Online Studios
The Forest School Online utilizes online spaces where learners meet in mixed-age classrooms called Studios. Studios meet on Zoom synchronously each day to collaborate on challenges given during our Signature Learning Experiences, give and receive real time feedback, and community building. Between synchronous meetups, learners and Guides use Slack as our school platform for ongoing communication and collaboration.
The Studio environment is designed to be learner-led. Guides facilitate each synchronous experience with socratic discussions and real-world challenges with the help of visiting experts. Each Studio runs as a democracy in which learners establish their own norms in a Studio Contract each year. Learners and Guides hold each other accountable to their contract through ongoing and real time feedback.
For families that travel extensively, we operate Studios in two time zones: Transatlantic (Eastern Time) and Asia-Oceania (Indochina Time). Learners may attend one Studio regularly, or move between Studios as needed based on their travels.
Read more about each Studio below to find the best fit for your family.
Transatlantic
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDIO
(5th-8th grade)
The Middle School Studio (MS) is for learners in grade levels 5-8 (ages 10-13) who have already proven that they are able to work independently and are hungry for real-world experience to find their calling that will change the world. Learners apprentice in a career industry of their own interest. They also continue collaborating and building strong character with their peers through synchronous and asynchronous signature learning experiences. Through the Studio’s blended learning model, learners accrue a canon of skills and dispositions to position them to be ready for defining their next great adventure in high school.
*This Studio operates in Eastern Time (USA), with learners based in North America, South America, Europe, and Africa.
Transatlantic
HIGH SCHOOL STUDIO
(9th-12th grade)
The High School Studio (HS) is for learners in grade levels 9-12 (ages 14-18). HS is highly customizable and designed for self directed learners who believe school should be the place where they explore their interests and accomplish their goals. HS learners authorize their own narratives through apprenticeships, learner-designed courses, and self-paced courses to master the skills they need for their futures. Through synchronous and asynchronous signature learning experiences, HS maintain strong bonds as they develop together creating the futures only they can imagine.
*This Studio operates in Eastern Time (USA), with learners based in North America, South America, Europe, and Africa.
Asia-Oceania
MIDDLE-HIGH STUDIO
(5th-9th grade)
The combined Middle-High Studio (MSHS) is for learners in grade levels 5-12 (ages 10-18). The MSHS Studio follows the same great model and approaches from our Transatlantic Studios, but operating in a time zone appropriate for learners in Asia, Australia, and the Pacific/Oceania region (Hawaii). Learners based in the western hemisphere who are traveling extensively may switch to our Asia-Oceania Studio during periods of travel. Learners based in the western hemisphere that prefer a night time schedule are also welcome to join our this Studio.
*This Studio operates in Indochina time (UTC+07.00), with learners based in or traveling to Asia and the Pacific.