At The Forest School, civilization (civ) isn’t just reading textbooks about history. It’s wrestling with real issues happening right now.
Here’s how guides plan powerful civ experiences:
First: What’s the story that will actually hook learners? Not just facts—a compelling narrative about the time period.
Second: What role will learners play in history? Are they a policymaker? A citizen? Someone with power or without it?
Third: What primary sources will learners encounter? Real documents, real voices, real evidence.
Fourth: What will learners make to apply or demonstrate their learning? A policy proposal? A presentation? A plan?
Fifth: Where will they practice self-governance with this experience? How does this connect to how they manage themselves and their communities?
The benefit of tackling topics like marijuana legalization?
They’re real. They’re happening now. Learners chose the topic—it’s something they want to learn about. Their parents are on board. And most importantly, learners are taking it and running with it. They want to make changes and see those changes happen in the world.
This is civics education that matters.
Not memorizing branches of government for a test, but engaging with real policy questions, examining multiple perspectives, and developing informed positions on issues that will affect their lives.
At The Forest School, we prepare learners not just to understand history—but to shape the future.
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More about Us:
Located in Fayetteville, Georgia, The Forest School is reimagining education for the next generation of world-changers. We’re part of the global Acton Academy network—a movement of learner-driven schools where young people take ownership of their education, discover their unique calling, and grow in wisdom, character, and purpose.
Here, learning doesn’t happen through lectures or worksheets. It happens through doing. Students dive into hands-on projects, real-world apprenticeships, and Socratic discussions that challenge them to think deeply and lead courageously.
Our learners ask big questions:
🌱 Who am I?
🌎 What difference can I make?
💡 How can I use my gifts to serve others?
Instead of chasing grades or test scores, we focus on mastery, curiosity, and creativity. Every learner moves at their own pace, exploring what they love and learning how to turn their passions into impact.
At The Forest School, education is more than academics—it’s formation. It’s about becoming a lifelong learner who thrives in community, takes responsibility, and lives with purpose.
Because when students are trusted to lead, they don’t just learn about the world—they change it.