An education rooted in curiosity, nature, and meaningful work.
Stonewall Forest Academy is a small, nature-based learning community located on 56 acres of forest, creek, and farmland in Middle Tennessee. Our students spend their days learning through literature, exploration, nature study, practical work, and creative expression.
Because we intentionally keep enrollment small to preserve the quality of the experience, tuition supports the teachers, materials, animals, land stewardship, and the daily operations of the school.
Core Program (Tuesday-Thursday)
After lunch, students spend the afternoon outdoors exploring the forest, creek, and gardens through a balance of guided activities and unstructured play, along with nature study, art, and practical work.
Students begin the day with shared studies such as literature, poetry, history, and music. This is followed by a Montessori-style work cycle lasting about two to two-and-a-half hours, when children engage deeply with hands-on academic materials and individual work.
If enrollment demand grows, we may expand to a 4-day program in the future.
Community Tuition Model
Stonewall Forest Academy uses a community-supported tuition model.
Rather than a single fixed price, families choose tuition within a range based on their financial ability. This approach helps keep the school accessible while allowing families who are able to support the sustainability of the program.
Monthly Tuition Range
$350 – $750 per child
Most families fall between $500–$650 per month, which reflects the true cost of the program.
Families select the tuition level that feels responsible and sustainable for their household.
Sibling Tuition
We value family participation and want to make it possible for siblings to attend together.
Sibling tuition is adjusted as follows:
- First child: full tuition
- Second child and beyond: 75% of selected tuition
Fees
In addition to monthly tuition, the following annual fees support materials and enrollment administration.
Enrollment Fee – $150 (annual)
This fee secures a student’s place in the program and covers administrative and enrollment costs.
Resource Fee – $250 (annual)
This fee supports classroom materials, art supplies, nature study equipment, books, and other learning resources used throughout the year.
Enrollment Deposit
A $200 enrollment deposit reserves a student’s place in the program.
This deposit is applied toward the first month’s tuition.
Because enrollment is intentionally limited, deposits are non-refundable once a space is reserved.
Our Commitment
Stonewall Forest Academy is designed to be a slow, meaningful education rooted in nature, great books, creative work, and community life.
Students learn not only through academics, but through:
- caring for animals
- gardening and land stewardship
- exploring forests and waterways
- art, music, and storytelling
- real work that builds confidence and responsibility
Inquire About Enrollment
We welcome families who value curiosity, creativity, responsibility, and time spent in the natural world. To learn more or schedule a visit, please contact us.
Why We Use a Community Tuition Model
Stonewall Forest Academy is intentionally small. Our goal is to create a calm, personal learning environment where children are known well and spend meaningful time outdoors on the land.
Rather than setting one fixed tuition price, we use a community-supported model that allows families to contribute according to their ability. This approach helps us welcome families from different backgrounds while maintaining the quality and sustainability of the program.
Families who are able to contribute toward the higher end of the tuition range help make it possible for other children to participate. In this way, each family plays a role in supporting the whole learning community. Most families find that selecting tuition in the middle to upper portion of the range reflects the true cost of providing this type of education.