Garrett Smiley (Sora Schools)
Overview
Garrett Smiley is an innovative entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Sora Schools, a virtual, project-based high school that aims to transform traditional education methods. Sora Schools offers a unique curriculum tailored to students' interests, encouraging interdisciplinary and personalized learning experiences. Launched in 2018, Sora Schools has gained attention for its non-traditional approach, focusing on real-world applications of knowledge.
Recent Developments
- May 2025: Garrett Smiley was recognized as part of Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in the Education category, highlighting his leadership in educational innovation.
- April 2025: Sora Schools celebrated record enrollment as it commenced a new semester, showing increasing popularity for its unconventional approach to education.
- March 2025: Sora Schools launched new after-school activities to complement its expanding curriculum, particularly for junior high students.
- 2024: Sora Schools expanded its presence to 33 states, indicating growing acceptance and demand for its educational model.
- 2023: Garrett Smiley participated in a podcast discussing the impact of AI on education, emphasizing the integration of technology in Sora Schools’ curriculum.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Garrett Smiley |
| Born | N/A |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | CEO and Co-founder of Sora Schools |
| Known For | Innovative education model at Sora Schools |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Education | Attended Georgia Institute of Technology, studied Computer Science |
Early Life and Education
Garrett Smiley’s passion for innovative education stems from his diverse educational experiences as a child with a military family. Constant changes in schools sparked his interest in the varied approaches to education. He noticed the shortcomings of traditional educational settings and became committed to finding more effective methods of teaching. Garrett pursued studies at Georgia Institute of Technology where he focused on Computer Science. Before starting Sora Schools, he was involved in multiple entrepreneurial ventures, including a charity for water infrastructure called Drops of Love and a project involving financial literacy for foster youth.
Career and Notable Achievements
- 2018: Co-founded Sora Schools, focusing on project-based, virtual high school education.
- 2019: Garnered significant media attention for innovative educational models.
- 2021: Secured $18 million in Series A funding for Sora Schools to expand its curriculum and increase impact.
- 2024: Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the Education category.
Current Work and Impact
Garrett Smiley continues to lead Sora Schools as its CEO, where he drives strategic vision and growth. Under his guidance, Sora Schools advances as a pioneering educational platform offering a personalized, project-based online learning environment. The approach is aimed at equipping students with the skills necessary for future careers, moving away from traditional rote learning towards individualized student agency and mastery. Sora Schools not only garners attention from educational circles but also participates in broader societal discussions on education reform.
Conclusion
Garrett Smiley stands out as a leading figure in educational reform, leveraging technology and innovative pedagogy to redefine how students engage with learning. Under his leadership, Sora Schools has become a beacon of change in an industry often resistant to innovation. The institution’s success and Garrett’s insights suggest a promising future for educational adaptability and the broader acceptance of non-traditional learning environments. As Sora Schools expands its reach and curriculum, it continues to embody Garrett's vision of a dynamic, student-centered education system.