English – West River Academy

How a Social Hour Sparked a Journey of Global Connection

Posted on November 29, 2024 by Rachel Nishikawa

How a Social Hour Sparked a Journey of Global Connection

Posted on November 29, 2024

Last month, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jirka from the Czech Republic and Anna from Romania, two of our 11th-grade students at West River Academy. Their friendship blossomed after meeting during one of our monthly Social Hour calls. Since their first email exchange following that call, they have become inseparable friends, chatting daily and sharing their lives from afar. Jirka even made a week-long trip to Romania to visit Anna and experience her country firsthand. In our interview, both shared how their friendship and this unique cultural exchange have deepened their understanding of each other’s worlds.

Jirka and Anna’s friendship is built on a mutual love of languages, having fun and learning in a way that is enjoyable. Both students have been homeschooled most of their lives, which they believe has fueled their curiosity and given them the freedom to explore topics beyond standard curricula. “I always liked learning about places outside the Czech Republic,” Jiri said. “Meeting Anna and seeing her life in Romania felt like opening a new chapter in a book I’d always wanted to read.” Anna agreed, adding that connecting with someone so far away who shares her passion has made her feel inspired to connect with more people around the world.

Jirka’s week in Romania was packed with exploration and fun. From strolling through Anna’s hometown to visiting historical sites, he was immersed in a culture that was both new and fascinating. One of the first things Jirka noticed was the warmth and hospitality of the people, something that Anna had often mentioned. In Romanian culture, hospitality is a significant value, with families welcoming visitors with open arms and plenty of food. Jirka experienced this firsthand when Anna’s family hosted him, “They made me feel so welcome,” Jirka shared. “Everyone is just SO friendly and we are always eating good food!”

The duo is inspired to continue traveling and hope to make more WRA friends! They have created their own WhatsApp group for teenagers in Europe. It’s an incredible opportunity to have “classmates”, as they say, all around the world and we hope our students will continue to adventure and learn together as lifetime friends!

Learn About West River Academy Groups

Posted on October 31, 2024November 1, 2024 by Rachel Nishikawa

Learn About West River Academy Groups

Posted on October 31, 2024

At West River Academy, our mission is to nurture the unique paths of self-led learners around the world. Founded on an unschooling approach, we believe in empowering students to follow their curiosity and develop a lifelong love of learning through their interests and explorations. While some students enroll with us individually, others join through learning groups—small communities of families and educators who share our vision for self-directed education. These groups provide students with a supportive, dynamic environment where they can explore, grow, and learn in ways that resonate with them personally.

To celebrate and connect with the diverse communities within West River Academy, we feature a blog series called “WRA Groups.” This series highlights the unique learning groups that have joined our academy, each formed around their own values, ideas, and local communities. We are proud to support over 100 groups worldwide, each with complete freedom to design educational experiences that best meet their students’ needs. These groups vary widely, reflecting our belief that learning should be as unique as each individual and group of students.

One of the most vibrant segments of our WRA community includes our Spanish-speaking groups, which have grown to 96. Leading these groups is our dedicated manager, Milagros Burga, who brings her passion for unschooling and community-building to support these families in their self-led educational journeys. Recently, we welcomed Karen Abe to our team, who now assists 46 additional groups, bringing her own expertise and enthusiasm to help our groups flourish.

Meet Our Groups Team

Karen Abe

Karen Abe is Peggy’s eldest daughter and grew up being unschooled as West River Academy’s first student. She spent her teenage years pursuing her passions of horseback-riding, swing dancing, and reading historical fiction and sci-fi. After graduating from West River Academy, she went on to finish a four-year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis on Project Management. She began working full-time for a financial services company when she was 18, and worked full-time while going to college full-time (and continuing to swing dance in her spare moments!).

She left the financial services company in 2014 after getting married to Brian, and they traveled the world for a few months on an extended honeymoon. In February 2015 she joined Peggy at West River Academy to assist her with the growing school. With her sisters Stacey and Rachel joining soon afterwards, the family business began expanding rapidly. In 2018 she moved from Denver, Colorado to live in an ecovillage (La Ecovilla) in Costa Rica with her husband and their 2-year old son. After her daughter was born in 2019, she stepped back from her position as Assistant Director of West River Academy to be a devoted mother to her toddler son and infant daughter in their early years.

In the fall of 2024 her family started a new chapter and moved to Encinitas, California. Her son, Jason, is now 8 years old and her daughter, Lily, is 5 years old, and they are enjoying their homeschooled life in California. She is happy to be returning to West River Academy and supporting families and groups of students in their educational journey.

