Wild + Free is a modern homeschool movement inspired by the idea that childhood should be wild and free. It focuses on values like nature, stories, play, and curiosity while encouraging academic growth.
Most homeschool families report completing core academic subjects in 3-4 hours per day for elementary students, compared to the 6-7 hours typical of traditional schools, due to the one-on-one instruction and absence of classroom management overhead (NHERI, 2024).
What is wild + free?
Wild + Free is a fresh homeschooling movement started by Ainsley Arment. It takes inspiration from Thoreau's quote: 'All good things are wild and free.' It's more about community than curriculum. The movement values five main ideas: nature, stories, play, curiosity, and wonder. The Wild + Free community provides books, courses, podcasts, curriculum guides, and events. These resources connect homeschool families aiming to keep childhood wonder alive while being academically focused.
The wild + free philosophy
The name might suggest total freedom, but Wild + Free is quite thoughtful. It balances outdoor play with structured learning, then allows kids to explore their interests in the afternoon. Ainsley Arment sees it as an extension of parenting, not just a rigid curriculum. Families can follow different educational styles like Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, Montessori, or eclectic methods under the Wild + Free umbrella. The key is appreciating childhood wonder, nature, and good books while avoiding the stress of traditional schools.
Resources and community
Wild + Free offers plenty of resources that go beyond just ideas. Ainsley's main book, The Call of the Wild and Free, lays out the vision. Wild + Free Nature focuses on hands-on outdoor fun, while Wild + Free Handcrafts includes 36 family projects. There are online courses like Season of Wonder, The Beautiful Wild, and The Enchanted Homeschool. Their podcast shares tips about homeschooling life. A membership gives you access to curriculum guides, monthly content bundles, and local meetup connections. Plus, there are family trips to places like France and Little House sites for deeper community experiences.
Who wild + free fits
Wild + Free is perfect for families who want to keep joy in childhood while ensuring good academics. It suits nature-loving families and those who prefer flexible learning styles. Parents looking for a community with like-minded homeschoolers will find a home here. Both faith-based and secular families are welcome. However, it may not be ideal for those who want a strict, daily lesson plan. Think of Wild + Free as a supportive philosophy that adds to your academic choices.
Practical application
A typical day inspired by Wild + Free might start with outdoor play in the morning, followed by structured learning mid-morning. After lunch, kids can dive into their interests. Activities like building treehouses, gardening, nature walks, and making art from natural items are common. Daily reading from quality books is a must. This approach even embraces boredom as 'fuel for creativity.' It's not unschooling—there’s still a focus on academics—but the vibe is all about wonder and connection, not just ticking boxes. Many families mix Wild + Free resources with a main curriculum like Charlotte Mason or classical education.
The bottom line
Wild + Free has become a key voice in modern homeschooling. It offers a way to approach childhood and learning that values nature, literature, and curiosity while still being academically intentional. The resources and community support help families pursue this vision together.
