Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a typical day look like?

Instead of building an academic schedule first and forcing students to fit into it, we adapt to your schedule. Every student at Farm & Forge is pursuing a passion, and passion takes time. We make room for that by shaping academics around your training, your goals, and the time you need to succeed, giving you space to chase your dream and accomplish your academic goals.

2. What is our educational philosophy?

Our academic philosophy is simple: we tell students yes instead of no. Can they miss school to compete in a tennis tournament? Yes! Can they take a week for an academic family trip? Yes! At Farm & Forge, our objective is to support the academic needs of students who are pursuing online school and a passion-based pursuit, while still enjoying the freedom and flexibility that online education can offer.

3. How does ICL Academy fit in?

ICL Academy is a diploma-bearing institution. They provide the counselors, teachers, instruction, and tests. ICL Academy is just one of the online schools that students can work with at Farm & Forge. Each family can choose the school that is the best fit for their needs.

At Farm & Forge, our in-person support is a layer on top of that existing online school. We listen to each student’s academic goals, help them choose the online option that fits best, and then support their journey with in-person teachers and guidance.

4. What if my child needs to be absent?

No problem! All assignments are online, and students can complete their work from anywhere with an internet connection. While it’s their responsibility to stay on track, they have the flexibility to keep up with school no matter where they are.

5. If my child doesn’t play tennis, can they still attend?

Yes. The students who thrive here are those pursuing a passion, something that requires time, focus, and flexibility. If your child is committed to their sport and needs the flexibility of online school with in-person support, they may be a strong fit for our program.

6. Is my child eligible for the Hope Scholarship?

Yes. Students who live in Tennessee and are enrolled in an approved online school, such as ICL Academy, may qualify for the HOPE Scholarship.

7. Can my child still play sports for their local public schools?

Yes. Students may continue participating in athletics through their local public school while enrolled with us.

8. How do the Farm and Forge teachers fit into this?

Our teachers provide in-person support that complements each student’s online curriculum. While online learning offers flexibility, it can be hard for parents to know if their child is truly mastering the material. Our in-person teachers bridge that gap between facilitating the learning, checking for understanding, and helping students stay confident and on track.

9. How do the Farm and Forge teachers fit into this?

In our STEM Lab, students don’t just sit and listen—they build things, test ideas, and solve real problems. Everything is hands-on and connected back to real-world skills: problem solving, creativity, teamwork, and comfort with modern tools and technology. Depending on age and level, here are some things they might do:

• Design and 3D-print parts for a project
• Use laser engravers and CNC machines to create custom signs, products, or prototypes
• Design and program robots
• Fly drones in a safe, structured way
• Learn basic coding
• Work on entrepreneurship projects where they design a product, build it in the lab, and learn how they could sell it

Everything is hands-on and connected back to real-world skills: problem solving, creativity, teamwork, and comfort with modern tools and technology.

10. Can my child be a National Merit Scholar through this program?

Absolutely. If National Merit is a goal for your child, we can support that path. While we can’t guarantee results, we can help them prepare for the PSAT, which is the first step toward becoming a National Merit Semifinalist.

11. How does ACT/SAT prep work?

Our teachers are hands-on in helping students reach their goals, including tutoring and support for both the ACT and SAT. The best prep is truly knowing the content and knowing it so well that students can work quickly and confidently. While we can’t guarantee specific scores, we can guarantee dedicated time, guidance, and preparation to help them.

12. Is my child at a disadvantage compared to students at top public or private schools?

No. Every form of education has its pros and cons, but students from online programs are admitted to selective colleges every year. The admissions teams we’ve spoken with shared that they admit numerous students from online schools yearly.