Milagros Burga

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Milagros Burga has always been a social person with a love for group activities. Growing up with the freedom to pursue her interests, she spent her childhood surrounded by friends, pets, and the joy of nature. She studied music, played the guitar, and joined an Argentine folk music group with her best friends, performing around Argentina, Spain, and Italy. After high school, Milagros earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Arts with an emphasis on Lyric Singing, followed by an opera specialization at the Instituto Superior de Arte del Teatro Colón (ISATC). Her career allowed her to travel throughout Latin America and Europe, performing in various opera productions.

In 2020, she married Roger, who also works with WRA. Introduced to Peggy and her family in 2022, Milagros is now a valued member of the West River Academy team, supporting Spanish-speaking groups and graduates, and hosting the December Graduation Ceremony.

How groups work?

To ensure that every group aligns with our philosophy, we hold one-on-one meetings with each group’s administrator. These conversations help us confirm that each group’s approach resonates with our mission—to foster curiosity, warmth, and natural learning. Through these partnerships, we can guide and support our groups as they create nurturing, curiosity-driven learning environments for their students.

If you, or someone you know, is educating children in a group setting and could benefit from the accreditation and support West River Academy provides, we invite you to reach out. Together, we can continue building a global network of learners and educators dedicated to fostering a love of learning and discovery. We’re here to support your journey and welcome you to our growing community.

Puerto Vallarta “Learning with Friends” – WRA Group in Mexico

Posted on October 31, 2024November 18, 2024 by Rachel Nishikawa

Puerto Vallarta “Learning with Friends” – WRA Group in Mexico

Posted on October 31, 2024

Recently, West River Academy’s Creative Director, Rachel Nishikawa, and Group Manager, Milagros “Mili” Burga, traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to visit one of the academy’s unique learning groups, “Learning with Friends.” This exceptional group embodies our values of freedom, curiosity, and a strong moral foundation. Meeting the group’s administrators, Rachel and Mili had the chance to learn about the inspiring origins of this small yet thriving learning community and witness the ways in which they bring education to life in the beautiful, natural environment of Puerto Vallarta.

The story of “Learning with Friends” began with a simple, yet generous idea. One of the founding parents had inherited a large property and, instead of keeping it private, collaborated with other families to create an educational space for their children. What started as a parent-led initiative has blossomed into a vibrant community where students are encouraged to learn and grow through self-directed exploration. This collaboration has brought together families who share a common vision for education that values both personal freedom and ethical development.

One of the standout aspects of “Learning with Friends” is their focus on outdoor education. Nestled in the beautiful region of Puerto Vallarta, many of their programs are designed to immerse students in the surrounding nature. Classes and activities take place outdoors, allowing students to experience the environment as an interactive classroom. Students regularly go on field trips, exploring Puerto Vallarta’s rich geography and cultural heritage. From visiting local landmarks to learning about the area’s ecosystems, students are able to deepen their understanding of the world around them through real-life experiences.

The group also emphasizes values-based learning, with a focus on cultivating empathy, respect, and a strong moral compass. Education here goes beyond traditional academics to encompass personal development and character building. Students learn to respect each other and the environment, creating a harmonious, inclusive space that aligns closely with West River Academy’s mission. This ethos has fostered a sense of joy and enthusiasm among students, who thrive in this supportive, community-oriented environment.

Thanks to West River Academy’s support, “Learning with Friends” has also gained government validation, which gives families the reassurance of formal recognition while maintaining the flexibility and freedom inherent to their approach.

This group continues to grow, and West River Academy is proud to support them in creating such an exceptional place for students to learn and thrive.

InspirED: Kubrio families ask Peggy very good questions

Posted on August 19, 2024August 19, 2024 by Monica Oliveros

InspirED: Kubrio families ask Peggy very good questions

Posted on August 19, 2024

Welcome to an insightful episode where Kubrio families worldwide connect with our Peggy Webb. Peggy answers their pressing questions: What is the value of accreditation? Why is it beneficial to separate curriculum from accreditation? And how does West River Academy support this unique approach?

Joined by Vlad, the creator of Kubrio (formerly Galileo), Peggy dives deep into how families can embrace alternative learning paths while ensuring their children receive the credentials they need for future success. Tune in to discover a new perspective on education and accreditation!

