Educating every student as the unique human they are.
Educating every student as the unique human they are.
Instead of asking if your child is smart, our focus is on asking how is your child smart.
Instead of asking if your child is smart, our focus is on asking how is your child smart.
THE STUDENT
Our vision is that every child will leave Forge with the clarity about who they are and their place in the world; and the capacity to create a positive, meaningful and impactful life.
We do this by building Next Generation leaders with the core capabilities of Story Telling, Problem Solving, and Prototyping.
In addition, we instill 6 Attributes in each student:
THE SHIFT
The traditional education system fails to uncover an individual student’s unique talents and gifts.
The system presupposes that students, and the ways in which they learn, are the same. Thus, many students are left disengaged, labeled, overlooked, and sorely lacking in self-confidence. This system, in no way, sets our youth up to be highly functioning adults.
At Forge, we firmly believe that every student has unique talents and gifts and have implemented 5 shifts in education.
Forge is focused on building leaders
capable of thriving in the
next-generation workforce.
These next-generation capabilities
are Problem-Solving, Prototyping,
and Storytelling. Being adepta
t these 3 capabilities produces
a strong sense of self.
In addition, next-generation leaders
will be required to have a
set of attributes to navigate globalun
certainty and complexity.
These attributes are Confidence,
Creativity, Compassion, Curiosity,
Courage, and Collaboration.
Forge teachers are best-in-the-world
at designing experiences that unlock
your child’s passion and potential.
via “report cards”. The growth of
a student’s experience and capacity
is shown through his/her
cumulative body of work.
We are developing a proprietary
software platform (ENSMBL) to track
a student’s body of work overtime;
to ensure that they realize
the fullness of their potential –
whether their path forward is
college, entrepreneurial, or some
combination thereof.
Students are evaluated three times
a year against their level of mastery
against the three Competencies
and six Leadership Attributes.
We do not grade or rank students.
via “report cards”. The growth of
a student’s experience and capacity
is shown through his/her
cumulative body of work.
We are developing a proprietary
software platform (ENSMBL) to track
a student’s body of work overtime;
to ensure that they realize
the fullness of their potential –
whether their path forward is
college, entrepreneurial, or some
combination thereof.
Students are evaluated three times
a year against their level of mastery
against the three Competencies
and six Leadership Attributes.
We do not grade or rank students.
that genius is other-worldly and
that there’s one path to brilliance.
Instead of asking“if your child is smart”,
our focus is on asking
“how your child is smart”.
Forge is focused on building leaders
capable of thriving in the
next-generation workforce.
These next-generation capabilities
are Problem-Solving, Prototyping,
and Storytelling. Being adepta
t these 3 capabilities produces
a strong sense of self.
In addition, next-generation leaders
will be required to have a
set of attributes to navigate globalun
certainty and complexity.
These attributes are Confidence,
Creativity, Compassion, Curiosity,
Courage, and Collaboration.
Forge teachers are best-in-the-world
at designing experiences that unlock
your child’s passion and potential.
via “report cards”. The growth of
a student’s experience and capacity
is shown through his/her
cumulative body of work.
We are developing a proprietary
software platform (ENSMBL) to track
a student’s body of work overtime;
to ensure that they realize
the fullness of their potential –
whether their path forward is
college, entrepreneurial, or some
combination thereof.
Students are evaluated three times
a year against their level of mastery
against the three Competencies
and six Leadership Attributes.
We do not grade or rank students.
via “report cards”. The growth of
a student’s experience and capacity
is shown through his/her
cumulative body of work.
We are developing a proprietary
software platform (ENSMBL) to track
a student’s body of work overtime;
to ensure that they realize
the fullness of their potential –
whether their path forward is
college, entrepreneurial, or some
combination thereof.
Students are evaluated three times
a year against their level of mastery
against the three Competencies
and six Leadership Attributes.
We do not grade or rank students.
that genius is other-worldly and
that there’s one path to brilliance.
Instead of asking“if your child is smart”,
our focus is on asking
“how your child is smart”.
Forge is focused on building leaders
capable of thriving in the
next-generation workforce.
These next-generation capabilities
are Problem-Solving, Prototyping,
and Storytelling. Being adept at
these 3 capabilities produces a
strong sense of self.
In addition, next-generation leaders
will be required to have a set
of attributes to navigate global
uncertainty and complexity.
These attributes are Confidence,
Creativity, Compassion, Curiosity,
Courage, and Collaboration.
Forge teachers are best-in-the-world
at designing experiences that unlock
your child’s passion and potential.
via “report cards”. The growth of
a student’s experience and capacity
is shown through his/her
cumulative body of work.
