What Parents Say
ALLISON & MARK
North Carolina, USA
You respect and affirm young adults in ways that no typical school ever could. Schools have become prisons. You set the captives free!
CONI
Kentucky, USA
West River Academy is wonderful. It is so non-invasive of your family and you can school whatever way you want! I highly recommend you to everyone I know.
ANN
Colorado USA
Our unschooling journey is finally over. It’s been great. My girls have turned out better than I ever hoped! Thank you for all your help and role modeling for what is possible outside the system.
SHERYL
Missouri, USA
The unschooling schedule allowed Peter the time to develop as an individual and to learn through his own study, analysis, and experience.
LILIANE
Taiwan, ROC
You and your school are like a dream come true for me and my teens. I have told everyone I know about your school!
SHARON
Colorado, USA
I never let an opportunity go by to share Amanda’s school experience with anyone; it was the single best thing we ever did for her education!
JOEY
Colorado, USA
Thank you West River Academy for being there when we needed you most. When no one else was there to help us, you were there. My daughter was able to feel stronger and take charge of her life.
DOT
Massachusetts, USA
I am so glad that we have chosen this way of life instead of conventional public school. It has really paid off watching all of my son’s interests bloom into great accomplishments. Thank you for all you have done for us!
MARK
Colorado, USA
Amanda’s plan is to become a forensic anthropologist and she has such excitement and high hopes for her future. It’s truly wonderous to see when at one time in her life, school was nothing but a struggle for her. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the service and direction you provide to so many families!
MARLA
Argentina
Before starting with West River Academy, the education of our child in a traditional school was a tiring experience, a heavy work, without inspiration. It was just an obligation that we didn’t want to do anymore. West River Academy allowed us as a family to experience education in a new paradigm. It’s a wonderful adventure to learn together as family. Thank you West River Academy!
GWEN & BOB
Colorado, USA
I just wanted to let you know that Cole was accepted into Colorado State University. We have a couple more schools to hear from, but CSU is his first choice because it is one of the few schools with both Apparel Design and Business programs. We would have never been able to engineer a turnaround for Cole without the flexibility that West River Academy provided and allowed him to complete his education in his own way. Thank you!
JADA
Colorado, USA
I wanted to start off by saying that the Universe really does give us what we truly need. When I was at a loss on how to navigate the school system for a daughter who is struggling with depression and anxiety, I simply came across West River Academy. Thank you, thank you for making it easy and for creating this. It’s allowed my daughter to explore herself, and finally become proactive in her healing. And it’s allowed me to not be so stressed out! That’s important for a mama!
Janet
Colorado, USA
Thank you so much for all your guidance, support and understanding. The journey has felt so much richer and more secure because of your input. I can’t express my gratitude to you enough!
Letters from Families
Roxanne
Romania
Before enrolling WRA we were able to travel with our daughters only during school holidays. During the school days we had much less time together as a family. We decided to take a 2 years break from work and travel the world with our self converted campervan. Enrolling the girls to WRA permitted us to do so. Indeed it changed our life!
Cristin
Colorado, USA
We have loved the freedom of homeschooling with the support of West River Academy. Before WRA, we weren't sure that we would be able to continue homeschooling while following the learning patterns of our children and the pace of our children. We wanted to encourage our children to learn their own way, since we believe deeply that each child learns differently and at his or her own pace, not according to standardized tests or checklists. WRA has instead offered peace of mind, freedom, and the ability to continue pursuing our children's love of learning with confidence. Now we are able to explore curriculums, encourage our children to intellectually "run" at their own pace, and bring in exciting learning experiences, such as field trips, exploring the arts, and lots of hands-on, experiential learning. We learn about botany at the greenhouse, wildlife biology from hikes, local history from museums, and have been able to show our children that they can learn anywhere if they know where and how to look.
Deb
California, USA
Before we joined West River Academy, my autistic son was in a typical school, with all of the aides and supports we had requested, but it was clear that where he excelled, they could not provide enough of a challenge, and where he needed to grow, they could not support him. We joined WRA and decided to focus on his skills: art, video, animation and music. Since joining, he's been in two bands (now plays with School of Rock/Burbank), has been shown in 2 art shows and has two YouTube channels, one with over 3500 subscribers and one dedicated to one of his amazing skills and passions, languages (Liam's Language Corner). By following his interests, he has developed high-end skills in things he loves. Instead of spending hours trying to get him to complete homework, he happily spends hours on designing a new font (his fonts on a free-share design site have been downloaded over 2,000 times)! In the photo I've shared, Liam and I took a trip by Metro, to learn how to use public transportation, and immersed ourselves in the interactive art of the Museum of Illusions in Hollywood. I like this picture because I think it symbolizes our adventures together!
