Our partnership with the First Congregational Church of Stonington (The Road Church) grew from a shared commitment to nurturing young people through community, character, and connection. As we searched for a home that reflected our mission and values, Road Church welcomed us with genuine support and a belief in our vision for a small, community-centered learning environment. While we operate independently from religious programming, we are united in our dedication to creating a place where students can learn, grow, and thrive with purpose. Their support as our hosting space allows us to offer a nurturing, values-aligned setting for our students each day.

Co-Founder

Jason Foster

Jason Foster, Co-founder of Tidalwood School, began his career as a middle school teacher before advancing into leadership roles across Connecticut’s public and magnet schools. Throughout his career, he has remained deeply committed to expanding what school can be—grounded in community, shaped by experience, and responsive to the needs of children.

At Tidalwood, Jason leads the design of an adaptive, place-based educational model that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and compassion in young learners. He envisions the school as a living classroom—one in which students come to understand their personal impact on the environment, the local economy, and civic life through meaningful, real-world engagement.

Drawing on the region’s rich assets—including maritime heritage, agricultural landscapes, sustainable materials, and diverse ecosystems—Jason and his partner, Andrea, champion an approach to education that is both academically rigorous and deeply connected to the natural and cultural fabric of the community.

Tidalwood embraces the flexibility of the microschool model to create personalized learning experiences aligned with student interests and authentic applications. Through thoughtful integration of technology and hybrid learning strategies, the school prioritizes responsiveness to individual learners while cultivating strong partnerships with community mentors, farms, marine science organizations, tribal groups, military-connected communities, and cultural institutions.

As Tidalwood’s Lead Middle Grades Teacher, Jason focuses on supporting students as they transition toward greater independence, responsibility, and self-awareness. He works closely with Andrea to co-lead the school’s administrative and curricular development, ensuring that Tidalwood remains a reflective, evolving learning environment rooted in purpose and place.

Co-Founder

Andrea Simmons

Andrea Simmons, Co-founder of Tidalwood School, has had a variety of roles in traditional public and regional magnet schools before launching Tidalwood School with Jason Foster.  Andrea has most recently taught third grade, and has also held principal and special education administration positions in Connecticut districts.  Andrea began as an elementary school teacher in Boston Public Schools, and has since shaped curriculum and guided students across Connecticut’s magnet schools. She is deeply committed to evidence-based instruction, experiential learning, and helping every child grow with confidence and curiosity.

Andrea is a Southeastern Connecticut native whose experiences along the coast shaped her belief in nature- and place-based learning as a foundation for curiosity, confidence, and connection. She values the role the region’s maritime and agricultural traditions play in helping students understand how community, environment, and economy are interconnected. Alongside Jason and Tidalwood’s community partners, Andrea is committed to a school where children thrive academically while developing a strong sense of belonging and purpose.

Now living in Stonington with her husband and two sons, Andrea is excited to bring the vision of Tidalwood School to her home community. Tidalwood is grounded in evidence-based academics and hands-on exploration, with a focus on helping every child develop a sense of belonging, purpose, and joy in learning. Andrea’s years as an elementary educator have reinforced her belief that children flourish when they are encouraged to pursue their interests, develop leadership skills, and learn through both play and responsibility. 

As Tidalwood’s Lead Primary Teacher, Andrea focuses on early learning and foundational skill development.  She co-leads Tidalwood with Jason, guiding the school’s academic vision, operations, and curriculum in close partnership.