We are developing a proprietary
software platform (ENSMBL) to track
a student’s body of work overtime;
to ensure that they realize
the fullness of their potential –
whether their path forward is
college, entrepreneurial, or some
combination thereof.
Students are evaluated three times
a year against their level of mastery
against the three Competencies
and six Leadership Attributes.
We do not grade or rank students.
via “report cards”. The growth of
a student’s experience and capacity
is shown through his/her
cumulative body of work.
We are developing a proprietary
software platform (ENSMBL) to track
a student’s body of work overtime;
to ensure that they realize
the fullness of their potential –
whether their path forward is
college, entrepreneurial, or some
combination thereof.
Students are evaluated three times
a year against their level of mastery
against the three Competencies
and six Leadership Attributes.
We do not grade or rank students.
that genius is other-worldly and
that there’s one path to brilliance.
Instead of asking“if your child is smart”,
our focus is on asking
“how your child is smart”.
These immersive programs are distinctly supported by our Innovation Lab: equipped with state-of-the-art tools and technology: as well as extensive fieldwork and relevant travel expeditions. Because we have a mixed-age classroom, these immersives are scaled to age and developmental appropriate lessons.
The 2022/23 immersive area of study is Art and Architecture. This custom curriculum will take students on a journey through design practices, sketching, drawing, geometry, the study of historic architecture, design theory, structural engineering, physics, and environmental studies. Math, reading, and writing will all be addressed daily within the immersive. The Art portion of the immersive will be a direct fallout of the Architecture curriculum. For example, students may build a concrete planter, design a diorama, clay modeling of everyday objects, build a birds nest, experiment with shading and lines, perspective drawing, rendering practices via pencil, charcoal, watercolor, etc.
My family is fortunate to be part of the Forge community and I’m so thankful we made the leap. Sick of the status quo public education model, Forge has enabled our daughter to realize that she loves the act of learning. Diagnosed with dyslexia prior to the pandemic, she had major difficulties (social and emotional) with going to public school. Pulled out of class for reading groups was supposed to help but being removed from “normal” class only deepened the divide with her classmates. Public school couldn’t provide the support that she needed. When you are 1 of 30 kids in a classroom, it’s easy to get lost and not receive the support that is desperately needed. At Forge, the student to teacher ratio is low and consequently support is always available. The Forge model, while unique to education is simply inspirational. It just makes perfect sense. I went to Public school throughout k-12 and didn’t know there was an option. When first introduced to the Forge model, I certainly had loads of questions but am now 110% committed. My daughter now LOVES going to school. When going to public, she had real anxiety and dreaded the daily drop off. Her teachers at public school were amazing and we loved them but ultimately wasn’t the right fit for our daughter. Forge has now opened our eyes to what education can truly be, fun and full of joy which is what learning is all about. The opportunities and possibilities that our daughter has benefited from are endless. We were worried about her learning in the past but not anymore. I have complete confidence in the owners, teachers and Forge community. I’m so thankful for Forge and so is my daughter.
– Thomas Rothamel
Bend Nest Parenting Magazine article: Forging the Future: A radical new school opens in Bend
THE GPS
Genius. Passion. Spark.
Individualized projects that are student-driven and guided by our educators.
GPS is where a child discovers; through exposure, projects, tools; what their individual talents, passions, and genius are. Every Friday is dedicated to GPS.
One student may discover they are gifted at woodworking and derives great pleasure from creating handmade objects and wants to sell them to the public. Forge will support the student intellectually, emotionally, and financially in birthing and building this ambition. They will learn the entrepreneurial process from conception, design, launch and operating a business.
One student may discover a love for technology that started with building a Lego Robot. Because of this exposure, their interest in technology evolved into wanting to build their own desktop pc or laptop. Again, Forge will nurture this ambition as far as the student wants to take it – even if it means the student wants to attend MIT or the University of Oregon to further their ambition.
Forge has established a Venture Fund that supports each student in their GPS ambitions.
At the end of the school year, students participate in a Forge exhibition where they showcase their individual GPS projects to a public audience.
THE EXPERIENCE
Our classroom is everywhere – inside and out.
Situated on 11 acres in the Central Oregon high desert, our classrooms are both inside and out. Outdoor spaces include a rope and obstacle course; a pond with zip line, kayaks, and SUPs; 3 rescue horses, and 4 Pekin ducks. Indoor spaces include our state-of-the-art Innovation Lab, 2 large Native American Sioux tipis with radiant floor heating and wood-burning stoves, a 14 passenger van, and a cargo trailer so we can haul gear for travel expeditions; skis, snowboards, mountain bikes, kayaks, and SUPs.
