Bio

Dr. Tyler S. Thigpen’s journey in education spans public, private, and charter school innovation, setting him apart as a leader in transforming the learning landscape. From co-founding Chattahoochee Hills Charter School, a public K-8 school integrating nature and the arts into academic excellence, to launching The Forest School: An Acton Academy, a cutting-edge microschool in Trilith, Georgia, his work consistently pushes the boundaries of traditional education. These initiatives, paired with his leadership at The Forest School Online and the Institute for Self-Directed Learning, reflect a relentless commitment to designing learner-centered environments that prioritize innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

As a founding partner at Transcend, Tyler played a pivotal role in designing transformative school models such as Washington Leadership Academy, nXu, and Brooklyn Steam, among others. Combined with his experience as Academic Director at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education and Guest Lecturer at Harvard, he has guided hundreds of leaders worldwide in reimagining schools. TS Thigpen Consulting LLC brings this expertise to school founders and leaders, offering proven strategies for building thriving, mission-driven institutions that inspire students and communities alike.

Tyler has written about education in EdWeek, the Washington Post, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Harvard Kennedy School Review, and more. Tyler has consulted with Pike County Public Schools, New York City Department of Education, Boston Public Schools, The Coca Cola Company, the Latvian Ministry of Education, Thread, and others.

CV

Activities & Affiliations

• Co-Founder and Head of School, The Forest School: An Acton Academy and The Forest School Online
• Co-Founder, Chattahoochee Hills Charter School
• CEO, Institute for Self-Directed Learning
• Academic Director, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
• Guest Lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Specialized Expertise

• School Transformation in Public, Private, and Charter Sectors
• Innovative Learning Model Design and Implementation
• Community-Centered School Development Strategies

Education

FURMAN UNIVERSITY
B.A., Spanish

REGENT COLLEGE
M.T.S., Applied Theology

HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL
M.C./M.P.A., Public Administration

HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Ed.L.D, Education Leadership