West River Academy was invited to present at the LIFE is Good Unshooling Conference in Vancouver, Washington USA—a four-day gathering where hundreds of families came together to celebrate self-directed learning, share resources, and build community. This year’s event was especially meaningful for us, as Founder, Peggy Webb, and her daughter, Karen Abe, gave a presentation on building transcripts that captured the essence of natural learning.

Karen and Peggy spoke about West River Academy’s growth during its 32-year history and gave the audience a glimpse into what it truly means to trust a student-led path. Peggy shared the story of how she couldn’t find an educational approach that felt like the right fit—so she created one. Decades later, West River Academy has become a global school without walls, supporting thousands of families around the world in living and learning freely.

Karen, a mother of two, reflected on her own experience growing up in a home where education was guided by curiosity rather than curriculum. She spoke about learning self-responsibility from a young age—something that’s shaped her confidence, creativity and the way she now raises her own children. She shared how powerful it’s been to pass that torch on to the next generation and watch her five- and eight-year-old children thrive in a vibrant environment of curiosity-driven activities. At the conference, they played, made new friends, explored hands-on activities, and enjoyed being around so many other like-minded learners.

The presentation changed to an interactive dialog with the audience posing questions and issues regarding high school transcripts which reflect 4 years of passion-driven learning. Thanks to the enthusiastic response from participants and the conference director, we’re excited to return and continue representing West River Academy next year! We hope many families will attend and enjoy the inclusive nature of the happy community.

Please enjoy the replay from Peggy and Karen’s speech in the video below. We hope their words encourage you—whether you’re just starting out on the unschooling path or many years into it—to trust the process, lean into curiosity, and remember: this is what freedom in education looks like.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen something remarkable unfold at West River Academy: a wave of growth, energy, and enthusiasm from our Spanish-speaking students and families throughout Latin America. What started as a few connections has blossomed into a vibrant network of learners, parents, and educators across South America, Central America, and Spain. As our student body has grown, so too has our team—evolving to meet the needs of this thriving community.

We now proudly work alongside five dedicated team members who support Spanish-speaking families and groups, bringing our learner-centered philosophy to life across time zones and borders. And in May, something truly special happened: for the first time ever, our Latin American team came together in person for a Spanish and English-speaking Team Meeting held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

It was a gathering years in the making.

For many of us at West River Academy, the idea of connection—real, human, face-to-face connection—sits at the heart of our philosophy. While we’ve supported countless families virtually, there’s something magical that happens when we can be together in the same place, sharing stories, laughter, and dreams over a shared meal. That’s exactly what this trip offered: a chance to build on the strong foundation we’ve created together, but this time in person.

Karen Abe, our Group Manager, made the journey to Argentina to meet our team and visit one of our affiliated groups operating there. It was Karen’s first time in Argentina, and the experience left a lasting impression. She was immediately captivated by the beauty of Buenos Aires—the winding cobblestone streets, the European-style architecture, the rhythm of daily life pulsing with history and heart. As a passionate tango dancer of more than twenty years, Karen found herself right at home in a place where music, movement, and culture are so deeply intertwined.

During her stay, she immersed herself in the rich traditions of Argentine Tango dancing and music, soaking up every note, every step, every story. Tango is more than just a dance—it’s a language of connection and expression, much like the work we do at West River Academy. It felt like a poetic parallel: traveling across the world to witness the rhythm of a community in motion, both literally and figuratively.

The team chose to hold their gathering in La Plata, a charming town just outside Buenos Aires, which has strong cultural and historical ties to Italy. Fittingly, they shared a meal at a local Italian restaurant—where laughter and warmth filled the air as much as the aroma of fresh pasta and conversation. This meeting was not just about work—it was about belonging. It was about pausing to honor the journey they’ve each taken, and the shared purpose that has brought them together.

Our founder and director, Peggy Webb, joined the meeting via Zoom to share her gratitude, vision, and heartfelt reflections. Though thousands of miles away, her presence bridged the physical distance, underscoring just how deeply connected we all are—no matter where we live or work. Peggy listened as team members shared their experiences supporting students across Latin America and Spain, highlighting both the challenges they’ve overcome and the beautiful successes they’ve witnessed along the way.

What stood out most was the overwhelming sense of family. Though many of the team members had worked together for years, this was the first time they had hugged, laughed, and shared stories in person. What had always felt like a close-knit team now felt like an even deeper bond—a chosen family united by values, vision, and a deep commitment to empowering young people to take ownership of their education.

Karen and our Spanish Group Manager, Mili, also had the opportunity to visit one of our affiliated groups in Salta, Argentina, which operates with the same educational philosophy that guides West River Academy. This group, like so many that we support, is built on trust, curiosity, and a belief in the intrinsic motivation of every learner. Witnessing their day-to-day rhythms, listening to the stories of students and facilitators, and seeing firsthand the beauty of a learning environment shaped by freedom and respect was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

We believe that education is not confined to a classroom or a curriculum—it’s a lifelong journey, shaped by culture, community, and connection. The visit to Argentina reaffirmed this truth and celebrated the incredible impact our Latin American team is having on families throughout the region.