Tuneagers Podcast: Learning & Creativity (FT Peggy Webb)

Posted on August 1, 2024August 1, 2024 by Monica Oliveros

Tuneagers Podcast: Learning & Creativity (FT Peggy Webb)

Posted on August 1, 2024

In this episode of the Tuneagers Podcast: Learning & Creativity, Aimee Bobruk introduces Tuneagers, a songwriting club for teens, and interviews Peggy Webb about nurturing the talents of West River Academy students.

Tuneagers offers a supportive community where young songwriters can connect, learn, and grow. Founded by Aimee, a seasoned musician, Tuneagers provides the guidance and tools needed to develop your songwriting skills.

With up to eight hours of monthly instruction, this club accelerates your growth as an artist. Please tune in to hear more about Tuneagers and its exciting opportunities, including scholarships and discounts for West River Academy students.

You can go to Spotify to listen to it with this link:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tuneagers/episodes/Learning-and-Creativity-e2lquks

You can also listen to it on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tuneagers-podcast/id1756292199.

Read extensively about Tuneagers in our blog post.

Discover Tuneagers: A Songwriting Club for Teens

Posted on July 24, 2024August 2, 2024 by Monica Oliveros

Discover Tuneagers: A Songwriting Club for Teens

Posted on July 24, 2024

Navigating the teenage years can be challenging, and finding a constructive outlet for creativity is essential. That’s where Tuneagers comes in—a songwriting club designed exclusively for teens. This club offers a supportive environment where young, aspiring songwriters can connect with peers worldwide, learn the intricacies of songwriting, and begin their journey as artists.

Tuneagers is more than just a club. It’s a community where teenagers can find their voice, share their stories, and grow as songwriters. Whether you’re an experienced songwriter or just starting, Tuneagers provides the tools, instruction, and encouragement needed to hone your craft. And now, Tuneagers is offering a scholarship for free access and a 25% discount for West River Academy students!

You can listen to Tuneagers founder’s interview with our Peggy Webb about education freedom.

Why Join Tuneagers?

Find Your Voice, Share Your Story

Learning to write songs is a skill that requires both instruction and regular practice. This process can be daunting and less enjoyable when done alone. Tuneagers offers a vibrant community of like-minded peers and professional songwriters who will guide you through the songwriting process, providing feedback and encouragement every step of the way.

In Tuneagers, you’ll have the opportunity to meet professional songwriters who will share the tricks of the trade, helping you learn to tell compelling stories through music. This isn’t just about writing songs; it’s about becoming a storyteller, a collaborator, and an artist.

A Community of Peers and Professionals

Tuneagers is not just a club; it’s a community tailored to your interests. Want to learn how to write rhymes from a professional hip-hop artist? Are you interested in co-writing a rock opera? Whatever your passion, Tuneagers will connect you with professionals who can help you explore and develop your unique style.

The club also emphasizes collaboration, teaching you how to co-write songs—a valuable skill in the music industry. Even the biggest names in music, like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Justin Timberlake, often co-write their songs. At Tuneagers, you’ll make friends and learn how to create music together, enhancing your songwriting abilities and building a network of fellow music enthusiasts.

Accelerate Your Growth as a Songwriter

Join Tuneagers and gain access to up to eight hours of instruction and live events each month for the price of a single music lesson. Traditional one-on-one lessons are beneficial, but a songwriting club like Tuneagers offers a unique advantage by focusing on the art of making music. These hands-on learning opportunities will help you develop your songwriting skills rapidly while also providing a platform to build social connections with teens from around the globe.

Meet the Founder

Tuneagers was founded by Aimee Bobruk, a professional musician, songwriter, and music teacher with over 15 years of experience in the music industry. Aimee has written and released multiple albums of original music and collaborates with publishing companies and artists as a lyricist and melody writer. Her song “Black Swan” was performed in Eurovision’s Melodifestivalen in Sweden, and she has over 25 co-writes released worldwide and two Grammy nominations.

“When I was 15 years old living in a small town and trying to learn how to play the guitar and write songs, I had nowhere to turn to learn how to do it. I wanted a group of kids like me, a mentor to ask questions to, and a live music venue. Tuneagers is the club I wish I had then!” says Aimee Bobruk. Tuneagers is her passion project, designed to provide the support and community she once longed for.

Scholarship Opportunities

Tuneagers is excited to offer a scholarship for free teen access until October 30th. This scholarship includes intensive mentorship from Aimee Bobruk and access to a wealth of content to help you write your first song. Valued at $2000, this is a fantastic opportunity to bring your musical ideas to life. Applications are open until August 15, 2024. Apply now using this form.

