Nature-Anchored, Digitally Connected
A Family-Powered Village blending Montessori, Waldorf, Forest School, and Unschooling. Deeply hands-on outdoors, always connected online.
"Our kids are getting dirty in the creek while collaborating with friends across the state. It's the perfect blend of freedom and community."
- A Wild School Family
A Holistic Blend of Educational Philosophies
Grounded in the Best of All Worlds
We don't fit into a single box. Our unique model pulls elements from:
- Montessori: Self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play.
- Waldorf: Emphasis on imagination, arts, rhythms of nature, and holistic development.
- Forest School: Immersion in the outdoors, risk-taking, and environmental stewardship.
- Unschooling: Child-led inquiry where personal interests drive the curriculum.
This blend ensures learning is based outside and hands-on, while our always-on virtual connection ensures no family ever feels isolated, no matter where they roam.
A United Village
Family-Powered
Families and guardians unite to guide discovery and host gatherings. We are a collaborative network, not a transaction.
Always Connected
Whether you are at a local park or traveling the globe, our virtual bridge keeps the village connected 24/7.
Based Outside
Screens are tools for connection, but the world is our primary classroom.
Hands-On Learning, Virtually Supported
Child-Led & Interest-Based
- 🚀 Passion Projects: Facilitating deep dives into specific interests like local mycology, designing solar-powered rovers, or writing historical fiction.
- 🗣️ Student-Led Lessons: Children host discussions or teach the village about their special interests (e.g., "Redstone Logic in Minecraft" or "The History of Beyblades").
- 🧩 Sensory Integration: We weave sensory needs directly into education, such as using kinetic sand for math modeling or scheduling heavy work intervals during reading time.
Education flows where curiosity leads.
Curriculum for Life: Skill Building
Preparing them for life, not just a job.
- 📂 Lifelong Portfolio: Assignments (physical and digital) build a personalized, lifelong learning profile.
- 🤝 Etiquette & Social Skills: We actively teach etiquette and social-emotional skills (Waldorf-inspired) during all interactions.
- 🍳 Essential Life Skills: Cooking, watercoloring, and photography enhance self-sufficiency.
- 💰 Financial Literacy: Real-world budgeting and resource management.
Rigor That Exceeds Standards
We align with national standards but often exceed them through immersive application:
- 🧱 Early Childhood (3-6): Practical life skills and sensory-based sorting that build foundational math logic.
- 📐 Elementary (6-12): Applied geometry through nature mapping and ecosystem analysis.
- 🔬 Adolescence (12+): Systems thinking, peer-reviewed nature journalism, and community-based projects.
The Virtual Basecamp
- 🌐 Borderless Connection: Enables families to travel and learn from anywhere without losing touch with the community.
- 🔍 Tools for Discovery: Devices act as efficient, Montessori-aligned "field tools" for work and research, not passive entertainment.
- ♿ Tech for Accommodations: We emphasize technology as a vital tool for accommodation, ensuring every child has the access and support they need to thrive.
Village Journeys
Because every member is unique, no two schedules look exactly alike. From guides to students, here is how different members engage.
Privacy Note: The profiles below are illustrative composites based on real accommodations, learning styles, and child-led interests within our village. We value the privacy of our actual village members.
Personalized Learning: Seeing the Child, Not the Label
A Commitment to All Learners
Wild School is committed to accommodating all levels of children. We focus on individual needs and strengths, not labels. Our learning is flexible and goes where the children are interested.
"There is no such thing as a problem child, only children struggling with problems." — L.R. Knost
The "Digital Campfire" & Tech Philosophy
We use tech for all because it accommodates everyone and our children will have it for life. It is the equalizer that allows full participation.
Knowledge is Normalization
We ensure all children have knowledge of available accommodations. Feeding tubes, wheelchairs, walkers, artificial limbs, sign language, and AAC should not make a child feel different—they are simply their normal. Because everyone is unique, every tool is valid.
Community Meetups & Logistics
Weekly Village Gatherings
While our network is always connected virtually, we ground ourselves in regular local gatherings for socialization, play, and group projects.
- When: Every Monday, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (CST).
- Where: Various local parks.
- Democratic Process: Event locations are decided based on community voting.
- Virtual Link-Up: Traveling families join meetups virtually via their devices, ensuring the village stays intact.
Acknowledging the Chaos: We embrace the mud, the scraped knees, and the changed plans. Learning is messy, and we love it.
ID & Credentials Support
Applies to both Students and Staff.
Physical IDs (Barcode Damaged/Lost):
- Report: Email the main office immediately.
- Submit: Complete the digital replacement form.
- Replace: Pick up new ID within 24 hours.
Lost or Compromised Credentials:
If portal logins or digital keys are lost or suspected compromised, contact IT Support immediately via the portal helpdesk or email office for an emergency reset.
Meetup Gear & Weather
"We are an all-weather group."
Our meetups happen rain, snow, or shine. The right gear allows for focus on the fun.
Safety Gear vs. Uniform: Our Gear List (below) is for safety and protection. We have NO uniform requirements to respect individual sensory needs.
Mandatory Gear Requirements:
Year-Round Essentials
- Extra complete change of comfortable clothes.
- Personal reusable water bottle.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
Fall/Spring Essentials
- Waterproof/Breathable Rain Suit.
- Wool or Synthetic Base Layers.
- Sturdy, Waterproof Hiking Boots.
Summer Essentials
- Wide-brimmed sun hat.
- Closed-toe water shoes.
- Lightweight long sleeves/pants.
Winter Essentials
- Insulated Snow Suit or Bibs.
- Wool Socks (Multiple Pairs).
- Waterproof Mittens (Multiple Pairs).
- Warm Hat.
Optional/Parent-Provided Support Gear:
- Specific sensory items (weighted vests, etc.).
- Prescription medications.
- Diapers, wipes, and hygiene supplies.
- Required medical supplies (inhalers, EpiPens).
Frequently Asked Questions
Connect with Wild School
Meet Our Village Expertise
In line with our privacy-first philosophy, we do not publish identifiable photos or names. Our village leverages the collective skills of its families to guide our students.
Our Real-World Collective Expertise:
- Historical Strategy & Curation: Deep analysis of history, military history, antiquity, and artifact storytelling.
- Systems Thinking & Digital Logic: Advanced data analysis, programming, cybersecurity ethics, and logical problem-solving.
- Applied Craftsmanship & Arts: Woodworking, metalworking, leatherworking, photography, watercolor painting, and music composition (guitar).
- Health & Compassionate Care: Professional patient monitoring, hygiene support, and crisis management.
- Neurodivergent Insight: Leveraging the unique pattern recognition, hyper-focus, and out-of-the-box problem solving skills gained from lived experience with neurodiversity.
Join Our Community
Want to Meet the Team?
Schedule a virtual or in-person meet-and-greet with our village educators.
Schedule a Meet-and-GreetGeneral Inquiries
To ask questions, schedule a visit, or learn more about our village, please reach out directly.
Email Us