Flexible Enrollment from single weeks to full year
400+ Children Served from families across multiple continents
Ages 1-9 Programs with 5 Western pedagogies + wisdom traditions
3+ Years serving worldschooling and traveling families
“This school is bananas good!" - Gina (Austin, TX)"Our child came away as happy as a monkey!" - Mark (Mill Valley, CA)"We love Wildchild -- Best thing about Nosara!" - Mel (Los Angeles, CA)
Our
Story
Village Not School
We've created something different—an educational village designed by and for families who choose intentional living over conventional paths. Whether you're worldschooling for 6 weeks or considering a year-long adventure, your children join a thriving community of global citizens where learning happens through authentic relationships and cultural immersion.
Our approach seamlessly weaves together proven educational philosophies—creating flexible, personalized programming that honors diverse learning styles and family values. From Spanish immersion that opens cultural doors to collaborative projects that build real-world skills, every program nurtures both academic growth and emotional intelligence while maintaining the freedom and adventure your family treasures.
This isn't about fitting into an institution—it's about finding your educational home within a community that celebrates conscious choices, cultural exploration, and raising children who see the world as their classroom.
5 WESTERN PEDAGOGIES + WISDOM TRADITIONS
Waldorf Education (Foundation & Daily Rhythm) Role: "The heartbeat of Wild Child is rhythm" - provides predictable structure and poetic learning environment Daily Implementation: Planetary themes create consistent weekly rhythm - Monday (Moon: Connection, Nurturing, Grounding), Tuesday (Mars: Communication, Learning, Focus), Wednesday (Mercury: Movement, Creativity, Self-expression), Thursday (Jupiter: Numeracy, Bread baking, Growth concepts), Friday (Venus: Beauty in relationships through nature crafts, music, drum circles, singing) Atmospheric Elements: Ritualized transitions between activities, daily storytelling, morning rituals, color-coordinated days extending to food choices, "very slow pace" creating "calm and tranquility at school, even in the playground" Sensory-Rich Activities: Weekly watercolor, crayons, beeswax modeling, bread baking, seasonal festivals Imagination-Centered Learning: "Gives a lot of space for the child to put the child's imagination" through poetic, dreamy experiences
Forest School (Learning Environment & Inquiry Method) Role: "The school is nature" - provides hands-on ecological learning and inquiry-based exploration Philosophy: "Cultivate the sense, the spirit of inquiry and deeper connection with nature" rather than labeling or imposing knowledge
Reggio Emilia (Creative Collaboration & Documentation) Role: "100 languages" approach - multiple ways of exploring and expressing learning within collaborative frameworks Critical Thinking Development: "Really want to instill critical thinking in kids... and also collaboration" Individual Expression Within Group Learning: Children work together on shared topics (like water exploration) while each child "can choose its own approach and own medium to explore" Documentation Process: Teachers document "the whole creative process" while founder films and photographs children's learning journey for parent sharing Culminating Presentations: "Art exhibit or performance or film where all the different perspectives, all the different mediums are put together in a collaborative way" Teacher Development: Staff actively pursuing Reggio Emilia certification to deepen implementation
Summerhill Democracy (Child Voice & Co-Creation) Role: "Children create a school" - ensures authentic child participation in educational experience Co-Creation Philosophy: "I'm creating my dream school for my child, and I'm co creating that dream school with the children" Listening to Children: "We really listen to what the children are looking for, what they're dreaming of, what they want to learn" Democratic Decision-Making: Children "have a voice, they have a say and they take decisions together with the teachers" Collective Wellbeing: Focus on "collective well being of the people who are part of it" rather than individual competition Emerging Curriculum: "Offering emerging curriculum" that responds to children's expressed interests and dreams
Montessori Method (Supporting Materials & Tools) Role: Complementary educational materials integrated within other pedagogical approaches Material Integration: "Montessori educational materials" available as tools within broader curriculum framework.
Wildschooling
An educational approach that emphasizes learning in natural environments and through outdoor experiences. It's a form of alternative education where children spend a significant amount of their time outdoors, connecting with nature, and learning from the environment around them. The focus is hands-on experiences, e
Our offerings
Holistic learning oasis
Step into a nurturing and beautiful environment adorned with top-notch educational materials. We've carefully designed this space to spark spontaneous interest and enthusiasm for learning among children. We encourage children to explore and learn at their own pace, while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Multilingual environment
From our Waldorf-inspired Spanish curriculum to our holistic English curriculum, we strive to create a learning atmosphere that inspires children to explore and thrive. Our Capoeira classes add a fun twist, where children can learn songs in Portuguese, and our French lessons with native teachers expand their linguistic horizons. Our dedicated team of educators and staff is committed to providing an enriching experience for your child.
Nomadic lifestyle
We are world travelers and we understand the importance of freedom of movemen and flexibility, particularly for those who travel frequently or those who love to improvise life. We are committed to adapting our programs to meet the needs of each family and local business, making sure that you feel confident knowing your child is in good hands.
Unique spaces for unique minds
Our circular Mongolian yurts, native American tipi, 26 ft geodesic dome, Balinese art and music studios, and expansive outdoor area cater to a small group of children aged 1 to 14. Here, mixed-age activities flourish, fostering a vibrant and supportive community.
Sustainability at heart
Hands-on learning is our forte. Through permaculture and biodynamic gardening, children discover the secrets of tending to gardens and fruit trees, growing organic food, and cultivating medicinal herbs. They witness the magic of turning waste into biogas and fertilizer with a solar oven, embracing deep materiality and eco-conscious habits.
Our Approach & Intention
Embracing the nomadic lifestyle, we blend weekly offerings seamlessly with our long-term, seasonal programs.
All our programs are very flexible, with easy fast registration, half and full day options, short and long-term commitment options, and daily drop offs (for members only).
Wild Child Playgarden & Wildschooling is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space for children from different backgrounds and cultures. We strive to create a sense of community and support for both parents and children, while encouraging each child’s unique development and creativity. We believe in tailoring our services to meet individual needs and to ensure that every child feels valued and loved. Childcare is about more than just watching the kids. It’s about fostering a sense of home and belonging for each and every child in our care.
Our higher intention is to nurture children's sense of wonder and instill reverence for all living things, empowering the next generation to be stewards of the Earth.
Each week, our curriculum unfolds with play-based/nature-oriented explorations, supported risks activities, and artistic creations.
From Creative Movement to Circus Arts, every day offers a spectrum of activities that ignite imagination and curiosity.
We have a commitment to zero waste living, encouraging the reuse, recycling, and cultivation of sustainable habits.
Nestled between lush jungle and ocean, close to the river and mountains, we are just a short drive from Guiones beach, Playa Pelada and Playa de Osteonal. We provide transportation with our school bus.
Join us on this educational journey where curiosity knows no bounds!
