THE EDUCATION
Epic Forest Academy’s unique educational model uses proven hands-on project-based learning (PBL), combined with dedicated self-and-career pathway exploration (Ikigai) to create an Individualized Educational Journey (IEJ) for each student, which includes online, one-on-one tutoring, and small group learning all wrapped in engaging gameplay.
PBL
PBL SKILLS:
COMMUNICATION
COLLABORATION
ADAPTATION
PERSEVERENCE
critical thinking
time management
leadership
Decision-Making
Productivity
Academic Mastery
PBL SKILLS: COMMUNICATION COLLABORATION ADAPTATION PERSEVERENCE critical thinking time management leadership Decision-Making Productivity Academic Mastery
Project-based Learning (PBL) is the education jargon for the most natural process we take as humans to learn. From the moment we are born, we discover the world around us by experiencing it. We no longer (hopefully) put everything in our mouths to understand what it is, but learning by doing, by experiencing persists as one of the most effective pathways to deep and lasting understanding.
Cross-curricular projects
From creating games to selecting their own government and solving real-world problems, projects seamlessly weave together multiple subjects. When students create and perform a historical play, they incorporate Social Studies, Geography, Languages, English. Math, Science, and Engineering. The performance requires script writing, set building and design, sewing, make-up arts, acting, directing, production, and music composition. The plays are performed at the Marketplace as part of the gameplay.
DAILY project creation block
Students spend two hours a day working on dedicated projects in small group collaboratives, guided by experts in the specific fields of study each cross-curricular project explores, with additional learning scaffolded through individualized online and one-on-one learning. Projects have group and individual components, and game points and internal economy dollars are earned for creativity, effort, community, adaptation, and achievement
IKIGAI
Ikigai (EE-kee-guy) is the Japanese word for “purpose” or “reason for being,” which is found at the intersection of: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid to do.* Students explore this during an hour each day, through philosophical, psychological, and practical experiences. Beyond navel-gazing, we prioritize exploration into present and future careers with guest speakers, visits to local businesses and organizations, and guide high schoolers into dual-enrollment, certification, and internships as they begin narrowing down their Ikigai.
what you love
what you are good at
what the world needs
what you can be paid for
what you love what you are good at what the world needs what you can be paid for
Career pathways
natural career exploration
As students progress into High School, internships, entrepreneurship and non-profit work, certificate-earning courses, and dual enrollment opportunities help lay the track on each student’s road to their chosen futures.
At EFA, we draw a distinction about “the world” that is referenced in Ikigai literature and processes. Our current world may not be ready for, or not know, what it really needs and compensation structures aren’t always commensurate with value. However, we believe 100% in the power of our students to change the world and forge their own paths to thrive in the world they will help create. We encourage their understanding of self and the world, and sharpen their tools, so they leave EFA with an actionable and effective plan for success.
DAILY pbl work time
DAILY pbl work time
Our daily school life is designed for students to develop their Ikigai through one-hour/day exploration and active in-school, paid (with in-school currency), jobs to keep the system humming. From internal economy needs like bankers and economists, money designers and security pros to culinary at lunchtime and visual arts to bring meaning and beauty to the experience.
Guest Speakers, self-exploration tools, and delving deep into philosophical and practical concepts provides exposure to higher intellectual perspectives on life while supporting each student’s immediate and personal social and emotional needs as well.
IEJ
ideate
generate
adapt
balance
master
belong
hope
create joy
ideate generate adapt balance master belong hope create joy
In the ideal world, each student would receive a customized education, attuned to their strengths and weakness and geared toward helping them master academics and achieve their goals. Epic Forest Academy is that world.
Each student and their multi-year Guide co-create an Individualized Educational Journey to create the mix of online, on-ground, and self-directed experiences that support their specific needs, interests, talents and goals.
Creating the future
Our graduates are equipped to create their own futures in the world with IDEATION, GENERATION, ADAPTATION, MASTERY AND BALANCE as foundational skills. The gameplay rewards the development of these skills to support the students in preparing for the world to come. The journey through the academics, the game, and life is intentionally unique for each student.
Our goal is to instill in each graduate a deep understanding of how to create a culture of belonging, to develop hope, and to find joy in forging their own path in the world by honoring their Individual Educational Journeys.
DAILY INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION TIME
Two hours per day are dedicated to Individual Education Time, where students meet one-on-one with their guide weekly. Students engage in one-on-one tutoring, small-group work, direct instruction, self-directed learning and creation online and on-ground, depending on their needs.
This allows for a continual stream of progress data, so student experiences can be quickly adapted for efficacy. We also prioritize supporting each student’s personal development goals and interests to investigate whatever they love to do, so they strengthen their Ikigai.
the Creative Key
Clear
Challenge
Deconstruct
Play
Choose
Reconstruct
Adapt
Communicate
Clear Challenge Deconstruct Play Choose Reconstruct Adapt Communicate
The Creative Key teaches the eight steps to stronger critical thinking and greater creativity: Clear, Challenge, Deconstruct, Play, Choose, Reconstruct, Adapt, & Communicate. At EFA, this process fuels our curriculum to help every student uncover their own power to create.
The ability to choose amplifies exponentially when you have the skills to create, adapt, and solve problems in innovative ways, and these skills are uniquely human. In an age of AI automations, doubling-down on what makes each of student special and providing them proven skills to enhance their ability to produce and pivot will serve them in life and career.
Developed over a decade ago for college students, then adapted for leaders and education professionals, The Creative Key now unlocks the potential of each student and empowers them to create their futures.
storytelling
Storytelling builds culture, community, and is used as the currency of idea exchanges., and the stories we tell ourselves are the most powerful of them all. Student will participate in both direct instruction on the Creative Key and utilize its pathway to hone their critical and creative work throughout their Educational Journey. With Content Creator opportunities in the spotlight, our students will use their storytelling chops to create content for our internal channels, including developing, writing, and producing a film of their own history and/or the history of EFA as it is being created.
creative process
articles & Resources
Our model of education is innovative, rule-breaking, and unique, but it is based on a solid foundation of data, research, experience, and knowledge of the world in and outside of education.
Read up on Ikigai, the Science of Hope, the Power of Play, the successes of Project and Game-Based Learning, and learn what motivates our team to carry the torch through the epic forest of life, so students can create futures filled with success, joy and love for all.
Watch this space for links to our favorite articles, resources, and research. Coming Soon!