We are deeply grateful for each member of our team, and especially for the heart and dedication of those serving our Spanish-speaking families. Their work often goes unseen, but its impact ripples outward every day—inspired students, empowered parents, and thriving communities. Whether they are answering questions via WhatsApp, reviewing learning documentation, or hosting local teen gatherings, they are doing so with integrity, love, and a shared belief in the limitless potential of every young person.

This trip was not just a milestone—it was a moment of celebration. A celebration of our growth, of our shared mission, and of the human connections that make all of it possible. As we continue expanding into new regions and welcoming more families into the West River Academy community, we carry with us the memories of this special gathering in Argentina and the renewed sense of purpose it sparked.

This past month, our team at West River Academy had the incredible opportunity to visit one of our inspiring groups in Argentina, called “Escuela Tai” in a city named Salta. What began as a simple site visit quickly became something much deeper—an emotional, powerful reminder of why we do this work. The students, the parents, the educators, and the landscape itself—everything spoke to the magic of self-directed learning, resilience, and community.

Our team, who visited the group, talked about how the students gathered beneath the flowering Palo Borracho tree at the heart of their outdoor plaza, where the environment seemed to reflect the spirit of the school—alive, rooted, and full of growth. One tree in particular was planted in memory of a beloved student who passed away. Her legacy continues to bloom each year, a living symbol of how deeply these spaces matter. This was not just a school visit—it was an encounter with a living, breathing ecosystem of love, learning, and legacy.

This group, led by a courageous and visionary mother named Vivi, is one of the first alternative education communities in Salta, Argentina. In a region shaped by tradition and religious customs, Vivi pioneered a bold new path—creating a nurturing, inclusive learning space where kids can be themselves without shame or pretense. Her energy, her daughters’ support, and the intergenerational spirit of the group reminded us of a family-run learning village, mirroring the very heart of what West River Academy stands for.

Thanks to Vivi’s courageous leadership and the strength of her relationships—including with the local Ministry of Education—West River Academy is now well-established in Argentina. Our graduates are not only being accepted into top universities like Universidad Catolica de Salta, but they’re also returning to mentor and guide the next generation of students. Their pride, authenticity, and sense of self is palpable. They speak English, they advocate for their education, and most importantly, they carry their freedom with pride.

This visit was part of our new “WRA Groups” blog series, where we’ll continue to share the stories of the vibrant communities we support around the world. Whether it’s the flowering trees in Argentina or the laughter of children around a table, each visit reminds us that this movement is bigger than any one of us.

To our Latin American team—you are not only keeping this vision alive; you are expanding it in ways we could only dream of. We’re honored to walk beside you.

In anticipation of the upcoming event on May 22-25, where Peggy and Karen will be speaking about their unschooling journey and how to put it all in a transcript, Rachel met with Chrissie on Zoom to hear the story behind her shift from traditional education to unschooling — and to explore the meaningful ways this conference has impacted families, including her own.

For Chrissie and her family, the “L.I.F.E. is Good” Conference (Living In Freedom Everyday) has become a cornerstone of their unschooling journey — something they look forward to each year, alongside their closest friends. But it wasn’t always that way. In fact, Chrissie and her husband came from a very traditional background — she was a high school math teacher, and unschooling wasn’t even on their radar. They were invited by a friend, who encouraged them to come with an open mind. When they first walked through the doors of the conference, they were total newcomers, ready to expand their perspective, and quickly captivated by the ease and authenticity of the kids around them. Just a few hours in, the atmosphere, conversations, and community shifted something within them. Chrissie’s husband turned to her and said, “Oh, we’re staying the whole weekend!” 

Fast forward seven years and Chrissie’s eldest – now a teenager – is actively involved in shaping the event, offering ideas on how to create a welcoming, inspiring space for fellow teens. The teen program has grown into something truly special: a dedicated room they get to design and decorate themselves (complete with a shopping trip included), plus creative projects, casual hangouts and workshops throughout the weekend. This year, two teens – aged 13 and 15 – will even take the stage to speak in front of the entire conference, sharing their voices and perspectives with the community. See more info here: https://www.lifeisgoodconference.com/teen-scene

Chrissie shared that one of the most beautiful aspects of the conference is the sense of belonging it fosters. Rachel and Chrissie spoke about how, even beyond the speakers and activities, it’s the small moments — spontaneous conversations in the gathering areas, seeing the same faces each day, in-depth chats among teens about the hard stuff — that create lasting memories and meaningful friendships. 

There are many popular discussion circles during the event, including the “Secret Society of Unschooling Dads”, where all of the fathers can come together and share vulnerably with each other and deepen their understanding of unschooling, and all it includes. Chrissie mentioned how this safe space tends to have a very positive ripple effect on the whole family.

Watch the interview below to learn about what makes this conference so meaningful: real community, honest conversations, and the space to reimagine what education and growth can look like when children are trusted and empowered. 

Click here to Register and meet us at the event!
https://www.lifeisgoodconference.com/registration

Watch the interview here:
https://youtu.be/5bBvsiMBfLs