Foothill Frolic Farm — introduces a new concept in development › a farm & forest school that weaves the standards of a well-rounded academic education into a deeply experiential, nature-based & project learning environment. * Initially starting with ages 9–12 years old (4th–6th grades) with the targeted opening date of September 14th, 2026 *
Real Learning Rooted in Land, Community & Capability
This vision for learning is designed to be both rigorous and relevant — grounded in reality, enriched by imagination, and deeply connected to the land, the community, and the lives of the children themselves.
We're currently gathering interest from local families. If this resonates with your family, we'd love to hear from you as soon as possible. There will be just 12 spots available for the founding year.
As featured in the Kingsport Times News: Farm and Forest School in the Works for Children Nine Through 12 →
✦ A note on our imagery: Some photos throughout this site are from our first learning expedition — a real glimpse of the experience in action. Where you see illustrations, we're still envisioning what's to come as the school grows.
Learning on Living Land
Foothill Frolic Farm is a multi-generational working farm with deep agricultural and historical roots in the Holston Community of Sullivan County.
The vision is to create a school environment where learning is integrated into life itself—not separated from it.
The farm is an optimal learning environment with:
A Small, Founding Year
Year One is intentionally designed as a small, relationship-centered founding year focused on building healthy culture, developing operational systems, and creating a deeply meaningful experience for the founding families involved.
The program is expected to begin as a , with participating students registered as homeschool students while attending the program throughout the week. This approach allows us to launch thoughtfully, build strong foundations, and gain valuable experience as we prepare for future growth.
During the founding year, we will continue developing the systems, partnerships, and operational framework needed to support our long-term vision of becoming a Farm & Forest Microschool serving additional students and grade levels.
Beginning intentionally with a small group allows the program to grow at a healthy pace while preserving the relationships, educational quality, and hands-on learning experiences that make this vision unique.
12 Students Maximum
Small, relationship-centered founding cohort
starting with
Ages 9–12 (4th–6th Grade)
Intentional mixed-age group
Mon–Thu, 8:30am–3:30pm
Four-day weekly schedule
Relationship-Centered
Culture-building founding year
Standards-Based
Embedded in meaningful, real-world projects
Personalized Support
Deeply individualized founding experience
We're Searching for Two Founding Guides
Foothill Frolic Farm & Forest School is actively hiring for two founding team positions — a Lead Learning Guide and an Operations & Community Guide. If you know someone who might be a perfect fit, or if you're curious yourself, we'd love for you to explore the opportunity.
Curious About Our Curriculum?
Explore the Four Roots of Learning, our Year One academic foundations, how project-based learning works, and sample projects — from a one-week farm safety adventure to a year-long water investigation.
Explore Our Curriculum →The Four Roots of Learning
Everything we do — from projects and academics to outdoor experiences and community meals — is designed to help children grow in four interconnected ways.
Curiosity & Understanding
Academics & Inquiry
Capability & Contribution
Projects & Real-World Skills
Community & Connection
Relationships & Leadership
Character & Growth
Whole-Child Development
Real Moments, Real Learning
A glimpse of the Guardians of the Farm expedition — where mapping, first aid, and stewardship came alive on the land.
Practicing wilderness first aid
Mapping our home together
Learning is joyful work
A Day and Year at the Farm
A four-day week, September through late May — structured enough to feel grounded, flexible enough to follow the seasons.
Year at a Glance
School Days
Mon – Thu
Hours
8:30am – 3:30pm
School Year
Sept – Late May
Launch
Fall 2026
Sample Daily Rhythm
We believe children deserve opportunities to learn through meaningful experiences, real responsibilities, strong relationships, and connection to the land.
Like many parents, we have spent time reflecting on what helps children truly thrive—not only academically, but as capable, curious, and confident human beings. That reflection has inspired us to imagine a learning community rooted in the values we hope to pass on to our own son and future generations.
Our vision is to cultivate a place where curiosity is encouraged, capability is developed, imagination is valued, and every child has the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can contribute to the world around them.
— Allie & Matthew, Founders
A Sustainable Farm & Forest Microschool
The long-term vision is to thoughtfully grow into a larger farm & forest microschool serving older children and adolescents through highly experiential, place-based learning.
This phased approach allows the program to grow intentionally and sustainably while remaining rooted in the values that inspired it—stewardship of the land, meaningful relationships, educational quality, and a healthy pace of growth.
Year One · Fall 2026
12 Students · Ages 9–12
A small founding cohort (4th–6th grade) rooted in place-based learning, healthy culture-building, and real-world capability.
Year Two · Fall 2027
Up to 24 Students · 4th–7th Grade
Expanding toward a recognized Tennessee non-public microschool structure with expanded facilities and programming.
Age 16+ Horizon
World-Ready Experiences
As students mature, we envision community apprenticeships, volunteerism, and even world travel and foreign exchange opportunities.
Community-embedded learning — older students may pursue apprenticeships with local craftspeople, farmers, and businesses, deepening skills while building real relationships in the community and beyond.
Where Childhood is Protected
The educational principles behind this vision are well established — nature-based, project-based, and relationship-centered environments have helped children thrive for decades. We believe rigorous academics and genuine joy in learning can coexist, and that meaningful experiences create the deepest, most lasting learning of all.
A Thoughtfully Designed, High-Value Experience
The 2026–2027 founding year is limited to a small cohort, with both Foothill Frolic Farm and Regenerate Education Lab investing significant personal time, energy, and financial resources into establishing this program thoughtfully and sustainably. This is not a compromise - it is an intentional, visionary investment, in creating something extraordinary for the founding year families and children who are part of this first year, thus keeping tuition accessible and the experience exceptional.
Founding Year Tuition Estimate
$700–$900
per month
Based on final enrollment numbers, launch structure, and level of founding-year investment support.
Possible Additional Fees
Tuition Directly Supports
Tuition will evolve over time as the program grows, infrastructure develops, and the school moves toward long-term sustainability.
Who This May Be a Good Fit For
Families seeking a different kind of educational experience for their children:
Founding year families aren't just enrolling their children — they're helping shape something new. The founding year is designed to be an extraordinary experience in its own right, not a rough draft of something better coming later.
Interested in Learning More?
We are currently exploring interest and gathering aligned families as this vision develops. Fill out this form and we'll be in touch.
Your information will be kept private and only shared with the founding team. Submitting this form does not create any obligation—it simply helps us understand who shares this vision.