Chestnut Ridge Academy is recognized as a Category IV school that operates under Tennessee law (TCA 49-50-801) and is recognized as a nonprofit organization in the state of Tennessee.  We are a federally recognized nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status.
​ An integral part of the school is the Homeschool Umbrella Program. Parents register with Chestnut Ridge and have the freedom to choose what curriculum and methods they will use to educate their children at home.

Chestnut Ridge Academy will provide resources, accountability and support to families as they educate their children at home.

Meet the Team

Staff

Patti Hunt

Chief Executive Officer
​Program Director

Patti Hunt is the Founder/CEO of Chestnut Ridge Academy. She has been the Head of School at CRA since 2019.  As Head of School, Mrs. Hunt oversees the day to day operations of the organization and works closely with the Board of Directors to ensure CRA's mission statement is the focus of all decision making. She earned her Bachelor's degree in education from California University of Pennsylvania and holds teaching certifications in multiple states. Her experience in education includes a variety of settings from public and private schools to homeschooling and homeschool co-ops. In her early years in the homeschool community of south central Pennsylvania she developed and managed a homeschool support group, homeschool co-ops and a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to benefit and support homeschool families. 
Mrs. Hunt has found over the years that home education best fits her philosophies in education. "I believe that every child has a unique way of learning. Home education is individualized education in which each child can be taught according to his/her strengths and weaknesses. I am looking forward to seeking out and providing resources to homeschool families for years to come with Chestnut Ridge. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your homeschooling journey."

Dianna Lucas

High School Guidance Counselor

​Dianna is the first ever High School Guidance Counselor at CRA. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources. Her experience includes 12+ years in public school administrative support positions  to include attendance, record keeping, preparing state data reports, enrolling and withdrawing students.
In her free time she likes spending time with her family of five kids, four grandchildren and her husband of 40+ years. She and her husband are about to embark on creating a homestead up on the mountain and raise chickens, goats and rabbits. She also likes to do all kinds of crafts. She especially likes to collect craft supplies and often says, "I can make that myself." 
Mrs. Lucas is a lifelong homeschool supporter, believing that parents know their kids he best and always have their best interest at heart. "I love my job at CRA working with Mrs. Patti! I really enjoy talking to parents and students. I especially like working with the students to find classes suitable for them as an individual which will help them in their future life plans and career goals. I have met some of the nicest people through CRA." 

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors are here to serve you. We strive to meet the needs of local homeschool families through assessment, collaboration and planning. The term for a member of the board is 2 years. A board member may serve two consecutitve terms. Officer elections take place at the January meeting annually.
Board meetings are held quarterly in January, April, July and October.

Heather Owens
Term expires July 2025

President

Kristin Peto
Term expires July 2026

Vice President

Sara Peitz
Term expires July 2025

Secretary

Kelley Spindle
Term expires July 2026

Board Member

Brian Hunt
Term expires July 2026

Board Member

Tracy McFerrin
Term expires April 2027

Board Member

Jennifer Rowland
Term expires April 2027

Board Member

Stefanie Worden
Term expires April 2027

Board Member

Vacancy
Term expires ...

Board Member

Activities Coordinators

All coordinator positions are volunteer positions. Those who volunteer have a proven interest in providing fun, memorable, and educational experiences to the students in our organization. They plan parties, field trips and other activities that are relevant to the age group they are planning for. We are always looking for fresh ideas. So, if you have an idea for an activity or would be interested in helping, please contact the coordinator for the age group you’d like to work with. 

Stepping Stones  (PreK-3rd grade)

Elementary (Grades K - 5)

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

High School (Grades 9-12)

Special Needs