Our Story
Hello, and welcome to Stonewall Forest Academy, a Smith County Homeschool Cooperative!
We’re Ashley and Jesse Lords, a couple who traded the fast-paced suburban life for a more intentional, nature-connected lifestyle. As parents and educators, we’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of finding the right educational fit for our children. This journey led us to create SFA—a place where learning is as natural as the world around us.
Who We Are
Meet your SFA Guides
Raising happy humans is our top priority.
Founder
Ashley Lords
A Smith County native, and a lifelong learner and entrepreneur, she founded the Academy of Make Up Arts and has spent years blending education, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Co-Founder
Jesse Lords
A history buff and permaculture enthusiast, he believes education should be about critical thinking, hands-on experiences, and discovering real truths rather than memorizing what’s in a textbook.
Ashley Lords: I’ve loved school for as long as I can remember! As a child, I played “school” with my little cousins, eager to teach them what I had learned. My passion for learning has never faded—I’m always excited to explore something new.
With a background in Sculpture (metalsmithing) from VCU and a B.A. in Professional Studies from MTSU, I’ve spent my career blending creativity with education. In 2010, I founded the Academy of Make Up Arts, a school dedicated to training artists for the film and television industry.
Since becoming a mom in 2005, I’ve navigated a variety of educational paths for my three children, from award-winning public schools to Montessori and homeschooling. These experiences have deepened my belief in child-led, hands-on learning.
At Stonewall Forest Academy, I strive to create a nurturing, curiosity-driven environment where children learn by doing.
“What the hand does, the mind remembers.” -Maria Montessori
Jesse Lords: I’ve always loved school. As a kid, I thought I’d be a history teacher—but somewhere along the way, the world convinced me I should be a doctor, a lawyer, or a business executive. So, I became a lawyer… and now I wish I had just become a farmer!
I love learning new things, but over time, I realized much of what I was taught in school wasn’t entirely true. That experience shaped my belief that education should be about critical thinking, hands-on experiences, and discovering real truths—not just memorizing what’s in a textbook.
With a law degree from the University of Memphis, I’ve spent my career exploring entrepreneurship, sustainable living, and regenerative agriculture (and even started a hot sauce company along the way). At Stonewall Forest Academy, I bring my love for history, problem-solving, and the natural world, helping students think for themselves, challenge ideas, and learn through real experiences in nature.
“Every kid starts out as a natural-born scientist, and then we beat it out of them. A few trickle through the system with their wonder and enthusiasm for science intact.” -Carl Sagan
Curriculum
We’ve walked the path of traditional education and realized it doesn’t suit everyone, especially our neurodivergent children. Our experiences highlighted the need for an educational approach that respects individual learning styles and fosters genuine happiness—a sentiment echoed by Maria Montessori:
“One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child.”
At Stonewall Forest Academy, we blend Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, and forest school principles to create a learning environment rooted in story, nature, and meaningful work. Free from the constraints of conventional classrooms, children explore, discover, and learn at their own pace—surrounded by nature, guided by curiosity, and connected to their community. Our days are filled with rich literature, hands-on projects, outdoor learning, and collaborative experiences that nurture the whole child.
Our Mission & Values
At Stonewall Forest Academy, we believe children learn best when they are free to explore, create, and grow in a supportive, nature-based environment. Our mission is to nurture independent thinkers, encourage curiosity, and foster a deep connection with the world around us.
Join Us
Join us at Stonewall Forest Academy, A Smith County Homeschool Cooperative!
If you’re seeking an educational community that values curiosity, hands-on exploration, and a deep connection to nature, we’d love to welcome your family to Stonewall Forest Academy. Let’s nurture the minds and spirits of the next generation together.