Frequently Asked Questions
What is Earthwise Collective?
Earthwise is a micro-school and learning co-op in Sámara, Costa Rica for children aged 5–11.
We're a small, intentional learning community — a maximum of 8 children — where education happens primarily outdoors, guided by a qualified teacher, and grounded in nature connection, emotional intelligence, and strong academic foundations. We're not a traditional school, and we're not homeschooling alone. We're something in between — designed for families who want both structure and freedom.
Who founded Earthwise?
Earthwise was started by a collective of parents in Sámara who wanted an alternative to the schooling options available locally. We wanted our children to grow up with strong roots — knowing themselves, connected to nature, confident in their relationships, and genuinely curious about the world. When that option didn't exist, we built it.
Is Earthwise an accredited school?
Earthwise is not formally accredited as a school. We operate as a micro-school and learning collective. We follow the BC (British Columbia) curriculum as our academic framework, which is internationally recognised and competency-based. We maintain individual learning records for each child that can be used to demonstrate academic progress if your family transitions to a formal school. Many families also register with an accredited distance-learning programme (such as Clonlara or West River Academy) alongside Earthwise for additional documentation.
What ages do you accept?
We work with children aged 5–11. The mixed-age group is intentional — younger children naturally learn from older ones, older children grow by supporting younger ones, and everyone benefits from the empathy, confidence, and leadership that develops along the way.
Can we join mid-year?
Yes, if there's space. Our maximum is 8 children, and we don't exceed that. If a spot is available and your family feels aligned, we're happy to welcome you at any point in the year.
Will my children learn Spanish?
Our teaching team includes a native Costa Rican Spanish teacher who brings language, culture, and everyday local connection into the children’s learning. Rather than expecting children to simply pick up the language through immersion alone, we help them learn Spanish in a way that feels natural and supportive — through games, stories, creativity, conversation, and everyday practice — while also helping them understand the language more consciously, including its patterns and structure.
Living in Costa Rica, Spanish isn’t an academic subject; it’s a life skill.
What do you mean by "nature-based learning"?
It means the natural environment is the primary context for learning — not an occasional treat. Maths happens through measuring, building, counting, spotting patterns, and solving real-world problems. Literacy grows through stories, reflection, and what we’ve observed. Science is the jungle, the beach, the tide, the insects, the weather. We come inside when we need to, but the default is out, not in.
Will my child fall behind if we leave and re-enter a traditional school?
Children who learn with us stay on track with the BC curriculum expectations for their age. We maintain individual learning records that document progress against recognised standards.
The children who struggle when re-entering traditional school are rarely the ones who are behind academically — they're the ones who've lost their confidence or curiosity. Our goal is to keep both alive while building the skills that matter.
Why only 8 children?
Eight is the maximum number of children our teaching team can work with across a mixed-age group while genuinely differentiating instruction, holding the emotional space for every child, and maintaining the quality of relationships that make this model so special.
What are the parent-led days?
Parent days are a core part of the Earthwise model. Each family takes a turn leading a day roughly once every 3 weeks (depending on how many families are enrolled).
We follow a shared daily schedule prepared by the teacher, but bring your own skills and passions — yoga, cooking, gardening, music, art, building, beach exploration. You don't need to be a teacher. You need to be present, prepared, and willing to engage.
How do you handle different ages and levels in the same group?
The BC curriculum's competency-based structure makes differentiation natural. All children work toward the same broad learning goals, but at their own level. A 5-year-old and an 8-year-old might both explore measurement — one by comparing stick lengths, the other by using a ruler and recording data. The teacher adjusts continuously based on what each child needs.
What is the tuition fee?
Our tuition fee is $375/month.
Because of our parent-led day model, Earthwise is able to remain far more affordable than most small alternative education settings of this kind. The fee goes directly towards teachers, materials, and the running of the school itself.
We want this to be a genuinely accessible model for families choosing this lifestyle intentionally, not only for those who can afford premium tuition.
Can we visit?
Yes — we actively encourage it. Come and see the space, meet our teachers, watch how the children interact. You'll get a feel for whether Earthwise is the right fit much faster in person than through a website.
Yes. Literacy and numeracy are non-negotiable foundations at Earthwise. We deliver them through storytelling, nature journaling, hands-on projects, and meaningful context — not worksheets — but the skills are real, tracked, and taken seriously.
What is the minimum commitment?
Being in Sámara, we understand the need for flexibility. At the same time, we ask families to commit for a minimum of 8 weeks. This gives children enough time to settle into the rhythm and build relationships with the group, and experience meaningful learning. Shorter stays disrupt the cohesion of the group, which matters a lot when you're working with such a small group of children.