Last month, our Group Manager, Karen Abe, traveled to Argentina to meet our WRA Team there and visit one of our affiliated groups that operates as a school rooted in the same educational philosophy we hold dear.
Our team at West River Academy had the incredible opportunity to visit one of our inspiring groups in Argentina, called “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 “school”, 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 her rural area of Salta, Argentina. In a region shaped by tradition and religious norms, 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 Nortea Católica 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.