Our student to teacher ratio is 5:1, thus allowing for deep connection and understanding of your child as well as instant teacher guidance and feedback.
Our current classroom is mixed age and our age range is from 9-13, however our program goes from 4th grade through high school. This model encourages mentoring, leadership, and collaboration while allowing struggling students enough time to master material and concepts.
THE EXPERIENCE
Our classroom is everywhere – inside and out.
Situated on 11 acres in the Central Oregon high desert, our classrooms are both inside and out. Outdoor spaces include a rope and obstacle course; a pond with zip line, kayaks, and SUPs; 3 rescue horses, and 4 Pekin ducks. Indoor spaces include our state-of-the-art Innovation Lab, 2 large Native American Sioux tipis with radiant floor heating and wood-burning stoves, a 14 passenger van, and a cargo trailer so we can haul gear for travel expeditions; skis, snowboards, mountain bikes, kayaks, and SUPs.
Our student to teacher ratio is 5:1, thus allowing for deep connection and understanding of your child as well as instant teacher guidance and feedback.
Our current classroom is mixed age and our age range is from 9-13, however our program goes from 4th grade through high school. This model encourages mentoring, leadership, and collaboration while allowing struggling students enough time to master material and concepts.
OUR EDUCATORS
More than just educators, our teachers are catalysts for growth.
Our certified educators are Jackie La Frenz, Todd LaFrenz, and Jack Husmann. Both Jackie and Todd have taught in central Oregon for over 25 years and have always been huge proponents of educational reform and alternative learning models. Each was part of the founding team at Bend’s Seven Peaks School where they each taught for over 10 years.
As well as jumping into executing our 2022/23 Art and Architecture curriculum, Jack Husmann will be launching a unique cycling program for Forge as well as launching other camps and workshops for Bend youth in the 10-18 years of age range.
Jack is a native Bendite and has been super active and involved in the Bend athletic arena – as an athlete and as a youth coach. Jack has been a Youth Park City Ski and Snowboard coach, a Youth Down Hill Mountain Bike coach at Mt. Bachelor and a Youth Freeride Ski Coach with MBSEF.
“Todd and I don’t teach standards and we don’t teach content. We teach human beings. Honoring that has always been our lens“
– Jackie
“Humans are innately wired to learn. As educators, it is our job to help students connect the dots. When we take a challenging math concept, tie it to a real world problem, explain how to think through it and then seeing the light go on in the student – that is a learning connection! Those are powerful moments.”
– Todd
“I want to support students in finding their passions and learning to think critically and creatively which are at the forefront of the mission at Forge!”
– Jack
OUR EDUCATORS
More than just educators, our teachers are catalysts for growth.
Our educators are Jackie La Frenze, Todd LaFrenz, and Jack Husmann. Both Jackie and Todd have taught in central Oregon for over 25 years and have always been huge proponents of educational reform and alternative learning models. Each was part of the founding team at Bend’s Seven Peaks School where they each taught for over 10 years.
As well as jumping into executing our 2022/23 Art and Architecture curriculum, Jack Husmann will be launching a unique cycling program for Forge as well as launching other camps and workshops for Bend youth in the 10-18 years of age range.
Jack is a native Bendite and has been super active and involved in the Bend athletic arena – as an athlete and as a youth coach. Jack has been a Youth Park City Ski and Snowboard coach, a Youth Down Hill Mountain Bike coach at Mt. Bachelor and a Youth Freeride Ski Coach with MBSEF.
“Todd and I don’t teach standards and we don’t teach content. We teach human beings. Honoring that has always been our lens“
– Jackie
“Humans are innately wired to learn. As educators, it is our job to help students connect the dots. When we take a challenging math concept, tie it to a real world problem, explain how to think through it and then seeing the light go on in the student – that is a learning connection! Those are powerful moments.”
– Todd
“I want to support students in finding their passions and learning to think critically and creatively which are at the forefront of the mission at Forge!”
– Jack
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ADMISSION
Forge operates on a year-round school schedule, thus the tuition calendar reflects this cycle. Our school year commences mid-July of each year.
Annual Tuition:
Grades 4-12: $20,000
Tuition Includes:
- Books
- Supplies
- Field trips (including overnight trips)
- Classroom technology
- Summer Institute, each student is provided a backpack with the necessary supplies for the coming year’s immersive area of study.
Tuition is evaluated every year and any increases are set by January for the following year.