Even if you miss the application deadline or are not accepted, there’s still good news. All learners associated with West River Academy will receive a 25% discount on the Tuneagers Club Membership until October 30th. For any questions, feel free to email Aimee at ab@aimeebobruk.com.

Join Tuneagers Today

Tuneagers is more than a club; it’s a stepping stone to discovering your artistic voice and building a network of supportive peers and professionals. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to grow as a songwriter and artist. Visit Tuneagers today to learn more and join our community!

Mentes Brillantes: A Visionary Education in Ecuador

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 by Monica Oliveros

Mentes Brillantes: A Visionary Education in Ecuador

Posted on June 21, 2024

The foundation of Mentes Brillantes is a story rooted in a mother’s desire to create a unique and supportive educational environment for her child. Sonnia de Carrion, who has dedicated nearly 30 years to teaching, envisioned a different kind of education while pregnant with her daughter. Concerned that unschooling might be a lonely option for her only child, Sonnia sought to create a nurturing, safe, and engaging learning environment.

Mentes Brillantes started as informal gatherings in 2019, where Sonnia’s daughter and children of close friends, who shared similar educational philosophies, participated in English and cooking classes and enjoyed ample free play. The core of this initiative was the joy and growth witnessed among these children, all of whom shared the same religious beliefs as Jehovah’s Witnesses.

From Informal Gatherings to a Flourishing School

What began as casual classes quickly evolved into a more structured program. Overcoming numerous challenges, Sonnia and her husband discovered West River Academy, an institution perfectly aligned with their vision of a values-based, safe school. Starting with 20 students, Mentes Brillantes adapted swiftly to the pandemic, expanding its reach to 100 online students. The dedication of Sonnia and her husband, who initially ran the school alone, was instrumental in this growth.

As the school grew, more teachers were hired, and students were divided into grades. By 2022, Mentes Brillantes began seeking a physical location for in-person classes. Currently, they serve 315 students through a mix of presential, online, and hybrid modalities.

Pre-K to 6th grade students can attend school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, while Thursday classes are available online. Fridays are free for these students. For 7th to 12th-grade students, in-person classes are held on Thursdays and Fridays, with the option to attend online. They have online courses on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Mondays are free. All in-person classes are available live and online.

A Holistic Approach to Education

The school emphasizes holistic education, incorporating extracurricular activities such as Spelling Bees, Theater plays, choreographies, Art Contests, Music talent shows, and Field trips. These events reinforce the students’ talents and knowledge, providing a well-rounded educational experience.

Assessment at Mentes Brillantes includes four annual tests, which can be taken online or in person. Their graduation program is particularly noteworthy. In the 12th grade, students select a topic they are passionate about and write a research paper. This process includes deadlines, rules, and meetings in English to discuss the topics, guided by project tutors. If a student is not proficient in English, they are allowed to complete the project in Spanish.

At the end of the year, students present their research orally to judges, summarizing their year-long investigation and discussing their findings and conclusions. This exercise helps develop essential soft skills such as public speaking and research capabilities.

Building a Supportive Community

The journey of Mentes Brillantes has been marked by growth and success, primarily attributed to the supportive community of educators, students, and parents and the significant support from West River Academy. The school’s commitment to each student and their families is evident in every aspect of its approach.

Sonnia de Carrion’s vision has flourished into a vibrant community where students learn, play, and grow together. With Jehovah’s blessing, Mentes Brillantes has seen two groups of students graduate in 2023 and 2024, a testament to the school’s dedication and effectiveness.

Looking forward, Mentes Brillantes aims to continue fostering the abilities and spiritual qualities necessary for their students to succeed in life. The collaboration with West River Academy and the strong sense of community promises a bright future for this innovative educational initiative.

Jaco Learning Center – WRA Group in Costa Rica

Posted on March 31, 2024April 9, 2024 by Rachel Nishikawa

Jaco Learning Center – WRA Group in Costa Rica

Posted on March 31, 2024

Collaboration is key at Jaco Learning Center because the teachers, parents and students work closely together to create a learning experience built on creativity, unity and natural learning. They have created a beautiful learning space that has different sections based on age range. They have an outdoor space, a second-level sport section, a music area, divisions within the building to separate the learning areas and they fill each space with age-appropriate learning materials such as books, craft projects and other educational games and activities. The parents and teachers work well together to design learning themes. In addition to the natural curiosity that comes with living in Costa Rica’s tropical climate, the parents and teachers prioritize critical thinking skills and it is very important to teach the students about how they can directly create a positive impact on their community.

