About Us
The Homestead Academy (THA) is a distinctive, Christ-centered educational community designed to provide a holistic learning experience outside the traditional public school framework. Catering to mixed-age groups of children from early elementary and up, THA fosters a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere where students of varying ages learn from and support one another. Open to students Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Operating a full-time program from Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 2 PM, The Homestead Academy emphasizes personalized education. Our tailored curriculum is crafted to meet each student’s unique needs and interests, utilizing engaging videos and interactive materials that inspire curiosity and a love for learning. By stepping away from the testing-centered culture prevalent in many public schools, we prioritize meaningful learning experiences over standardized assessments.
Meet the Team
The Homestead Academy faculty:
Director
Matt Brown
Matt is the Senior Pastor of The Homestead Church. He lives in Aubrey, TX, with his wife, Jamie, and his two daughters, Emery and Finleigh Brown. His dream of starting a school was amplified when a need for an education model that suited his daughters began to arise. Emery and Finleigh have both been diagnosed with Dyslexia, which can be challenging in the traditional public or private school models. As a child Matt suffered with the strain of education on the Dyslexic mind and endeavored to believe there had to be a better way!
Matt is a trained Paramedic and EMT and Jamie graduated with a bachelor’s degree from TCU.
Emery and Finleigh both now attend The Homestead Academy and have flourished in the environment.
Matt enjoys golfing, attending sporting events, and is passionate about Jesus!
3rd-5th Grade Educator
Melanie Scott
Mrs. Scott has her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and is certified in early childhood education through 6th grade, in all subjects. She is also certified in the science of teaching reading, GT and ESL.
Mrs. Scott has been teaching for 5 years in the public school system and while she has enjoyed it, her heart is to teach in an environment that promotes Jesus and instills a joy and love for learning! She believes that learning should be fun and engaging for the mind and body through movement and play. Mrs. Scott is excited to meet students where they are and provide an individualized learning experience for them to be successful and feel proud of their learning. She hopes that each student leaves each day knowing they are loved, important and capable of anything they put their minds to!
In her free time, Mrs. Scott loves spending time with her husband, Dylan, and their two boys, Sterling and Stetson. She loves being outside whether it’s a pool day in the Texas heat, or a nature walk on cooler days. She is an avid reader for anything fiction and enjoys baking!
6th-12th Grade Educator
Raeanna Sires
Mrs. Rae was born and raised on Georgia and attended Emmanuel University studying early childhood education. She started with The Homestead Academy as the assistant teacher and substitute and fell in love with the atmosphere and all that THA stands for: slowing down and being creative with learning and developing each child to discover their beloved identity. Her passion for the whole physical, emotional and spiritual health of each student is her top priority.
Mrs. Rae is married to her husband, Alton, and they have two boys, Beckham and Cooper. She enjoys singing, song writing, playing piano, volunteering at the local theater and playing in the sunshine with her boys.
She is inspired daily by the students at THA!
1st-2nd Grade Educator
Madison Lambert
Mrs. Madi has worked with children since she started babysitting as a teenager and truly can’t imagine doing anything else! She began her studies in early childhood education at North Central Texas College. During the years her Husband served in the military they were blessed with their family. After that season, she spent five years teaching at a Christian-based private preschool, where her love for teaching and working with young children continued to grow.
Mrs. Madi believes that every child learns differently and loves finding creative, encouraging ways to help each student grow in confidence and discover just how capable they are. She is passionate about creating a classroom where children feel safe, celebrated, and excited to learn. Being able to teach in an environment where she can also share the love of Jesus and help students build a relationship with Him is a dream come true. Her greatest hope is that each child knows they are deeply loved by God and created with purpose.
Mrs. Madi has been married to her husband, Nick, for 10 years, and they have two daughters. She loves spending time outdoors with her family—hiking, camping, and playing with their dog. In her free time, she enjoys baking, crafting, tackling DIY projects, and getting lost in a bookstore. She feels incredibly grateful to be part of a community that values faith, family, and joyful learning
Testimonials
Happy Parents
Our program has received positive feedback from parents, teachers, and students alike. Here's what some of our satisfied parents have to say:
We knew going back to public school wasn’t an option for us but we knew we needed more structure and socialization. We decided to give The Homestead Academy a shot. We are so thrilled to have found this place! School has been a struggle for our child to the point of him dreading and stalling out of anxiety. Since starting here that has not been the case at all. He has always wanted to be the first one in the door, and on this last break, has been waiting for the time to go back, we have never had that before! He is so eager to learn and share what he has learned at the end of the day.
Mrs. Rae is amazing; I can’t say enough positive things about her. She definitely knows how to keep the children of all different age/skill levels engaged at the same time. The class sizes are small which works great for students with other learning abilities and allows for more individualized help if needed. We are so glad we had the opportunity to join this program and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Katye T., Parent
We LOVE THA! My two oldest children started in the 2023-2024 school year and have grown in their academics and confidence. They loved it so much that our youngest begged to attend and started with them for the 24/25 school year.
The environment of THA nourishes their sense of wonder and adventure while instilling a strong educational foundation of study and application. With their Montessori style classroom, the kids have the opportunity to learn from each other and the lead instructor. It’s a perfect fit and we are so blessed to be part of this amazing school!
Dominique N., Parent
The Homestead Academy is a hidden gem! We homeschooled for several years largely at home supplementing with one day a week co-op, but I felt like my 11-year-old son needed just a bit more. This year we decided to try something different, and THA was the thing we didn't know we needed!! Mrs. Rae has a heart of gold. Her love for the kids and passion for teaching is obvious with your first interaction. I love the customized curriculum program THA blends with group projects, art lessons, bonus units, and outside playing. My kiddo is engaged, learning, safe, and thoroughly enjoying the micro school life!
THA is an ideal mix of homeschool and traditional schooling: mixed age classroom, customized individual curriculum, no tardies or testing, flexibility for doctor appointments and "life" things that come up, opportunities for connection and friendship, and an entire staff that truly cares about these kiddos as if they were their own. Five out of five stars, would recommend!
Lexi L., Parent
Contact
Have a question or want to learn more about The Homestead Academy? Contact us via email at THAcademy2023@gmail.com, or use the contact form below and a member of our team will reach out to you.
Please be sure to check your spam folder if you do not receive an email from us within 24-48 hours.