Stonewall Forest Academy is a nature-based homeschool tutorial in Pleasant Shade, Tennessee, serving families in Smith County and surrounding areas. We partner with families to provide a consistent, intentional learning experience rooted in curiosity, hands-on exploration, and meaningful community.
Our program is designed around a three-day rhythm (Tuesday–Thursday) that supports academic focus, collaborative problem-solving, and deep engagement with the natural world — all within a small, mixed-age learning community.
At Stonewall Forest Academy, children learn through discovery, creation, and real-world work. We draw inspiration from both Montessori and Charlotte Mason principles, cultivating independence, critical thinking, and lifelong habits of attention.
Our campus sits on 56 acres of forest, fields, and outdoor classroom space — a learning environment as rich and varied as the students themselves. Every day includes opportunities for:
- hands-on academics,
- creative expression,
- outdoor investigation and nature connection,
- and community building.
We believe childhood should be joyful, grounded, and full of possibility. Our role is to guide children with care, respect, and intention — not to accelerate them artificially or fit them into one rigid mold.
Who We Are
Stonewall Forest Academy is intentionally small. We do not seek large enrollment numbers — we seek meaningful connections between students, families, and teachers. This allows us to:
- meet each child where they are,
- tailor learning experiences to individual strengths,
- and foster a true sense of belonging and collaboration.
We are more than a program — we are a community. Parents are welcomed into that community, with space on site to gather, work, or simply rest while their children engage in learning.
What Families Can Expect
Families who choose Stonewall Forest Academy are often looking for:
- a thoughtful alternative to traditional schooling,
- consistent weekly rhythm that still preserves family time,
- an emphasis on outdoor learning and experiential education,
- a supportive multi-age community,
- and a place where children are known, respected, and challenged appropriately.
We meet three days a week not because that’s “less than school,” but because it reflects an intentional balance — rigorous yet humane, structured yet flexible, rooted yet open to wonder.
Our Team
Leadership
Ashley Lords
Founder & Director
Ashley is the founder of Stonewall Forest Academy and brings over a decade of experience leading educational programs and building mission-driven organizations. As a longtime entrepreneur and homeschool advocate, she is passionate about creating learning environments that honor childhood, cultivate independence, and foster meaningful community.
Stonewall Forest Academy grew from Ashley’s desire to blend academic depth with nature-based, hands-on learning in a small, intentional setting. Drawing inspiration from Montessori and Charlotte Mason principles, she designed the academy around a consistent three-day rhythm that supports both focused study and immersive outdoor exploration.
Ashley believes education should be rigorous yet humane, structured yet spacious — a model that supports families, not overwhelms them. She lives in Middle Tennessee with her family and remains deeply committed to building a thoughtful, grounded learning community.
Faculty
Kim Franklin
Upper Elementary Guide
Kim is a longtime homeschool mother currently pursuing Montessori certification for ages 9–12. She brings a deep understanding of individualized learning and the upper elementary years, guiding students toward independence and academic ownership.
Rubi Nunez
Spanish Enrichment Guide
Rubi is a homeschooling mother who leads Spanish enrichment and immersive language experiences at Stonewall Forest Academy. Through conversational practice, songs, and cultural exploration, she supports students in developing confidence and familiarity with the Spanish language.
Amie Fessner
Music Theory & Handbells
Amie provides structured music instruction at Stonewall Forest Academy, teaching foundational music theory and handbells. Her work supports rhythm, listening skills, collaboration, and creative expression within our weekly learning cycle.