Our Story
Throughout his life, Dr. Tyler Thigpen has seen how inspiring young people truly are. He has also seen how “school” too often gets in the way of young people finding their purpose and making an impact.
In 2018, Tyler was approached by developers to create a local school for makers, designers, and storytellers in the surging neighborhood of Trilith, home to one of the largest film studios in the world. Tyler worked with a team to create The Forest School: An Acton Academy—a place where children and families explore life’s most important questions, learn together, and experience joy in the process.
In 2020, The Forest School pivoted to online learning in response to COVID-19, providing students with flexibility while preserving its learner-driven model. Through this experience, the school discovered the power and potential of offering an education unbound by traditional classrooms—where learners could design their own studies, learn from anywhere, and receive guidance while working on projects that mattered to them.
Recognizing a growing demand for flexible, self-directed, globally accessible learning, The Forest School officially launched The Forest School Online in 2021. What began as an adaptation quickly evolved into an innovative learning experience, where students craft personalized Badge Plans, earn mastery-based credentials, and engage in Socratic discussions—whether at home, on the road, or in real-world apprenticeships.
Today, The Forest School Online continues to redefine education, empowering learners across the world to take ownership of their education, pursue meaningful work, and prepare for whatever path they choose—college, career, entrepreneurship, or beyond.