History and Accreditations
History of Forest Trail Academy
Forest Trail Academy, established in 2007, is a K-12 online school based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Offering a self-paced and asynchronous learning model, it provides rolling admissions and serves a global student population. Since its inception, the academy has enrolled over 10,000 students, with over 800 graduates to date.
In its 17-year history, Forest Trail Academy has witnessed many educational trends, adapting to various changes over the years. The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point, bringing an organizational shakeup that led to a new team, a new student demographic, and a revised cyclical season routine. This period prompted reflection and the adoption of “Traction” as a business model, fostering an innovative mindset and a renewed commitment to its mission, vision, and philosophy.
Currently, Forest Trail Academy enrolls around 600 students and employs 25 teachers, along with 11 administrative and support staff. It offers two diploma options—College Prep and General Education—and aligns with Common Core and Florida B.E.S.T. standards. Students have access to a broad curriculum that includes core subjects, electives, foreign language courses, Advanced Placement options, and various academic and social clubs.
The academy launched the Connecting Engaging Families, Partners, and Curriculum (CEFPC) initiative in 2019, aimed at providing educational flexibility through its rigorous online learning environment and enhancing engagement with families and partners through exceptional service and communication.
Looking to the future, Forest Trail Academy plans to expand its student population, broaden school partnerships, modernize its LMS, and enhance its online presence through a new marketing team and website. The academy also aims to recruit a more diverse and highly qualified teaching staff and establish a dual enrollment articulation agreement to further enrich the learning experience.
Forest Trail Academy: A Trusted Source for Accreditation and Memberships
Accreditation is the act of awarding recognition or acknowledgement to an educational institution that maintains suitable standards. Accreditation is a necessary stamp of approval for any institution in education that needs poof of validity.
Accreditation is a vital aspect when choosing an educational institution. Forest Trail Academy holds prestigious accreditations that validate the quality and standards of our programs. We have successfully met the rigorous criteria set by the following accrediting bodies:
Awarded accreditation by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). The three listed regional agencies provide your institution with a highly regarded accreditation that is recognized throughout the world. The accreditation action was approved by the Cognia™ Global Commission at its meeting on June 30, 2027.
Accredited by Middle States Association – Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA CESS) accredits preK-12 public, private, parochial, charter, non-degree granting career and technical post-secondary institutions, special purpose schools, supplementary education centers, learning services providers, and distance education institutions
Accreditation International (Ai) assures the educational quality of schools and plans for continuous school improvement to increase student learning. Ai standards are based on international research, best practices, and historical accreditation processes.
The National Council for Private School Accreditation seeks to promote and support independent and autonomous accrediting associations serving private early childhood, elementary, and secondary schools which are committed to quality educational programs.
Promote, support and improve the tradition of regional accreditation commit to commonly held principles and practices including a thorough self-study and standards based peer review; Inform one another of developments in the regions; Share effective practices; and Collaborate in setting mutual expectations for policies that will preserve and improve regional accreditation
Registered with The College Board (SAT, PSAT/NMSQT) , whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Please use School Code 102800.
Registered with The ACT (PLAN, DISCOVER, EXPLORE, ACT) , whose mission is helping people achieve education and workplace success. Please use School Code 102800.
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau and maintains an A rating.
