your unique situation and the fit of your young learner.
Are you a part of a chain or franchise?
We are not a franchise or chain. The Forest School is an independent school, part of an affiliate network that partners with the founding Acton Academy in Austin, Texas. Our network of affiliates are passionate about revolutionizing education, pursuing best practices, and have agreed to protect a learner-driven environment. Each affiliate follows their own methods in keeping with these commitments and vary based on the leadership at each school and community they serve.