In March, our Creative Director, Rachel Nishikawa, had the fantastic opportunity to visit and meet with the Principal, Brittany. With three of her own children enrolled, Brittany radiates a profound dedication to the unschooling ethos. Her warmth and boundless compassion are evident in every interaction. She gave Rachel a tour of their vibrant learning hub where children thrive at their own rhythm.

We enjoy connecting with our groups around the world because it is fascinating to see how alternative education can be applied in various cultures. In countries where withdrawing students from the government educational system is illegal, families who dare to do so run the risk of being arrested or reported to social services. In order to reduce the risk of this happening, families enroll in West River Academy and demonstrate with their Confirmation of Enrollment documents that they are complying with compulsory attendance laws by enrolling in a private school in the United States. They can also present official transcripts to prove the student has completed grade levels. Worldschoolers and other ex-pats who join learning communities may feel safer being enrolled with a school such as West River Academy.

Meet Lifelong Student of WRA, Anastasia Tegheni

Posted on February 28, 2024February 28, 2024 by Monica Oliveros

Meet Lifelong Student of WRA, Anastasia Tegheni

Posted on February 28, 2024

“We had the freedom of expressing ourselves through art, poetry, science, music and, mostly, just being in nature.” – Anastasia Tegheni

Anastasia Tegheni has been enrolled with us since she was 7 years old, along with her older brother Damian, who graduated from West River Academy in 2021. Blessed with parents who understood the importance of childhood exploration, they fostered an environment where curiosity roamed freely and passions were pursued enthusiastically.

In their early years, Anastasia and Damian found solace and expression in sketching the beauty of the natural world around them, from the intricate patterns of insects to the serene majesty of the local flora and fauna. As Anastasia matured, her artistic talents found a new canvas in acrylic painting, where she discovered a penchant for capturing not just images, but emotions, within her work. National recognition soon followed, with Anastasia’s pieces earning accolades in esteemed art exhibitions.

Enjoy some of her work.

However, her artistic talent was just one part of her diverse interests. During her teenage years, Anastasia discovered a passion for competitive marksmanship, where she found herself excelling in focus and determination. With the support of a dedicated mentor, she flourished in national competitions, showcasing her abilities beyond the realm of art. During our conversation in this interview, she shared how that period in her life held significant importance, as it marked the beginning of her deep appreciation for patience, conscientiousness and discipline.

Then at age 14, Anastasia’s vocal skills took center stage when she WOWED her Music History teacher with a moving performance of Angela Gheorgiu’s “The Tree.” Anastasia faced a crossroads at this time, where her growing passion for opera clashed with the demands of her firing practice. The shooting range was on the opposite side of town from where she had her music practice. That’s when she made the decision to put her ALL into her dream career as an Opera Singer. In November 2023, she clinched First Place in the National Opera Competition, scoring both a prize and a scholarship offer. With her graduation from West River Academy set for May 2024, she’s eagerly anticipating the start of her next chapter!

Here are some pictures about her Opera career

Please watch the video interview below to hear Anastasia’s story straight from the source.

Interview on Wild Life – The Unschooling Podcast (Alexandra Kons)

Posted on February 1, 2024April 9, 2024 by Monica Oliveros

Interview on Wild Life – The Unschooling Podcast (Alexandra Kons)

Posted on February 1, 2024

Listen to a fascinating interview with Alexandra Kons and Peggy on the Wild Life Unschooling Podcast. If you are new to unschooling, you need to hear this; if you have been doing it for a while, this will be the refresher you need.

About Alexandra Kons:

In the bustling world of journalism, there are those who not only report the news but also carve paths of innovation and inspiration. Meet Alexandra Kons, a remarkable journalist from Spain whose journey is as diverse as it is captivating. Beyond her journalistic endeavors, Alex is also a devoted unschooling mother, weaving her passion for learning and empowerment into every facet of her life. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Oriental and Asian Studies from the Friedrich Wilhelms University of Bonn and a Master’s in Arabic Studies from the Free University of Berlin, her academic prowess is undeniable.

Alex’s professional trajectory is equally impressive, spanning roles as a crypto-journalist, editor-in-chief, marketing expert, and podcaster since 2017. However, her latest venture as the Head of Education at Freeth’m since 2023 truly showcases her visionary spirit. In this role, she spearheads the creation of self-sustainable, decentralized towns worldwide, embodying a bold vision for the future where education and community intertwine harmoniously. Alex’s story is about her achievements and the boundless possibilities when passion, expertise, and a commitment to change converge.

You can read the transcript HERE if you speak Spanish and don’t want to miss this incredible interview.