Wild + Free is a homeschool community and philosophy founded by Ainsley Arment emphasizing nature, literature, play, curiosity, and wonder while maintaining intentional academic structure.
What is Wild + Free?
Wild + Free is a modern homeschool movement founded by Ainsley Arment, inspired by Thoreau's quote "All good things are wild and free." More community than curriculum, it represents a philosophy built on five values: nature, stories, play, curiosity, and wonder. The Wild + Free community offers books, courses, podcasts, curriculum guides, and events connecting homeschool families who believe in prolonging childhood wonder while maintaining academic intentionality.
Key Takeaways
- Philosophy centers on nature, stories, play, curiosity, and wonder
- More a community and approach than a specific curriculum
- Founded by Ainsley Arment, mother of five and author
- Blends nature-based learning with intentional academics
- Offers books, courses, podcast, curriculum bundles, and international trips
The Wild + Free Philosophy
Despite the name suggesting complete freedom, Wild + Free is actually quite intentional. The approach balances outdoor time with structured academics, then afternoon pursuit of children's interests. Ainsley Arment describes it as "an extension of parenting and lifestyle" rather than a boxed curriculum. Families embrace various educational philosophies—Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, Montessori, or eclectic approaches—under the Wild + Free umbrella. The common thread is valuing childhood wonder, nature connection, and quality literature while rejecting the artificial pressure of conventional schooling.
Resources and Community
The movement offers substantial resources beyond philosophy. Ainsley's flagship book The Call of the Wild and Free provides the foundational vision, while Wild + Free Nature offers hands-on outdoor activities and Wild + Free Handcrafts covers 36 family projects. Online courses include Season of Wonder, The Beautiful Wild, and The Enchanted Homeschool. The weekly Wild + Free podcast discusses homeschool life and learning. A membership subscription provides access to curriculum guides, monthly content bundles, and connection to local meetup groups. International family trips (France, Little House sites) offer immersive community experiences.
Who Wild + Free Fits
Wild + Free appeals to families wanting to preserve childhood joy while maintaining academic quality—parents who feel traditional schooling rushes children through developmental stages. It fits nature-loving families, those comfortable with eclectic or flexible approaches, and parents seeking community with like-minded homeschoolers. The movement welcomes both faith-based and secular families. It works less well for those wanting a complete, structured curriculum with daily lesson plans. Think of Wild + Free as a philosophy and community that complements rather than replaces your academic curriculum choices.
Practical Application
A typical Wild + Free inspired day might include morning outdoor time, structured academics mid-morning, lunch, then afternoon interest-led exploration. Treehouse building, gardening, nature walks, mud kitchens, and land art feature prominently. Reading aloud from quality literature happens daily. The approach explicitly makes room for boredom as "fuel for creativity." It's not unschooling—academics remain intentional—but the atmosphere prioritizes wonder and connection over checkboxes and testing. Many families use Wild + Free resources alongside a primary curriculum like Charlotte Mason or classical education.
The Bottom Line
Wild + Free has become one of the most influential voices in modern homeschooling, offering both philosophy and practical community for families seeking alternatives to conventional education's pace and pressure. It's best understood not as a curriculum but as a way of approaching childhood and learning—one that values nature, literature, and wonder without abandoning academic intentionality. The resources and community support make it easier for families to pursue this vision together.
