Our Approach
1. Kids can change the world.
2. Kids do best when they take charge of their own learning.
Launching Fall 2018, The Forest School at Pinewood Forest is a 21st century one-room schoolhouse with learner-driven technology, Socratic discussions, hands-on projects, and real-world apprenticeships in a character forging community.
Our Promises to Your Child
He or she will...
- Begin a Hero's Journey.
- Learn to be curious, become an independent learner, and love lifelong learning.
- Discover his or her most precious gifts, along with the dedication it takes to develop real talent.
- Understand the importance of strong character.
- Cherish the arts, wonders of the physical world, & the mystery of life.
- Treasure economic, political, & religious freedom.
core beliefs
1. We believe each child has a gift that can change the world in a profound way.
2. We believe in a closely connected family of lifelong learners.
3. we believe in learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be.
4. We believe in economic, political, and religious freedom.
Our Methods of Learning
SOCRATIC GUIDING
Socratic Discussions and self paced challenges equip children to be independent lifelong learners.
E-LEARNING
Using the latest in educational technology in a purposeful, meaningful way allows students to learn at their own level and pace.
HANDS-ON + QUEST-BASED LEARNING
Hands-on Quests for the arts, entrepreneurship, and science prepare children for Apprenticeships and real world challenges.
STUDENT-DRIVEN LEARNING
In a democratic environment of empowered learners, children have choice and voice in the learning process .
joy + rigor + grit = mastery
Deep learning brings a special sense of joy but embracing rigor is a part of saying 'yes' to a Hero's Journey. Mastery requires commitment, discipline, and hard work towards a worthy goal.
At The Forest School, children are trusted and empowered to be responsible for their own learning, and to use their learning to change the world. Our learner-driven community puts children at the center of their learning, allowing them to create and maintain personal goals, relational covenants, and real world meaningful work.
what sets us apart
1. We have Socratic Guides not Teachers
2. We have mixed-age Studios not Classrooms
3. We have Portfolios + Exhibitions not Grades
4. We have Contracts and Covenants not Rules
5. We ask Questions not Lecture
6. No homework
7. Hands-on + E-learning
8. Students learn at their own pace
9. Travel is encouraged
10. Apprenticeships begin in middle school
Learners at The Forest School learn together in mixed-age classrooms, bringing the classic one-room schoolhouse into the modern age. Kids learn to mentor and be mentored by one another. Guides—our term for teachers—are not lecturers, but facilitators of student growth. Learners and parents track learner growth on an online dashboard updated daily.