A homeschool cooperative is a part-time educational program that supports homeschooling families by offering structured classes, hands-on learning, and social connection. Parents and educators work together to create a nurturing, flexible environment where children can explore, learn, and grow alongside their peers.

We are a hybrid homeschool cooperative. Parents remain the primary educators and are responsible for meeting state homeschool requirements.

Yes, families must register with a homeschool umbrella school or their local district to comply with state homeschooling laws.

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 currently welcome children grades PK-8, with flexibility based on individual readiness rather than age. Our team has experience teaching mixed-age groups in Montessori classrooms and one-room forest schools, serving students from kindergarten through middle school. We adapt lessons to meet each child at their unique developmental stage, focusing on skills and abilities—not grade levels.

We don’t offer part-time enrollment at this time.

Stonewall Forest Academy is built around the idea that deep relationships and meaningful learning happen through consistent community. Our families meet three days a week, which allows time for connection, rhythm, and support—without overwhelming schedules.

Our founding members found that once-a-week co-ops didn’t provide the level of community or educational continuity they were seeking, and this model was born from that experience.

Start by joining our Interest List.

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 – meaningful, real-world work
• Habit Training – character formation through gentle guidance

We follow the Charlotte Mason philosophy, with influences from Waldorf and Montessori to support hands-on, story-rich, and interest-led learning.

No, we do not assign traditional grades.

In the Charlotte Mason tradition, we focus on observational assessments rather than test scores. Students are assessed three times per year through narration, discussion, and portfolio review. This approach gives our teachers space to truly 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.

Multiple Intelligences Theory, developed by psychologist Howard Gardner, suggests that intelligence is not just one ability (like IQ) but a combination of different ways people learn and process information. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, it recognizes eight types of intelligence:

• Linguistic (Word Smart) – Strong with reading, writing, and storytelling.
• Logical-Mathematical (Number Smart) – Thinks in patterns, numbers, and logic.
• Spatial (Picture Smart) – Learns visually through images, art, and maps.
• Bodily-Kinesthetic (Body Smart) – Learns best through movement and hands-on activities.
• Musical (Music Smart) – Sensitive to sound, rhythm, and melody.
• Interpersonal (People Smart) – Strong social skills and understanding of others.
• Intrapersonal (Self Smart) – Deep thinkers who are self-reflective.
• Naturalistic (Nature Smart) – Connects with nature, animals, and the environment.

Charlotte Mason was a 19th-century British educator who believed children learn best through rich literature, time in nature, and forming good habits. Her method emphasizes “living books” over textbooks, short focused lessons, narration (retelling), and developing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.

Waldorf education, developed by Rudolf Steiner, is a holistic approach that nurtures the head, heart, and hands. It emphasizes creativity, imagination, and a deep connection to nature. Learning is hands-on and follows the rhythm of the seasons, with a strong focus on storytelling, the arts, and developing the whole child through age-appropriate, soul-enriching experiences.

Forest school is an outdoor, nature-based education model where kids learn through exploration, play, and hands-on activities in the natural world. It builds confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills while fostering a deep connection to nature.

Montessori is a child-led, hands-on learning approach that encourages independence, curiosity, and real-world skills. Kids learn at their own pace using specially designed materials in a structured but flexible environment.

We keep class sizes small to ensure individualized attention and a supportive learning environment. We will enroll a maximum of 12 students our first year.

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 12.5-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.