Frequently Asked Questions
What is Earthwise Collective?
Earthwise is a micro-school in Sámara, Costa Rica for children aged 5–12.
We're a small, intentional learning community where education happens primarily outdoors, guided by a qualified teacher, and grounded in nature connection, emotional intelligence, and strong academic foundations. We offer a different approach to learning - one where children are truly known, supported, and encouraged to grow with curiosity, confidence, and connected to the world around them.
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 5–12. 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.
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.
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.
For children transitioning into a traditional school environment, the biggest adjustment may not be academic. but adapting to a different pace, structure, and way of learning. Our goal is to nurture confident, capable learners who can adapt, connect, and thrive wherever their learning journey takes them.
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.
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.
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.
Do children learn math, reading and writing?
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.
Can we join mid-year?
Yes, if a spot is available and your family feels aligned, we're happy to welcome you at any point in the year.