Hi, I’m Brenna Lorenz (or more commonly known as Ms. Brenna these days), the founder and lead teacher for Acorn Trails! To know our “why” behind this school, I could honestly write a book, but here’s a summary.

I’ve been passionate about education for as long as I can remember. As a home schooled child myself, I remember playing teacher with my younger siblings and dolls. I entered the public school system in 4th grade because I was so lonely as a home schooler. I went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Education with a Reading Endorsement and graduated with honors in 2013. During college, I had the great privilege of working in several unique schools. From helping teach at the school in the local Juvenile Detention Center and even an old castle (yes, an actual castle) in Austria at a Montessori school. I was able to see where students were thriving, and where the school system was failing our children. In college I immersed myself in the study of educatioonal philosophies, pedagogy, and child development. Especially in the work of Jean Piaget. His research on how the brain develops deeply influenced me—I came to understand that play isn’t just fun, it’s essential for learning, growth, and emotional regulation.

After graduating, I was honored to be accepted into Teach For America—an opportunity offered to only 11% of applicants—and placed at a highly sought-after inner-city school in Milwaukee. The school’s mission was to bring students in from their struggling neighborhood schools and give them a real chance at a better education. It was a bold vision, and one I believed in wholeheartedly.

When I arrived, 80% of my students were reading below grade level, some by as much as three years. By the end of that school year, every single one had reached grade-level proficiency, or above, and I am deeply proud of that, but I also saw firsthand how little time these children had for play—something I knew from both research and instinct was a crucial missing piece. Many of my students were carrying heavy emotional burdens, and I believed then (and still do) that unstructured play could have been profoundly healing for their nervous systems and essential to their overall development.

Since then, I became a tutor, a mother, and now a homeschooling mother. I’ve spent the last four years teaching in small, pod-style classes, embracing a more holistic, personalized approach, but still felt the comparison among students starting . With my own son’s recent diagnosis of dyslexia, I’ve become even more devoted to individualized learning that allows every creative, unique brain to shine. I believe this is where the beauty of homeschooling lies. Yet, I also understand the need for socialization and the value that friendship and community brings to the educational journey. This is where our program comes in. We have a group of students, spanning from kindergarten to fifth grade, who are able to interact, collaborate, form friendships, and develop problem solving skills (among all of the other learning that takes place at our program!)

Two years ago, I dove into more research about outdoor learning, especially the forest schools in Europe and asked my wonderful parents if we could use their property (the same property I remember having great adventures on as an adolescent), and as veteran homeschool parents, they were excited to offer their space to this community!

Teaching isn’t something I just stumbled upon, it is my heart. I’m a lifelong learner and researcher—constantly exploring best practices in education, brain development, and student support. I believe great teaching comes from staying curious, questioning the status quo, and always striving to do better for our kids. I feel incredibly blessed to be accompanied by two other educators who share the same attitude about teaching.

It has always been, and still is, my passion to ensure every child receives a great education, and now in our ever changing world, I understand that a great education is one that nurtures their mind, honors their individuality, and gives them the space to play, grow, and thrive.