FreeSchool Year Open House
August 19, 2026 · Meet our team! Explore our After School, Preschool, Homeschool & Weekend Apprenticeships.
This is our one weekend-a-month Blacksmithing Apprenticeship.
Studio Arts · One Weekend a Month
Blacksmithing Apprenticeship
Through our apprenticeships, expert Trackers Mentors guide youth and teens in learning at art studios. Our classes are designed for students from beginner to advanced levels. Thanks to our small class sizes, instructors can provide individual attention to each apprentice. We offer four Blacksmithing Apprenticeship options. Choose from the schedule below.
Blacksmith Apprenticeship Option 1 · Grades 5–12
Develop the fundamentals at the anvil and forge. Apprentice in traditional blacksmithing to bend and shape hot iron. Develop confidence, independence, and shop skills crafting functional tools and artistic projects to take home.
Bladesmith Apprenticeship (Knifemaking) Option 2 · Grades 5–12
Focus on the specialized craft of the bladesmith. Learn precise techniques to forge and craft edged tools like knives. Learn grinding and handle-fitting to create functional blades for forest craft and beyond.
Metal Maker Apprenticeship Option 3 · Grades 7–12
Dive into the "alchemy" of metalworking. Explore other maker techniques like smelting, casting, and welding. Learn the material science behind different alloys and experiment with transforming raw materials into complex forms.
Fabricator Apprenticeship Option 4 · Grades 5–12
From grand gates to Viking hardware, explore professional metal fabrication building collaborative, permanent community installations. Use welding, structural fabrication, and forging. Over the year work with your crew from initial design to finished installation.
Our Team
Experienced Trackers Mentors lead this program, fostering creativity through hands-on crafts and projects.
- Expertise in mentoring and Trackers skills.
- Low student-to-guide ratio facilitating personal, team-based learning.
- Background checked with First Aid & CPR certification.
- Trained in program safety and the Trackers Earth curriculum.
Our Place
Our Studio Apprenticeships take place at our Trackers Art Studios where apprentices can explore hands-on arts and crafts. Our locations feature ceramics, photography, woodworking, and blacksmithing studios.
How It Works
Apprenticeships meet one weekend a month from fall to spring, totaling 9 studio days plus Graduation. To offer flexibility, we provide multiple schedule options—choose Morning (AM) or Afternoon (PM) classes.
AM Option · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
PM Option · 1:30–4:30 PM
Tuition
Reserve your spot with a $45 deposit (non-refundable). Remaining tuition is split into ten monthly payments of $84 starting August 31.
Sibling Discount: Enroll two or more siblings for 5% off monthly payments.
Need Financial Help? We offer scholarships ranging from 5% – 15%. Learn More or Apply.
Choose Your Schedule & Time
9 Studio Days
Morning Class · 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
Afternoon Class · 1:30–4:30 PM
Saturday or Sunday options
+ Graduation · May 8, 2027
Make-Up Days: We understand plans change! Each Apprenticeship includes one make-up day per year. When space allows, your child can join another Fellowship. We also offer make-up days for weather-related postponements.
Saturdays
Blacksmith
Mornings · Fellowship Earth · Grades 5–12
- September 12, 2026
- October 3, 2026
- October 24, 2026
- November 21, 2026
- January 9, 2027
- February 6, 2027
- March 6, 2027
- April 10, 2027
- May 1, 2027
Graduation · May 8, 2027
Sundays
Bladesmith
Mornings · Fellowship Earth · Grades 5–12
- September 13, 2026
- October 4, 2026
- October 25, 2026
- November 22, 2026
- January 10, 2027
- February 7, 2027
- March 7, 2027
- April 11, 2027
- May 2, 2027
Graduation · May 8, 2027
Saturdays
Blacksmith
Mornings · Fellowship Fire · Grades 5–12
- September 19, 2026
- October 10, 2026
- November 7, 2026
- December 5, 2026
- January 16, 2027
- February 13, 2027
- March 13, 2027
- April 17, 2027
- May 15, 2027
Graduation · May 8, 2027
Sundays
Metal Maker
Afternoons · Fellowship Fire · Grades 7–12
- September 20, 2026
- October 11, 2026
- November 8, 2026
- December 6, 2026
- January 17, 2027
- February 14, 2027
- March 14, 2027
- April 18, 2027
- May 16, 2027
Graduation · May 8, 2027
Saturdays
Blacksmith
Mornings · Fellowship Wind · Grades 5–12
- September 26, 2026
- October 17, 2026
- November 14, 2026
- December 12, 2026
- January 23, 2027
- February 27, 2027
- April 3, 2027
- April 24, 2027
- May 22, 2027
Graduation · May 8, 2027
Saturdays
Fabricator
Afternoons · Fellowship Wind · Grades 5–12
- September 26, 2026
- October 17, 2026
- November 14, 2026
- December 12, 2026
- January 23, 2027
- February 27, 2027
- April 3, 2027
- April 24, 2027
- May 22, 2027
Graduation · May 8, 2027
Sundays
Blacksmith
Mornings · Fellowship Wind · Grades 5–12
- September 27, 2026
- October 18, 2026
- November 15, 2026
- December 13, 2026
- January 24, 2027
- February 28, 2027
- April 4, 2027
- April 25, 2027
- May 23, 2027
Graduation · May 8, 2027