In this episode of the Farm & Forge Podcast, we pull back the curtain on how we do school — and why it looks nothing like the traditional model. Joined by our lovely teachers, we walk through what a real day looks like for students at Farm & Forge, how online academics and in-person support work together, and why personalization is at the center of everything we do.

This conversation is for parents rethinking education, educators curious about alternative models, and families searching for an environment where students don’t just do school — they own it. #ForgeIn

00:00 Introduction

00:30 “How We Do School”

01:06 Why This Model Is So Different

05:15 Hands-On Learning in an Online Model

08:27 Passion-Based Education Explained

09:56 Building STEM, Coding, and Future Skills

10:51 What a Typical Day Looks Like

13:45 Balancing Academics and Athletics

15:19 Travel, Absences, and Real-Life Flexibility

18:22 Student Ownership and Self-Motivation

21:09 Preparing Students for College Independence

22:15 Playing Sports at Local Public Schools

23:19 College Admissions, Merit, and Opportunity

24:30 Why Teachers Took the Risk

25:37 Challenges of Teaching in This Model

27:00 Test Prep

29:03 Meaningful Assessment (No Busywork)

33:34 Using AI as a Tool—Not a Crutch

35:30 What Kind of Student Thrives Here

38:58 Online School Partnerships Explained

40:39 Stories That Define the Culture

44:12 Keeping Kids Excited About School

45:25 Community, Leadership, and Belonging

49:23 Closing Thoughts