A homeschool tutorial is an educational program where families who homeschool partner with experienced educators to enrich their child’s learning. Children remain registered as homeschoolers with the state but attend structured, small-group classes a few days per week.

At Stonewall Forest Academy, your child learns alongside peers in a nature-rich, Montessori + Charlotte Mason-inspired environment, while you retain control of your child’s overall education. It’s the best of both worlds — you guide the homeschool journey, while we provide expert-led instruction, a supportive community, and engaging hands-on learning.

Stonewall Forest Academy is a licensed-exempt homeschool tutorial in Pleasant Shade, TN, serving families across Smith, Jackson, Trousdale, Macon, Wilson, and Putnam counties.

We blend Montessori methods, Charlotte Mason philosophy, and nature-based learning to create an enriching environment for homeschoolers. Parents remain the primary educators and are responsible for meeting Tennessee’s homeschool requirements, while we support you with structured, small-group learning.

Yes. Since Stonewall Forest Academy is a tutorial and not a licensed school, families must register their children as homeschoolers in Tennessee.

You can register:

• Through a homeschool umbrella school (recommended for simplicity), or
• Directly with your local school district

We’re happy to guide families through this process and provide resources to make registration simple.

Stonewall Forest Academy welcomes families of all backgrounds. We believe—as Charlotte Mason taught—that education is the science of forming relationships: with knowledge, with nature, and with truth.

We offer a living education grounded in story, nature, and meaningful work, encouraging each child to explore ideas thoughtfully and independently. When lessons touch on matters of faith or differing worldviews, we present both mainstream academic perspectives and Biblical truths, trusting students to think deeply and form their own convictions.

Our community values curiosity, respect, and personal growth, and we welcome families who share these ideals, regardless of their faith tradition.

We are beginning with a Montessori Primary Program designed for children ages 3–6, with a little flexibility based on individual readiness rather than strict grade levels.

Our primary classroom blends Montessori methods with Charlotte Mason-inspired storytelling and nature-based exploration. As we grow, we plan to add additional mixed-age groups to support more homeschool families.

Yes — for Spring 2026, families can choose from:

• 2 days per week (ideal for families supplementing homeschool learning)
• 4 days per week (for families seeking more consistent support)

Our approach is built on the belief that deep relationships and meaningful learning happen through consistent community. Meeting multiple days each week allows children to:

• Form close friendships
• Build healthy rhythms
• Explore and learn in a nature-rich environment

This model was designed to give families the best of both worlds — structured, Montessori-based learning without losing the freedom and flexibility of homeschooling.

Enrollment for Spring 2026 is now open!

1. Join Our Interest List (to receive updates on openings and events)
2. Schedule a Tour (visit our classrooms and outdoor learning spaces)
3. Submit Your Application (secure your child’s spot in the Montessori Primary Program)

Schedule a Tour | Apply Now

Yes! We encourage families to schedule a tour to get a feel for our learning environment.

We offer a rich, well-rounded curriculum that includes:

• Language Arts – reading, narration, spelling, handwriting, and composition
• Math – taught by ability using the Montessori method
• History & Geography – taught through living books and storytelling
• Science & Nature Study – with plenty of outdoor exploration
• Bible – using the King James Version (KJV)
• Art, Poetry, & Music – integrated into our weekly rhythm
• Handicrafts & Life Skills – daily meaningful, real-world work
• Habit Training – character formation through gentle guidance

We follow the Montessori method, guided by Charlotte Mason philosophy, to support hands-on, story-rich, and interest-led learning.

No, we do not assign traditional grades.

In keeping with the Montessori method and Charlotte Mason philosophy, we use observational assessments rather than test scores. Students are assessed three times per year through narration, discussion, and portfolio review. This allows us to understand each child’s growth and needs—without the pressure of constant grading.

Parents in Tennessee are responsible for reporting grades to their umbrella school or oversight program, and are free to do so based on their child’s work. Since parents can ultimately report whatever is appropriate for their child, there’s no need for Stonewall Forest Academy to issue official grades.

Charlotte Mason was a 19th-century British educator who believed that education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life. She emphasized teaching through “living books” — rich, engaging literature — rather than dry textbooks, alongside hands-on exploration, narration, and habit formation.

Core elements of the Charlotte Mason approach:

• Rich storytelling → Children connect deeply with ideas through well-written literature.
• Time in nature → Nature study fosters curiosity, observation skills, and reverence for the world.
• Habit training → Developing good habits early builds character and self-discipline.
• Whole-child education → Mind, body, and spirit are nurtured together.

At Stonewall Forest Academy, we weave Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on living books, storytelling, and time outdoorsinto our Montessori Primary classroom to create a balanced, inspiring, and joyful learning environment.

The Montessori Method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, scientist, and educator in the early 1900s. Her groundbreaking research showed that children learn best through hands-on exploration, freedom within structure, and self-directed discovery.

Montessori education focuses on:

• Child-led learning → Children follow their natural curiosity and learn at their own pace.
• Prepared environment → Carefully designed classrooms and materials foster independence, concentration, and confidence.
• Practical life skills → Children develop real-world abilities alongside academic concepts.
• Intrinsic motivation → The joy of learning comes from discovery, not rewards or pressure.

At Stonewall Forest Academy, our Montessori Primary Program is designed for children ages 3–6 and blends Dr. Montessori’s principles with Charlotte Mason storytelling and nature-based exploration. This approach nurtures the whole child — mind, body, and spirit — while fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Forest School is an outdoor, nature-based educational model where children learn through exploration, play, and hands-on activities in the natural world. It originated in Scandinavia and has become a global movement focused on developing the whole child through time in nature.

Key benefits of Forest School include:

• Confidence & resilience → Children build problem-solving skills and self-reliance.
• Deep connection to nature → Daily outdoor experiences foster environmental stewardship.
• Collaborative learning → Working together in unstructured settings builds communication and social skills.
• Holistic development → Physical, emotional, and cognitive growth thrive in open-air environments.

At Stonewall Forest Academy, we incorporate Forest School principles into our Montessori Primary Program, encouraging children to explore the outdoors daily. Nature is not just our backdrop — it’s one of our most powerful teachers.

We keep class sizes small to ensure individualized attention and a supportive learning environment. We strive to have no more than a 12:1 student:teacher ratio.

Our days follow a gentle, consistent rhythm rooted in the Charlotte Mason philosophy and adapted for a modern homeschool community.

• 8:30–9:00 AM – Children arrive and enjoy free outdoor time to play, explore, and connect.
• 9:00 AM – We begin together with a morning gathering: singing hymns or folk songs, reading scripture, sharing school-wide announcements, and setting the tone for the day. Parents are welcome.
• Morning Lessons – Students break into small groups by skill level for short, focused lessons in core subjects like math, reading, and writing—true to Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on attention and mastery.
• Lunch & Fellowship – We share a community lunch that encourages connection and conversation.
• Afternoon Activities – After lunch, students enjoy storytelling and narration, nature study, and handicrafts—all central to our emphasis on beauty, habit, and meaningful work.

This structure allows for rich learning, strong community, and plenty of time for creativity and exploration—without long days or busywork.

Yes! Outdoor learning is a core part of our program, and we explore our 56-acre property daily, weather permitting. We won’t be outside during dangerous conditions, of course, such as extreme heat or cold, lightening, etc.

A backpack with weather-appropriate clothing, a water bottle, lunch/snacks, and extra clothes for outdoor play along with two changes of clothes. Education can get messy!