Work Hard, Play Hard
When a learner is ready for our Navigators Studio (similar to a public middle school), the work of building competence begins.
Thinking through history
Imagine if your history classes weren't watching a slideshow lecture, but rather putting yourself in the shoes of a hero of old in a historical dilemma and arguing the point for what you would do. That's Civilization in Navigators.
Writing is Thinking
If writing in a traditional class is regurgitating facts in a boring format, writing at Acton is about thinking deeply and communicating it. No arbitrary grades, peer review on every work in the search for excellence.
Real Projects
So how are learners graded? Just like they will be for the rest of their life... by their results. Real projects come in the form of businesses, performances, and exhibits.
It's About the Tribe
What can make learning so enjoyable your young hero actually wants to come to school? It’s friends of course, and at Forge they are questing with their tribe all day long, not just in the margins. And even better, each year there are quests about building community and forming real friendships.
Daily Schedule
Forge is all about learning self governance. Just like the real world, learners manage their own schedule in large blocks of time with deadlines. The morning is generally spent on individual learning while the afternoons are spent questing on projects and electives with friends.
Core Skills
(9am to Lunch)Every day is launched with a Socratic discussion. What better way to get the brain moving than a healthy debate about an important topic. Then it's off to the races for BYO Math curriculum (most of our learners use Khan Academy), Typing, Reading, Prepping for Civilization Debates, and working on your writing projects.
Afternoon Questing
(Lunch to 3:15pm)Quests are massive 4 to 6 week projects followed by an exhibition of work completed or learning. Projects can vary from building a business, designing a city electrical grid, or making a friendship plan for life. A couple days a week are spent on personal quests from programming to drama to carpentry to 3D modeling.
FAQ
Where is Navigator Studio?
Where is Navigator Studio?
Beginning in the 2026 school year, we are located on our permanent 4-acre campus on Corral Creek Road between Newberg and Sherwood (previously located at Camp Tilikum).
How much is tuition?
How much is tuition?
2026-2027 tuition is a $600 registration + $5,150/yr per learner paid over 9 months ($572/mo), with a 10% reduction for the second learner and 20% for the third.
What ages are you accepting?
What ages are you accepting?
We are accepting ages 12 (or perhaps even younger) to 14. Because of the intense amount of self-direction required, consider carefully whether your learner is capable and eager to take on the rigor and challenge of this type of learning.
Is there any religious affiliation?
Is there any religious affiliation?
While we expose children to the importance of mindful spirituality and stress the historical importance of Christianity to the development of Western Civilization, we do not promote any one religion.
What's the calendar look like?
What's the calendar look like?
School begins after Labor Day and ends by Memorial Day. Breaks throughout the year are determined by our quest/project schedule which last about 4 to 6 weeks of hard work followed by 1 week off.
How many heroes are in the studio?
How many heroes are in the studio?
We can accommodate up to 15 learners in the Navigators Studio.
Who is the guide?
Who is the guide?
Matt Johnson (school founder) and Rachael Boyle guide the Navigators Studio.
What is meant by a Hero's journey?
What is meant 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.
Will children be grouped into grades?
Will children be grouped into grades?
We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. We have 3 age groups: K-2nd (Spark), 3rd-6th (Explorers), and 7th-8th (Navigators).
Does Forge serve special needs children?
Does Forge serve special needs children?
We are not trained to serve children with serious learning disabilities but have been able to serve young heroes with dyslexia if they receive outside support.
What is meant by "Every Child Can Change the World"?
What is meant by "Every Child Can Change the World"?
We believe each of our students 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.
Is Forge accredited in any way?
Is Forge accredited in any way?
Yes, Forge is IALDS accredited. More information is available at https://ialds.org/