A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a continuous system is provided. The method includes supplying a glass batch to a glass melting furnace lined with a material substantially free of noble metals. The glass batch comprises about 50-about 75 weight percent SiO2, about 15-about 30 weight percent Al2O3, about 5-about 20 weight percent MgO, about 0-about 10 weight percent CaO, about 0.25-about 5 weigh percent R2O. The method further includes melting the glass batch in the furnace and forming a pool of molten glass in contact with the furnace glass contact surface, transporting the molten glass from the furnace to the bushing using a forehearth that is at least partially lined with a material substantially free of noble metal materials, discharging the molten glass from the forehearth into the bushing; and forming the molten glass into continuous fibers.