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Pilot Program
Pilot Program
A 4-Week Project-Based Microschool Experience for Plainfield & Naperville Families
Curious about a different way to learn?
The Pathfinder Forge Studio Pilot Program is a 4-week, hands-on learning experience designed for families in the Plainfield and Naperville area who want to explore project-based, academically grounded education in a small-group microschool environment.
Students participate in two in-person studio days per week, where learning is active, collaborative, and connected to real-world applications.
The pilot is the perfect way to experience our teaching style, rhythm, and community before joining our full microschool program.
What Students Will Experience
What Students Will Experience
During the pilot, students engage in:
Project-based academic learning
Modeled instruction and mini-lessons
Reading, writing, math, science, and social studies integration
Collaboration and teamwork
Responsible AI use
Reflection and presentations
Rather than sitting through lectures, students build, explore, calculate, write, experiment, and present as part of meaningful work.
What Is the 4-Week Pilot?
What Is the 4-Week Pilot?
Program Structure
Program Structure
✔ Duration: 4 weeks
✔ Schedule: 2 in-person days per week
✔ Time: Approximately 10 AM – 3 PM
✔ Location: Hosted at Valhallan Plainfield
✔ Ages8-13
✔ Group Size: Limited enrollment for personalized learning
Students meet for studio days focused on project labs, teamwork, and applied learning.
Sample Project Themes
Sample Project Themes
Pilot projects may include themes like:
Engineering and design challenges
Economics and entrepreneurship
Environmental science investigations
Community problem solving
Creative storytelling and communication
Projects integrate reading, writing, math, science, and social studies into each experience.
Who the Pilot Is For and Prorated Cost for the Pilot Program
Who the Pilot Is For and Prorated Cost for the Pilot Program
This pilot is ideal for families in the Plainfield and Naperville area who are:
Homeschooling or hybrid schooling
Looking for hands-on project learning
Wanting small group instruction
Curious about alternative education models
Interested in life skills and future-ready learning
If your child enjoys building, experimenting, and asking questions, they’ll love Pathfinder Forge Studio.
Why start with a Pilot Program?
Why start with a Pilot Program?
While Pathfinder Forge Studio is beginning with a pilot phase, families can feel confident that the experience is high-quality, thoughtfully designed, and professionally led.
The pilot is not a trial-and-error classroom — it is a fully planned, project-based academic experience built on:
Standards-informed instruction in math, reading, writing, science, and social studies
Modeled teaching and guided practice
Small-group, personalized support
Structured daily routines
Purposeful project work
Responsible technology and AI integration
Life skills development
Students receive the same level of care, instruction, and academic focus that will define our full microschool program.
The pilot allows us to refine logistics and enrichment while maintaining a strong learning environment from day one.
Families are investing in a real educational experience, not an experiment.
Enrollment Priority for Pilot Families
Enrollment Priority for Pilot Families
Families who participate in the Pathfinder Forge Studio Pilot Program receive priority enrollment status for our full microschool launch in Fall 2026.
Priority enrollment includes:
Early access to registration
Input on future programming
Continued placement as the program expands
Because Pathfinder Forge Studio intentionally limits group size to protect quality and community, spaces in the full program will be limited. Pilot families will be invited first as we grow.
Joining the pilot means becoming part of the foundation of Pathfinder Forge Studio and helping shape the future of the microschool.
Let's Talk Cost for our Pilot Program
Let's Talk Cost for our Pilot Program
Founder’s Pilot Rate (First Cohort 2026)
Founder’s Pilot Rate (First Cohort 2026)
$695 per student for the full 4-week program
Includes:
Instruction by certified educators
Small-group academic coaching
Project-based, standards-aligned learning
Use of professional studio space at Valhallan Plainfield
Technology-supported learning
Project materials
Portfolio documentation
Priority enrollment for Fall 2026
Spaces are VERY limited to maintain quality and community.
Subsequent Spring 2026 Pilot Sessions
Subsequent Spring 2026 Pilot Sessions
$795 per student per 4-week session
Reflects a proven, refined program with established routines, and structure
Continuing pilot families enjoy priority access to these sessions
Families enrolling in more than one pilot session may receive $50 off each additional session
Encourages continuity, portfolio growth, and skill deepening
What Families Can Expect
What Families Can Expect
While the program is a pilot, families can be confident that:
It is fully planned and professionally led
Students engage in standards-informed academic learning
The studio environment is safe, structured, and collaborative
Small groups ensure personalized attention and guided practice
Pilot families help shape the future of the microschool
This is a real educational experience, not a casual or experimental program.
Enrollment Priority
Enrollment Priority
Families participating in the pilot receive priority enrollment for the full microschool launch in Fall 2026:
Early access to registration
Input on future programming
Guaranteed placement at the start of the year as the program expands into 2026
Joining the pilot means being part of the foundation of Pathfinder Forge Studio and helping us grow a strong, intentional learning community.
Ready to Join?
Ready to Join?
Attend the Parent Google Meet as we go over what we will be doing, answering questions, and sharing our vision
Attend the Parent Google Meet as we go over what we will be doing, answering questions, and sharing our vision
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