Rooted Farm School
Our Story
In 2021 our family moved to this property with a simple goal. We wanted a place where our daughters Aurora, Olivia, and Ella could grow up outdoors, close to family, and surrounded by meaningful work.
This place was never only about land. It was about creating an environment where family life, learning, responsibility, and community could grow and thrive together.
Part of that vision has always included multiple generations. We planned for Linnie's parents, Carrie and Chip, to one day live here with us. The goal has been to build a place where wisdom, work, and childhood live side by side.
Since moving here we have improved the property piece by piece. Not to impress anyone, but to create a place our children genuinely love being.
Over time we began to realize something. The environment we were building for our own family was something other families
were looking for as well.
Rooted Farm School grew from that realization.
It is simply an extension of the kind of place we were already building. A place where children are known, responsibility is practiced, and families move in the same direction.
This is not a short term project.
It is a long term commitment to building something thoughtful and durable for families who value strong foundations.
Why We Started Rooted
We did not originally plan to start a school. Like many parents, we simply began asking questions about the kind of environment shaping our children's daily lives. That led us to focus on a few ideas that felt essential.
We believe children should grow up learning how to contribute within small groups, understanding their strengths, respecting others, and solving challenges together.
At the same time, the world our children will enter is changing quickly.
Careers, technology, and industries shift constantly. The most valuable skill a young person can develop is the ability to think clearly, collaborate with others, and adapt when circumstances change.
Rooted is designed with those realities in mind.
The pace is intentionally slower so children have time to build real understanding, confidence, and relationships.
The expectations are clear so they develop discipline and responsibility.
And the community remains small so children can grow alongside the same peers, learning how to work together over time.
We are not trying to build something large.
We are building something durable.
A small learning community where children develop strong foundations, meaningful friendships, and the ability to navigate an uncertain future with confidence.
Meet The Fam
The Benavides Family
Linnie Benavides, Lead Educator
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Designs and leads daily learning experiences
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Relationship-centered classroom leadership
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Focus on strong foundations and calm rhythm
Reuben Benavides, Founder
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Vision and long-term direction
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Leadership and systems development
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Culture protection and growth strategy
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Commitment to building a values-aligned learning community
Aurora, Olivia, & Ella
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The reason Rooted exists and the daily reminder of why childhood should be protected
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Active participants in farm days, projects, and outdoor exploration
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Bring personality, energy, and just enough noise to keep things honest
The Tompkins Family
Carrie Tompkins, Program Coordinator
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Supports daily operations and student flow
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Assists with events and family communication
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Helps maintain structure and consistency
Chip Tompkins, Command Support
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Provides operational support as needs arise
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Assists with projects and event logistics
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Strengthens community presence through practical involvement
Meet The Farm
The Hounds
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Izzy - Lead ball chaser - Dutch Shepherd
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Guardie - Lead flock protector - Gampr
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Georgie - Lead sound machine - Yorkie
Eggers
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Egg producers
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Mess makers
The Grazers
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Sheep - Pasture mowers - American Blackbelly
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Geese- Security Noise makers - Embden
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Torty- Slow and steady - Sulcata Tortise