Garrett Smiley is a name that echoes with the promise of transformation in the world of education. As the Co-founder of Sora Schools, he has reshaped how young minds approach learning, not through rigid schedules or memorized tests, but through curiosity-driven, real-world projects. What started as a bold vision is now a living, thriving ecosystem of students exploring everything from quantum physics to creative writing—not because they have to, but because they want to.
Garrett’s journey didn’t begin in a boardroom or a polished classroom. It started with a fundamental question: Why does school feel like a chore instead of an adventure? Growing up in traditional school systems, Garrett saw the cracks in a one-size-fits-all model. Brilliant students were being boxed in, creativity was stifled, and critical thinking was too often replaced with rote memorization. That didn’t sit right with him. He wasn’t alone—students everywhere were hungry for something more meaningful. Something human.
Fueled by this conviction, Garrett and his co-founders launched Sora Schools, a fully accredited online high school designed for the 21st century. But Sora is more than just online classes—it’s a community built around project-based learning, student-driven exploration, and real-world relevance. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, students propose their own projects, guided by mentors who act as collaborators rather than lecturers. Whether it’s designing a video game, researching climate change, or exploring the philosophy behind AI, students at Sora learn by doing—and in doing so, they learn to lead.
One of Garrett’s core beliefs is that education should be preparation for life, not just college admissions. That’s why Sora doesn’t just teach content—it fosters resilience, creativity, collaboration, and independent thinking. Under his leadership, the school has attracted a global student body, forward-thinking educators, and even venture backing—proof that this new model is more than a dream. It’s the future.
But Garrett’s impact isn’t just in the mechanics of the school; it’s in the philosophy behind it. He believes students are capable of more than we’ve been led to believe. They don’t need to be told what to do every moment—they need to be trusted. That radical trust is what makes Sora different. At Sora, a teenager doesn’t need permission to start a startup or write a book. They just need support, and Garrett has built the scaffolding for that kind of freedom.
His recognition in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list wasn’t just a personal achievement—it was a signal to the world that education entrepreneurship is just getting started. Garrett represents a new breed of founders who are not just building products—they’re rebuilding systems. Systems that empower rather than control. Systems that adapt to the learner rather than demand the learner adapt to them.
As Sora continues to expand, one thing is clear: Garrett Smiley is not just changing education. He’s building a movement. A movement where curiosity is currency, exploration is essential, and students are not passive recipients—they are creators of their own futures.
In Garrett’s world, school doesn’t end when the bell rings. It begins when imagination wakes up.
Garrett Smiley’s story isn’t just about starting a school—it’s about redefining what it means to be a student, a learner, and a leader in the 21st century. His mission goes far beyond academics. Here are more inspiring and thought-provoking angles of his journey:
Garrett didn’t wait for permission to innovate. While others were busy following rules, he was rewriting them. Instead of asking, “How do we fix the old system?” he asked, “What if we build a new one from scratch?” That mindset—of building instead of waiting—has inspired countless young entrepreneurs who are realizing they don’t need gray hair to have big ideas.
Sora Schools became a beacon for families and learners who never felt seen in traditional environments. Kids who struggled with standard classrooms suddenly found themselves thriving in a space that celebrated uniqueness. Garrett proved that education doesn’t have to be rigid—it can be fluid, creative, and deeply personal.
He introduced the idea that learning can happen anywhere. A kitchen can become a chemistry lab. A Minecraft server can become a city planning workshop. A short film can teach more about history and ethics than a textbook ever could. Garrett’s approach broke down the false wall between “real life” and “school,” showing they are one and the same when learning is authentic.
What makes Garrett even more inspiring is how he empowers teenagers to become decision-makers in their own education. In Sora, students don’t just take classes—they create them. They don’t wait for grades—they build portfolios. That kind of ownership plants seeds of confidence that will grow into lifelong leadership.
He challenged the toxic notion that there’s only one path to success: test scores, college admissions, and degrees. Garrett opened the door to a different path—one based on curiosity, collaboration, and creative confidence. In doing so, he didn’t just help kids learn; he helped them dream.
Garrett also created a new model of mentorship. In Sora, educators aren’t gatekeepers—they’re co-pilots. This flipped dynamic helps students learn how to think rather than what to think. In a world where AI can answer questions, that difference is everything.
He showed the world that students can be architects of change, not just observers of it. Sora students have launched startups, conducted research, designed inventions, and led social initiatives—all before graduation. And Garrett stood behind them not as a commander, but as a believer.
In a time when so many young people feel disillusioned by systems that don’t reflect their potential, Garrett Smiley offers a roadmap of hope. He proves that you can build something better—something that trusts kids, celebrates individuality, and makes space for imagination.
He didn’t just create an online school. He created a revolution in self-belief.
