Rank Classes
At Forge Makerspace, students don’t just take classes—they progress through a structured engineering journey that keeps them challenged, motivated, and constantly learning new skills.
Ranks Classes: $225/mo
One 90-minute class per week.
Students spend their time learning new engineering skills and doing hands-on projects, each tied to a specific badge. They build real projects that they get to take home while earning badges that mark their growth and accomplishments.One hour of Open Makerspace time per week included.
Outside of class, students can return for an additional hour each week to use the space, tools, and materials to practice skills or work on their own creations, with staff support available.
The Rank System
Our curriculum is built around five ranks, each representing a new level of technical ability. Each rank has its own class with multiple classes for each age range. Students spend class time learning new engineering skills and doing projects tied to those skills, progressing as they increase in rank.
Rank 1 – Tinker (White)
Rank 2 – Maker (Silver)
Rank 3 – Builder (Blue)
Rank 4 – Innovator (Green)
Rank 5 – Engineer (Black)
Schedule & Signup Below!
How It Works:
All students begin as Tinkers and work their way up.
Students earn gear badges as they master new skills and complete hands-on projects.
Each rank consists of 16 badges, each representing a skill/tool mastered or a project completed. To earn a badge after learning a new skill, students will take a badge test to demonstrate mastery of that skill.
To earn their gold center Rank Level Badge, students will do a final project that requires a mix of their badge skills. Once completed they will advance to the next rank—pushing them to grow as engineers while celebrating their progress.
Holidays and Time Off: Forge is closed for certain weeks throughout the year and takes time off for holiday and seasonal breaks. Please see our Holiday Schedule and Closings page for information on this.
What students will learn…
3D Modeling, 3D Printing, 3D Pen, Calipers, Tape Measures, Hot Glue Gun, Pliers, Cutters, Screwdrivers, Wrenches, Ratchets, Woodworking, Laser Cutting, Robotics, Electricity & Circuits, Soldering, Power Tools, Drill, Impact Driver, Miter Saw, Drill Press, Router, Bandsaw, Micro Controllers, Coding, MicroBit, Arduino, and more….
Some badges such as Screwdrivers are fully represented and covered by one badge in one rank. Other badges such as 3D Modeling have more than one badge - each one in a different rank and each badge representing mastery of more advanced skills. Other badges are not introduced until certain ranks such as Soldering which isn’t taught until Rank 3 - Builder.
Which class is right for my student?
New Students @ Forge
Regardless of age, new students should start in Rank 1 Tinker, in the appropriate class that matches their age. Older classes will complete badges and progress quicker and younger classes will require more time.
Makerspace Fundamentals Alums
Students that have already taken Makerspace Fundamentals will begin in Rank 2 - Maker and quickly earn their Rank 1 Badges before progressing to Rank 2 material.
Tinker Time Alums
Students that have previously been in Tinker Time will begin in Rank 1 - Tinker - a comparable class with the added goal of achieving badges.
Advanced Makers New to Forge
With instructor approval, these students may review our Rank Knowledge Guides and complete the Badge Tests during Open Makerspace Time to complete ranks without having to take a class.
Rank 1 - Tinker
1st - 3rd Grade
Mondays: 4:30-6:00PM
Tuesdays: 3:30-5:00PM
Wednesdays: 3:30-5:00PM
Fridays: 3:30-5:00PM
4th - 8th Grade
Mondays: 3:30-5:00PM
Tuesdays: 4:30-6:00PM
Thursday: 3:30-5:00PM
Rank 2 - Maker
4th - 8th Grade
Mondays: 5:30-7:00PM
Tuesdays: 5:30-7:00PM
Thursdays: 4:30-6:00PM
Fridays: 3:30-5:00PM
More classes will be released as students earn their badges.
Advanced 3rd graders may be moved up to a 4th-8th grade Maker Class with instructor approval.