Our Journey

For many families, the public education model is failing.

We know you’ve felt it—something isn’t working in traditional education. Your child spends hours each day sitting at a desk, indoors, being told what to memorize, what to repeat, what to prepare for. But where is the joy? The wonder and free thinking? The purpose?

That was us. Standing at a fork in the road praying to God that there has to be a different way.  

Fast forward through foster care, adoptions and 4 years later in March, Melissa and Kelsey met (they knew each other in “different lives” as they worshipped, prayed together and became friends, but as life ebbs and flows and sends people down different paths, they found themselves back united by their kids and a family who watches them)  That March, Kelsey asks a simple question to Melissa “How are you?” while dropping off their kids.  Conversation ensued… God showed up.  They discussed their fears, concerns and desire to raise their kids in a Godly school, rooted in a firm foundation that is not at a desk 90% of the day and not driven by test scores and classic conditioning of the child.  Heavy prayer began, two public school teachers knowing the outcome of what that type of education would give our children.  A leap of Faith began, and the dream of a school where we rethought how are children learned to a thought with purposeful living and learning, filled with not only head by heart knowledge as well developed.

At our farm school, we’re doing things differently. We believe children were meant to move, to explore, to be outside learning with their hands and hearts—not just their heads. That’s why we’ve created a place where education is rooted in real life, where kids care for animals, grow their own food, and learn through meaningful, purposeful work.

This isn’t just school. It’s a return to timeless values, where curiosity leads the way and every day is full of discovery through God’s creation. We’re here for the parents who want more for their children—for an education that feels alive, grounded, and real.  We are here to partner with you through prayer, understanding, and purposeful, personalized learning

Welcome to a new kind of learning. Or rather, the kind that’s always worked.

Academic Excellence

We believe kids learn best when they’re doing, touching, building, growing, and asking big questions about the world around them. That’s why we lean into their natural curiosity with hands-on, real-world experiences—whether it’s planting seeds in the garden, feeding animals, or working together on outdoor projects.

These aren't just fun activities (though they are!). They’re opportunities for children to learn responsibility, develop a strong work ethic, and begin to understand concepts like stewardship and entrepreneurship in ways that actually stick. We know that sitting at a desk all day doesn’t suit every child—especially in these early, formative years.

Instead, we use the world outside the classroom to spark their imagination and deepen their learning. It's not just about what they know—it's about who they’re becoming. And we’re here to guide, encourage, and grow alongside them every step of the way.

At the heart of our curriculum is a deep commitment to your child’s growth—academically, emotionally, and socially. We build a strong foundation in reading, writing, and math because we know these skills open doors for learning and confidence. But just as important to us is helping your child grow into a kind, thoughtful, and resilient human being.

That’s why social-emotional learning is woven into everything we do. Through daily interactions, stories, group work, and hands-on activities, children practice empathy, solve problems together, and learn how to navigate conflict with care and respect. We believe school should be a place where every child feels seen, safe, and supported—where their spirit is nurtured along with their mind.

Our goal is simple: to provide a rich, balanced education that prepares your child not just for the next grade, but for life.

Spiritual Excellence

We believe pursuing Christ is the highest calling and the foundation of all true wisdom. At Brown Mountain Academy, spiritual formation is not an extracurricular—it’s the core of who we are. We labor alongside families to cultivate hearts fully surrendered to God, minds rooted in Scripture, and lives marked by prayer, worship, and service.

Our goal is not just to produce smart students—but faithful disciples.
Students who love truth, walk in grace, and boldly reflect the light of Christ in a dark and wandering world.

Rooted in faith. Grounded in truth.
This is education that lasts.

Our nondiscrimination policy ensures equal access: The School admits students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally available to students, published in enrollment materials and on our website.

Our curriculum is designed to be seasonally relevant and spiritually grounded. Below are examples of topics we will explore:

📚 Curriculum & Core Instruction

Our curriculum blends outdoor, hands-on learning with structured academic support inspired by the Charlotte Mason philosophy. We prioritize living books, habit training, and a deep respect for the child as a whole person. Every child is unique—and we tailor our instruction to their needs, interests, and development.

🌱 Farm Science Enrichment
Children explore biology, ecology, botany, and environmental science through farm life. This includes crop cycles, composting, soil and weather study, and animal care with alpacas, donkeys, goats, and horses. Themes change with the seasons and include projects like planting, building irrigation systems, managing garden plots, and observing animal behavior. Our themes will include:

  • Soil & Seed – Understanding soil composition and planting cold-hardy seeds

  • The Garden Ecosystem – Pollinators, pests, and predator-prey relationships

  • Compost & Decomposition – Exploring God's design in the life-death cycle

  • Water & Weather – Creating rain gauges, charting storms, and building irrigation systems

  • Chickens & Eggs – Animal husbandry, embryology, and daily farm chores

  • The Fall Harvest – Measuring, preserving, and giving thanks

  • Alpaca & Wool – Understanding fiber animals and sustainable textiles

  • Donkey Care & Gentle Strength – Exploring loyalty, burden-bearing, and stewardship

  • Goats & Grazing – Herd behavior, rotational grazing, and dairy use

  • Horses & Heart – Equine care, body language, and trust-building activities

Each theme is woven into core subjects, art, journaling, and Scripture reflection to make learning meaningful and holistic.

📖 Core Academics
Our literacy and math instruction takes place in small groups to allow for personal attention and customized learning. We use structured phonics, early comprehension tools, math manipulatives, and writing workshops. Lessons often align with farm themes — such as measuring plots for math or journaling nature findings to build literacy.

We draw from Charlotte Mason resources and other classical materials to build individualized academic paths. Living books bring subjects to life with rich stories and engaging content. Children are encouraged to narrate, journal, and reflect, which builds deeper understanding and expressive language skills.

🧠 Individualized Learning Plans
Each child receives regular assessments and feedback. Teachers partner with parents to build learning goals, track growth, and offer support tailored to each student's development.

🌿 Faith-Based Integration
Biblical principles and scripture are woven into every subject area. Whether learning about plant life cycles or writing stories, we center learning on wonder, stewardship, and gratitude for God’s creation.

🎨 Multi-Sensory & Experiential Activities
Children engage with learning through journaling, storytelling, art, kitchen science, and outdoor play. Our aim is to inspire joyful, holistic learners who are confident and curious.

📖 Faith & Scripture

We integrate faith into everyday moments through prayer, scripture, and spiritual reflection. Our approach honors the wonder of creation and our responsibility as stewards of God’s earth. Each week includes a memory verse and devotional, centered on building character and wonder in God’s design. One of our guiding scriptures is:

“But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.” — Job 12:7–8 (KJV)

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent Expectations

We believe in strong parent-school partnerships. To ensure the best experience for each child, we ask that parents:

  • Commit to regular, punctual attendance

  • Support the program’s nature-based and faith-centered values

  • Dress children appropriately for outdoor and farm activities

  • Provide healthy snacks and lunch daily

  • Participate in at least one volunteer opportunity per season

  • Communicate openly with staff about any academic or behavioral concerns

  • Honor the learning environment by minimizing screen exposure during program hours

🏡 Location

Our program is hosted on a working farm that allows for hands-on agricultural and ecological exploration. Children interact with animals, tend gardens, and experience the natural rhythms of life and learning outdoors.

Contact us

It is a partnership! Feel free to ask any questions at anytime!