general information

"...planted seeds...of appreciation in the souls of my sons for how God provides for us and how He meant for us to steward blessings and bounty."

K.E., Valrico

Every class is unique, and based on a unit study model. Depending on the class, students will use skills in science, math, language arts, history, and art.

Space is limited to ensure a small instructor/student ratio. Students will be encouraged to fully engage with questions, observations, curiousity, and teamwork.

Classes are targeted for different grade levels,

K-12, noted in each course description.

$20/student, payable online in advance.

Click "Classroom" link to register and pay

through The Forest Farm.

Snack bar and farm stand will be

available for onsite purchases.

Jennie Ellis

Jennie completed her B.S. at Vanderbilt University and a year of education classes at Peabody College. She went on to work for DSF as a social worker. After the birth of the first of her 4 boys she began her volunteer work with at risk children as a Guardian Ad Litem and then as an adoptive parent. She and her family began the nonprofit CPI Haiti in 2009 and worked for 10 years providing a free school for 250 children in a remote village. It is there that her love for the farm life began. The whole community was centered around agriculture and she learned a lot from the people who became like family to her. She is now the owner of Bethany Oaks Farm where she and her family host parties, weddings, retreats, and homeschool enrichment classes. Her 4 sons and newly adopted bonus daughter are all adults now but are never far from the farm and family. She enjoys ministry with her husband, photography and her pet goats.

Meet the Instructors

Charlotte Wilkinson

Charlotte was raised in Plant city on a small farm. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she helped raise dogs and she competed in dog shows from the ages of 7-10. Then she realized her passion for horses. She began showing them, and later performed in many different events, rodeos, and competitions. She then began giving riding lessons to children for 5 years.

Charlotte's mom was a librarian and encouraged Charlotte's love for reading. For 3 years she worked full time at the public library in Plant City in the children’s department. She planned and hosted events, shows, and story times.

10 years ago she bought cattle and began her business. She now has a horse, 4 Highland cows, a donkey, and chickens on her property and 50 cows on other pastures. She is raising her 2 boys with her husband in Plant City.

Tracy Forest

Tracy completed her Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling, and spent much of her career counseling

at-risk children and teens in school and outpatient settings. When her husband was recalled to active duty, the family started a “trial” homeschool year, which became a 20-year journey with two (now college) graduates! Once military moves were over, Tracy and her husband settled in Plant City and launched The Forest Farm, a small farm and nursery focusing on sustainability and heirloom varieties of plants and produce. Since leaving her counseling career, Tracy has served as a Girl Scout leader, children’s ministry coordinator, and homeschool instructor. She is passionate about helping others learn how to be stewards of the world around them.

"...captivated the attention of our students

with fun and exciting information and projects."

N. S., Riverview

Photography by Jennie Ellis Photography