Passion & Purpose
The role of the teacher is to create the conditions for invention rather than provide ready-made knowledge.
—Seymour Papert
School Born From
School Without Borders wasn't born in a boardroom or a faculty lounge. It emerged from the heart of a military family navigating the challenges and embracing the adventures around the world. As we traversed continents, immersing ourselves in diverse cultures and experiencing a wide variety of educational systems, we discovered the power of learning beyond traditional classrooms. Our children's insatiable curiosity and innate desire to explore became our compass, guiding us towards a personalized approach that celebrated their unique passions and talents.
Inspired by the philosophies of Charlotte Mason, the Worldschooling movement, and the Maker Movement, we embraced a hands-on, student-led approach that transcended textbooks and worksheets. We discovered the magic of "living books" – those captivating narratives that transport young minds to new worlds and ignite a lifelong love of learning. We witnessed the power of real-world immersion, where historical landmarks became living classrooms and cultural exchanges fostered empathy and understanding. And we embraced the joy of hands-on exploration, where children could tinker, create, and innovate, transforming their ideas into reality.
We believe that education should be a journey of discovery, not a race to the finish line. That's why we've created a nurturing and supportive environment where children are encouraged to follow their passions, ask questions, and embrace the joy of learning.
Our Story
Passion-Driven Projects
Our Approach
Individualized Learning Plans
Real-World Experiences
Community Connections
At School Without Borders Global Academy, we recognize that each child is a unique learner, with their own passions, strengths, and challenges. That's why we create personalized learning plans that cater to each student's individual needs and interests. We believe that when children are empowered to explore topics that ignite their curiosity, they become active participants in their education, leading to a deeper understanding and a lifelong love of learning. Our experienced mentors work closely with each student to develop a customized roadmap that outlines their learning goals, preferred learning styles, and areas for growth. This ensures that every child receives the support and guidance they need to thrive.
We believe that learning should be an adventure, not a chore. That's why we encourage students to embark on passion-driven projects that allow them to delve deep into topics that truly excite them. Whether it's building a model of ancient Rome, designing a sustainable garden, or creating a documentary about a social issue they care about, our students are empowered to take ownership of their learning and explore their passions in a meaningful way. These projects not only foster creativity and critical thinking but also provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
Learning doesn't just happen within the four walls of a classroom. At School Without Borders, we believe in immersing students in real-world experiences that bring learning to life. Our students embark on field trips to historical landmarks, museums, and natural wonders, where they can see firsthand the concepts they've been studying. They engage in hands-on experiments, conduct research projects, and even collaborate with experts in their fields of interest. These experiences not only solidify understanding but also foster a sense of wonder and a lifelong love of learning
As a micro-school with a wide perspective, we believe in fostering an understanding of diverse cultures, histories, and worldviews. Whether it is through global connections, such as virtual exchanges with students from around the world or cultural immersion activities with your neighbors, our students develop empathy, open-mindedness, and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of people. We believe that by nurturing curious minds and fostering broad perspectives, we are empowering the next generation to become compassionate, engaged, and responsible citizens in the future.
The principle goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done.
—Jean Piaget
Our Team
Meet some of our passionate guides and mentors who walk alongside your child, igniting their curiosity, nurturing their passions, and empowering them to become lifelong learners.
Tiffany, a passionate educator with over two decades of experience, ignites a love of learning in students of all ages. As a TEFL/TESOL certified ESL teacher, she specializes in creating engaging language experiences for learners from diverse backgrounds, including Japan, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Tiffany's expertise extends beyond language instruction, empowering musicians and singers to express themselves in English and providing guidance to military families navigating unique challenges. A lifelong learner with a passion for creativity and technology, Tiffany is a skilled website builder and designer, crafting captivating visual art for authors and businesses. Her artistic talents span traditional mediums and digital art, showcasing her versatility and commitment to growth. At School Without Borders Global Academy, Tiffany's diverse background and unwavering dedication to education make her a valued mentor and guide.
Robbie, a global nomad with a passion for cross-cultural connection, has made a home on five continents, embracing the adventures and challenges of a globally mobile life. As a certified international living coach and occasional speaker, she empowers individuals and families to thrive amidst change, drawing from her own experiences and the wisdom gained from countless international moves. Robbie believes in the power of connection, the richness of diverse perspectives, and the transformative potential of stepping outside one's comfort zone. When she's not guiding others to embrace the unknown, Robbie enjoys exploring new cultures, creating art, and savoring life's simple joys with loved ones.
Adam, with his diverse background in the US Navy and the State Department, brings a wealth of experience to our team. From leading his crew at sea to tackling complex logistical challenges, he's a proven leader with a knack for inspiring collaboration and achieving results. His extensive experience in team management and strategic planning has been instrumental in shaping our program at School Without Borders Global Academy.
Adam's commitment to lifelong learning is infectious. He constantly seeks out new challenges and opportunities for growth, from exploring the latest advancements in technology to honing his skills in website development and SEO. This passion for continuous improvement, coupled with his ability to adapt to diverse environments, makes him a valuable role model for our students. Whether he's solving complex problems or enjoying the tranquility of his forest home, Adam's dedication to personal and professional development shines through in everything he does.
Meet Tanna, our resident Charlotte Mason educator, family farm aficionado, and health food guru! With over 20 years of experience inspiring young minds, Tanna's passion for hands-on learning is evident in everything she does. She's not only a steward of the land, cultivating a thriving garden, foraging for wild herbs, and raising animals on her family farm, but she's also the co-founder of "The Vitamin Shop," a beloved health food store in town. Tanna's entrepreneurial spirit, problem-solving skills, and deep connection to nature make her an invaluable asset to our team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a love of practical learning to School Without Borders Global Academy.
Tim is our resident tinkerer and problem-solver extraordinaire. With a knack for all things mechanical and a passion for invention, he's always up for a challenge. Whether it's fixing a broken engine, building a new contraption, or finding a creative solution to an everyday problem, Tim thrives on using his hands and his mind to make things work. He brings years of experience working as part of a team, timing and synchronizing his maintenance and large equipment operation skills to align with others to bring in the harvest on time. His adaptability and resourcefulness make him a valuable addition to School Without Borders Global Academy, inspiring students to think outside the box and embrace their own creative potential.
SWB Global Academy
A micro-school adventure that began in 2000, sparking curiosity and igniting a lifelong love of learning through personalized mentorship, hands-on explorations, real-life experiences, immersive cultural exploration, and the joy of slow travel.
School Without Borders Global Academy abides by and operates under the Washington state statute RCW 28A.225.010.
© 2024. All rights reserved.