What Students Say
CATRINA
Romania
I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity to get to know myself and just be free!
GWENDOLYN
Colorado, USA
One of the greatest things about West River Academy is that it allowed me to combine my interests with education.
UMO
Argentina
Before entering the academy, I was bored and depressed locked in my room all day, tired and unmotivated. Now I use my time how I want to and have the freedom to be myself.
AMANDA
Colorado, USA
I tell people about your school all the time; it’s an amazing program, you were an amazing help, and I’m still as excited about your school now as I was when I first enrolled!
LISA
California, USA
I can’t express how much we appreciate the flexibility of working with West River Academy and how perfect it is for her learning style. I highly recommend you to everyone!
GRANT
Colorado, USA
Over the past year or so I have learned more about my life and myself than ever before. I have learned about making music, the benefits of self-reflection, relationships, things that inspire me to pursue my life goals, and just overall life skills!
NATANAEL
Chile
I’m very thankful for West River Academy for being there for me. During the time that we worked together, I learned a lot about myself and I will miss the entire experience. Thank you for being so understanding with me.
JACQUELINE
Missouri USA
I want to thank you for being so supportive over the years. I am so thankful that my parents found your school. It has been exactly what I needed and you gave me the freedom to be who I want to be and learn in a way that was right for me.
MATTHEW
Missouri USA
Being in West River Academy has been one of the best experiences of my life and I have learned so much. I was able to unlock my inner self and my inner child. I was allowed to have fun while learning and be able to express myself as well as be more curious. I don’t think I would have changed a thing.
JESSE
Nevada, USA
I have enjoyed this experience so much and I love Peggy’s approach to education. Even when I graduate, I’m definitely going to keep up on some of the valuable habits I’ve learned through your program. Thank you, Peggy, for providing a wonderful homeschool program that fit me perfectly!
VICTORIA
Colorado, USA
I would like to thank West River Academy for all the support over the last four years. I feel blessed to have been able to experience such unique schooling and such a wide range of subjects. I feel confident that I have the knowledge and skills to succeed in college and in life in general.
ESTER
British Colombia, Canada
This alternative to regular schooling gave me the freedom to create my own curriculum according to my schedule. It got rid of all of the anguish and stress that families usually seem to experience when going through the schooling system. Also, I have exciting news; I have now been accepted into all of the colleges that I was working towards!
MITCHELL
Colorado, USA
I have been able to achieve a great education. I have learned that there is always more than one way to achieve your goals. Through West River Academy, I have learned about real life by doing real life experiences. My family has taught me not only math, reading, and writing, but they have taught me about fixing cars, balancing budgets and so much more.
AARON
Washington USA
I have truly enjoyed being a part of West River Academy and I feel I have learned many valuable lessons, both educational and practical lessons for life. I feel I am ready to face all of the new challenges that I will be given as a young adult. I am thankful for your academy and all your hard work in helping my family achieve our goals in our homeschooling journey.
DAVID
Colorado, USA
West River Academy has changed my life. If I was still in traditional school, I think I would either be dead or in jail. This program, this school, this new way of thinking and learning is the greatest thing anyone could ask for. Because of you I have been able to pursue my dreams in skiing and in life, without interruptions, stress over grades, tests or stress of being in the mediocre school environment. I truly thank you from the deepest place in my heart!
LAURA
Texas USA
These past four years in West River Academy have been the highlight of my teenage years. This experience has been about me and finding out who I am. Finding your school was the most essential part of the beginning of my new life. I sincerely believe that this was meant to be; your academy changed my life! Thank you so much. I’ll never forget that your school was the only one that gave me a chance when no one else would.
P.G.
Hawaii, USA
For the past couple of years it was very difficult to even think about what I would do the next day because of my anxiety and depression. The thought of getting a high school diploma seemed unrealistic in my mind. Well, look at me now; I’m halfway to receiving my diploma and I am so grateful for West River Academy! I have a clearer vision of a possible future and the confidence to believe in myself.
Our Students in Action
This is how we turn life experiences into academic credit
