Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Programs

What ages do you serve at Forge AI Academy? We welcome students ages 8-17, with age-appropriate curriculum tracks designed for different developmental stages and interests.

Do you require any prior experience with coding or AI? No prior experience is necessary. Our curriculum is designed to be accessible to beginners while also challenging students who have some technology background.

How many students are in each class? We maintain small class sizes with a maximum of 8-10 students per instructor to ensure personalized attention and guidance.

What’s the difference between your homeschool and after-school programs? The curriculum content is similar, but scheduled at different times to accommodate various family needs. Homeschool sessions run weekday mornings, while after-school programs take place weekday afternoons.

What exactly will my child create at Forge AI Academy? Students create tangible projects such as published Amazon books, original digital artwork, animated videos, simple games, music compositions, and more—all enhanced or created with AI tools.

Logistics & Requirements

Do students need to bring their own devices? Yes, students should bring their own laptop or tablet to class. We recommend a device with a keyboard for easier interaction with the AI tools.

What technical requirements are there for devices? Most AI tools we use are cloud-based, so any relatively modern laptop or tablet with a reliable internet browser will work. We’ll provide specific requirements before enrollment.

How do Sunday Open Mat sessions work? These sessions provide a flexible, collaborative environment where students can work on projects with instructor guidance. They’re free for members, with a $20 drop-in fee for non-members (first visit is free).

Can parents observe classes? We welcome parents to observe our Sunday Open Mat sessions. For regular classes, we schedule periodic showcase events where families can see student progress.

Do you offer make-up classes for missed sessions? While we don’t offer formal make-up classes, students who miss a session can participate in Sunday Open Mat to catch up on project work.

Curriculum & Learning

Will my child be staring at a screen the entire time? No. While we do use digital tools, our approach balances screen time with discussion, collaboration, and hands-on activities. We focus on active creation rather than passive consumption.

How do you make AI understandable for young children? We use age-appropriate analogies, visual examples, and hands-on activities to make complex concepts accessible. Younger students start with visual interfaces before moving to more advanced tools.

Are the AI tools safe for children? Yes. We carefully select age-appropriate tools and implement proper safety measures. All online activities are supervised, and we teach responsible digital citizenship.

How do you address AI ethics with students? Ethics is integrated throughout our curriculum. We discuss appropriate use of AI, potential biases, privacy considerations, and the importance of human creativity alongside AI assistance.

Will this help my child in school or college applications? Absolutely. Students develop valuable skills in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and technology literacy. Advanced students build portfolios that can enhance college applications, particularly for STEM programs.

Enrollment & Pricing

Can we try before enrolling? Yes! We offer a free trial class and encourage families to visit our Sunday Open Mat sessions to experience our approach firsthand.

Is there a long-term commitment required? Our standard enrollment is month-to-month, though we offer discounts for semester and annual commitments.

Do you offer any financial assistance? We have a limited number of partial scholarships available for qualified families. Please contact us directly to discuss options.

What’s your cancellation policy? We require 14 days’ notice for cancellation before the next billing period.

Can my child just attend occasionally? Our curriculum builds progressively, so regular attendance is recommended. For occasional participation, our Sunday Open Mat sessions offer a flexible option.

Getting Started

How do we enroll? Start by scheduling a tour or trial class through our website or by contacting us directly. We’ll guide you through the enrollment process after your visit.

When can we join? We accept new enrollments on a rolling basis, subject to availability in your child’s age group.

What should my child expect on their first day? New students receive a welcoming orientation to our space and tools, followed by integration into current projects at an appropriate entry point.

How do you assess student progress? We evaluate progress through project completion, skill development, and growth in critical thinking abilities rather than traditional testing.

Do you offer any parent resources to support learning at home? Yes, we provide parents with regular updates on curriculum topics and optional extension activities that families can explore together.