Meet Tyler Thigpen | Head of Schools

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tyler Thigpen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyler, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Our schools—The Forest School: An Acton Academy and The Forest School Online—distinguish themselves through a unique educational approach and a dedication to continuous improvement. Our methodology diverges from traditional schooling by employing Socratic Guides instead of teachers, fostering critical thinking through dialogue. We feature mixed-age Studios, not classrooms, to promote community learning across different age groups. Rather than conventional grades, we use Portfolios and Exhibitions to provide a holistic view of student progress. Our community is governed by Contracts and Covenants instead of rules, encouraging a sense of mutual responsibility. We emphasize inquiry over lecturing, allowing students to explore their curiosity freely. The absence of homework respects students’ time outside school, promoting self-directed learning. Our curriculum blends hands-on experiences with e-learning, catering to diverse learning preferences and preparing students for the digital age. Students learn at their own pace, ensuring education is tailored to individual needs. Travel is encouraged to broaden perspectives, and apprenticeships begin in middle school, offering real-world experiences early on. Our commitment to improvement is evident in our use of student learning data from authentic assessments and the integration of stakeholder feedback through monthly surveys, regular Parent Coffees, quarterly Round Tables, and direct communication, ensuring The Forest School remains set apart and at the forefront of innovative education.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am optimistic. I see beyond the mountains (which means sometimes I miss seeing the mountains!). And faith and family are top priorities for me. I grew up in Georgia and have worked across a spectrum of educational settings, including innovative district, private, and charter schools, as well as with statewide and national nonprofits. I am the co-founder and CEO of The Forest School: An Acton Academy in Trilith, The Forest School Online, and the Institute for Self-Directed Learning. Additionally, I serve as the Academic Director at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Previously, I was a partner at Transcend, a national nonprofit focused on school redesign, where I contributed to innovative school projects like nXu, Whittle, The Academy Group, Washington Leadership Academy, Art in Motion, Hebrew Public, Teton Science’s Place Network, EL Education, and the Brooklyn STEAM Center. I also co-founded MENTOR Georgia, Transforming Teaching at Harvard, and the Chattahoochee Hills Charter School. Before these roles, I worked as the head of the upper school at The Mount Vernon School in Atlanta, a Spanish teacher in Gwinnett County public schools, and a minister at the Grace family of churches, leading international development projects in Peru in the fields of healthcare, education, poverty reduction, and infrastructure development. I hold a doctoral degree in education leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education, a master’s in public administration from Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government, and a master’s in theological studies from Regent College of the University of British Columbia. I have written about the future of learning for publications like the Washington Post, Education Week, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Getting Smart, and others. I live in Trilith, GA, with my four children, all of whom have attended The Forest School, making this journey not just professional, but deeply personal.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were in town, I’d definitely take them to a public Exhibition at The Forest School Online. These are unique, learner-led showcases where students present individual and group projects without scripts, engaging directly with an audience that includes experts and parents. The event, easily accessible via Zoom, begins with a brief talk by the head of school and includes a formal introduction of participants, who are then invited to offer real-time feedback. This immersive experience is not only a testament to innovative education but also a window into how young people are applying their learning to real-world challenges. It’s an inspiring glimpse into the future of education, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of learning and student creativity.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, diving into the spirit of the Shoutout series, I want to extend a heartfelt dedication to the town of Trilith in Fayetteville, GA (www.trilith.com). Trilith has been instrumental to our journey, being our school’s first and premier partner. This partnership has gone beyond mere support; it has been a cornerstone of our success and growth. Trilith’s generosity started with the incredible donation of land for our campus, which not only gave us a physical foundation but also symbolized a shared commitment to education and community development. Their collaboration didn’t stop there; together, we have worked tirelessly to attract families to the school, enriching our community with diverse and engaged members. Trilith has also been a key player in orchestrating community-wide events, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among residents and school families alike. Moreover, their willingness to share marketing initiatives has amplified our visibility and impact, drawing more attention to the unique educational experience we offer. The town of Trilith truly deserves recognition for their unwavering support, collaboration, and shared vision that have significantly contributed to our story. Their role is a testament to the powerful impact of community partnership in creating and nurturing successful educational endeavors.

Website: https://online.theforest.school/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforestschoolonline/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thigpentyler/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TylerThigpen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theforestschoolonline

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzc2KigMU5lbJN5Gw9iJMRQ/videos