April Smith

 Hi there! I am April Smith and I can't recall a time in my life where I wasn't teaching! It all began when I was four years old and Santa brought me a little blue chalkboard. I set up all of my Cabbage Patch Kids and we began our first lesson....and I haven't stopped since! I graduated from Texas Tech in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education with a primary focus of Generalist Pk-8th and an emphasis on Gifted Learners and ESL. 

For 12 years, I taught in Garland ISD and Mesquite ISD with my goal for students to be to instill a love of learning and that school is FUN ! We moved to Rockwall in 2013 to a farm in North Rockwall where we began homeschooling our two boys with a focus on educating them through hands-on activities and life skills. From tending horses to building fires, the forest and farm helped raise them up! Our homeschool vision expanded to an outdoor school a few years ago and Stinky Bee Farm and Outdoor School was born! 

In 2025, I felt called to come to HCA alongside our sons to continue educating students in science and outdoor learning! With the help of HCA, we mulched hiking trails on the campus which has opened up a whole world of nature to our learners! I feel that students learn best by doing, so we strive each week to get our bodies moving and get our hands dirty! When time allows, my favorite activities involve being with my husband of 20 years  and two sons on the farm! Even the task of rebuilding fences or hauling hay is full of joy because I feel so very thankful that God has blessed me with our  family and farm. I can't wait to meet your child and bring them along for the pure JOY that it is to learn!