About Us
Who is Manor House Scholars?
Manor House Scholars is a group of like minded coaches and artisans who are invested in teaching and training the next generation in life long skills. With a focus on the fine arts, we employ unconventional training and tools, imparting classical theories and skills.
We operate on the understanding that every student is different and requires a perspective, pace, and weekly rhythm suited to them. With a strengths and personality based perspective of each student we seek to encourage, build, and propel students toward their purpose.
About the Founder
It is important for you to know and understand the heart and mind of Manor House Scholars
Learn more about our Founder and CEO, Ryan Michael Forte
Born in Minnesota, Ryan was raised with a respect for the many facets of life and their intertwined nature; nothing happens in isolation, and nothing of note can be accomplished outside of community. During a thirteen-year career as a gymnastics coach, he studied at McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, MN, went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in Worship Pastor from North Central University in Minneapolis, MN, and continued until completing in 2020 a Master's degree in Strategic Organizational Leadership from the above-mentioned university.
During this stretch of education, Ryan traveled globally, working with English camps through Shamineau International, ministered as a youth director at South Suburban Evangelical Church, served at various summer camps (such as Camp Cherith, Royal Family Kids Camp, and Prairie River Camp), worked with Soul-Metrics as the Director of business development, and ran the Rookies program for the School of Rock in Eden Prairie, MN. Beyond that, he has studied acting, modeling, and voice work with the John Casablancas program, released studio albums, written poetry and prose, received certificates from the Luxembourg Art Museum for artistic achievements in photography, and held musical performances in nearly every country he has set foot on, including the US, Europe, and Asia.
Regardless of accolades, achievements, or opportunities, the most present and persistent focus of Ryan's life has been on youth and the next generation. To him, success is not found in the achievements, awards, certificates, or educational documents, but rather in the expanse of positive impact on others. He can be heard claiming, "I never wanted to be 'The Guy.' Everything I have learned has been to pass on to others."
This altruistic underpinning is what drives the heart and vision of Manor House Scholars. Passing on to others what artists and skilled individuals have learned to see a stronger community built and sustained. Knowledge is power, and skill is its sister.
Those who study with Manor House Scholars are trained to understand the bedrock of their skills and choices, so that their art is accomplished with intentionality, not simply through mimicry. An artist is responsible for their wholeness and well-being to best present to the world with experiences of heart and soul that are seldom articulated beyond art itself.
Our
Story
Meager Beginnings
What began as an ambition to bring education back into students' homes and that of their families became an endeavor far greater than we could ever have expected or dreamed.
In 2012, a high school student from one of the local churches reached out to learn acoustic guitar so he could lead worship music at his youth group. What started as a few uncertain lessons, sharing the basics that Ryan knew, grew into a desire to share the language of music in an environment familiar to the student. This launched a special service in the Minneapolis/St Paul suburbs of Minnesota, where our founder drove to individual homes, teaching public and home-educated students in their family living rooms. The idea came to officially brand as Manor House, which historically was a building on an estate where teachers, educators, and manor staff lived while serving a notable family.
With today's affluence, the concept of having a teacher or educational mentor come to a family seems more attainable and applicable on a mass scale than ever before. When the health crisis and virtual education hit in 2020, our founder shifted quickly to supporting families through academic support for students learning to manage a schedule of freedom in education that had not been explored by public schools. During that time, Ryan discovered most students do not have a struggle with access or understanding of educational materials, but rather a battle to manage time and structure their efforts to accomplish the work with excellence and timeliness. Aiding in educational supplementation and teaching music students continued successfully, onboarding families as they came around, while completing full-time education, coaching gymnastics, and engaging in other various work situations, until 2022.
During the summer of '22, Ryan spent three months in Anchorage, Alaska, visiting a longtime friend and envisioning what it might look like to relocate. As doors opened and connections were made around, the move became a quick and official one. While the positive aspects of driving to student homes continued to be a mark of Manor House Scholars when re-rooting in Alaska, time and student volume proved that method ineffective.
Today, Manor House Scholars has continued to train students in the fine arts of music while employing themes of poetry, acting, band components, and stage presence. Though we are a small team of artisans and individuals passionate about creative expression, we press on to share what we have with students of all ages.
A note from our founder:
"Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to empowering youth in education, sports, faith, and communication. I know firsthand that offering support and believing in their unique potential can motivate students toward a purpose-based future."
Ryan holds a Master's degree in Strategic Organizational Leadership. With over a decade of experience coaching gymnastics and teaching music, and a commitment to benefitting youth-focused organizations, he works to leverage his skills for a lasting impact on the next generation.