Analog Childhood

Peter Holmstrom serves as Head of School at Summit School just outside Waco, a growing, nature-based, project-driven independent school serving learners from 18 months through sixth grade. A 2025 Yass Prize semifinalist, Summit School prioritizes whole-child learning, believes play is essential to development, and offers meaningful, hands-on experiences across its 35-acre campus. Under Holmstrom’s leadership, the school has grown from fewer than 50 re-enrolled learners three years ago to nearly 150 learners.

Holmstrom brings a background in social work and holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. He is pursuing his PhD in Curriculum and Teaching at Baylor University, where his work explores play-based learning and innovative models of schooling. Through his leadership and advocacy, he champions learner-centered experiences that prepare children not just academically, but as curious, capable, and compassionate individuals.

Kyle Smitley is the Founder and Executive Director of Detroit Achievement Academy and Detroit Prep, two small, incredible nonprofit K-8 charter schools that opened in 2013 and 2016, respectively. Over the span of 15 years, she built the organization from a school of 35 students in the wing of a church to 1,000 students in $22M in facilities.

As a writer for Forbes, she has covered topics ranging from cell phone bans to how a good school can quantifiably impact a neighborhood. She is obsessed with hearing and telling the stories of the school lunch man, teachers doing literally anything, anyone with an EBT card, and your rich uncle. She is a proud 2023 Yass Prize Finalist, dubbed the Pulitzer of Education Innovation. In a past life, she built and sold a startup and was recognized as a 2009 Inc. 30 Coolest Entrepreneurs Under 30. She earned her JD in 2019.

In April 2021, Frederick Heid was unanimously selected by the Polk County School Board to become superintendent of Polk County Public Schools, one of the 30 largest school districts in the United States and the seventh-largest in Florida, serving more than 114,000 students.

Under his leadership, student performance has grown significantly. In 2025-26 the district maintained and improved its B grade, students posted gains in math, science, and English language arts, and the graduation rate climbed to a historic 87.7% (92.7% for traditional PCPS high schools). Twenty-nine traditional PCPS schools improved their grades, more than doubling the count from the year prior.

Before Polk County, Mr. Heid served as Superintendent of District 300 in Algonquin, Illinois, as Bureau Chief for School Improvement with the Florida Department of Education, and as Chief Academic Officer for Duval County Public Schools, after years as a classroom teacher and middle school principal. In Polk County he has strengthened campus safety, launched a one-to-one initiative that provides a laptop or tablet to every student, and grown nearly 30 certified or model career academies, including an expansion of the Central Florida Aerospace Academy and a new air traffic control program.

Ron Matus is a writer, storyteller, myth buster, narrative driver. More than 30 years experience as a professional writer. Spent 25 years in journalism, including 10 years as an award-winning reporter at the Tampa Bay Times, one of the best newspapers in America. Skilled in communications strategy, digital content creation, social media and media relations. Firmly believe the best “spin” is telling the truth. Nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes. Helped establish the Tampa Bay Times’ Gradebook as one of the best education blogs in America. Served as editor of the redefinED education policy blog. Based in Tampa Bay.

Mercedes Grant is the founder and executive director of Path of Life Learning, a faith-based microschool serving families in Yorktown and Newport News, Virginia. With nearly a decade of teaching in the public schools, Mercedes is passionate about reimagining education to create environments where children feel known, loved, and inspired. As a 2025 Yass Prize Finalist, she has been recognized for her commitment to educational innovation and expanding opportunities for students. Mercedes also serves as a Senior Fellow with the Virginia Microschool Network, supporting emerging founders and advancing innovative education across the Commonwealth. As an educator, entrepreneur, and mother, she believes that meaningful education begins with relationships, flourishes through curiosity, and honors the wonder of childhood.

Emily de Rotstein serves as Executive Director of the Society of G.K. Chesterton and its educational initiative, the Chesterton Schools Network. Emily served as a founding board member and founding Executive Director of the first Chesterton Academy in Minneapolis. She went on to help launch the Chesterton Schools Network, which has grown into the world’s fastest-growing network of Catholic classical high schools, with more than 100 schools operating or in development across 10 countries. Before entering Catholic education, Emily held leadership positions in philanthropy, marketing, and venture-backed technology. Drawing on that experience, she has helped shape the strategy and growth of a movement helping lead the renewal of Catholic education by equipping parents and communities to launch joyful, outstanding high schools rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. Emily and her husband, Nes, live in Ave Maria, Florida.