About Us
We inspire homeschooled middle schoolers through nature-based learning and outdoor movement. Our class offerings are dynamic, changing each semester to keep the learning experience fresh, vibrant, and exciting for our youth.
Welcome to a community of educators reimagining middle school education. Together, we're creating learning experiences that embrace the freedom of homeschooling while capturing the dynamism of real-world life and nature.
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We share and explore ways to:
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Transform our cities into learning laboratories - from museum halls to forest trails.
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Design flexible schedules that balance structured learning with independent discovery.
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Create opportunities for students to move between spaces, building confidence and autonomy.
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Weave together academic excellence with real-world experiences.
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Foster genuine collaboration and community among young learners.
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Develop service learning that connects students deeply to their communities.
GrassRoots Middle is a space to share resources, exchange ideas, and support each other as we create educational experiences that prepare our students academically and as whole people.
Our Story
Our program is not just a drop-off program for homeschoolers aged 9-14; it's a hands-on, experiential journey for these scholars. As a traveling program, our learning space is ever-changing. We visit museums, farms, and local small businesses. We create and observe gardens, go camping, hike, and engage in programming. We have Entrepreneurs visit our classroom to share "real-world" experiences, learnings, and best practices. Scholars participate in project-based learning each semester, enhancing their practical skills and understanding of the world.
Meet the Leaders
Co-Founder + Guide
Shelby Stone-Steel
I am Shelby Stone-Steel, a middle school enthusiast. My journey began with Teach For America in New York City (2006). My passion for outdoor learning developed while teaching at a Newark charter school, where I witnessed the impact of outdoor time on student engagement. This experience led me to co-found Gather Forest School and establish Shalom Polepole, a blog exploring nature, environmentalism, and environmental justice.
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With 18 years of teaching experience across public, charter, private, forest, and homeschool settings, I now co-lead GrassRoots Middle, integrating outdoor learning with core academics.
I hold a B.A. in English Literature/Journalism and International Studies from Miami University, completed my MST at Pace University, studied Pastry Arts at L'Academie de Cuisine, and am currently pursuing Instructional Leadership at Harvard Graduate School of Education.​
Co-Founder
Mike Steel
I am Mike Steel, a seasoned corporate executive and business owner passionate about youth. I've led sales organizations for some of the world's largest companies while continuing to serve in community outreach programs as a certified youth sports coach, mentor, and volunteer guide for outdoor and homeschool programs across the city of Atlanta. I am a proud alumni of INROADS, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, and Upward Bound.
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I am the proud father of two sons, both of whom are homeschooled. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for over 17 years and have been together for 23 years.
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I hold a bachelor's degree from the University of Toledo, a master's degree from Howard University, and a Certificate of Leadership from Harvard University.