Beacon Academy uses the Emerald Forest as the location for its initiation. The forest is filled with dangerous wildlife. This wildlife mostly includes the various species of Grimm, ranging from Creeps to Nevermore. This forest is full of ruins, dilapidated structures, and various caves. As the forest has been mostly left alone, with the exception of initiation, the forest also contains very dangerous Grimm that are stronger than most others. As such, it is not out of the question that some students find themselves in life-threatening situations in the forest.

Students are catapulted into the forest from Beacon Cliff, on purpose-built launch pads emblazoned with the academy's insignia.