In the United States, summer signifies a break from blackboards, teachers, and homework for many children. However, at Casa Sulà in Costa Rica, this is the essence of everyday schooling.
Founded just over a year ago, Casa Sulà is a private educational institution inspired by the Centro Experimental Pestalozzi in Ecuador. The school uniquely combines Montessori principles, the theories of Jean Piaget, and contemporary child psychology with the knowledge of its three primary guides—who prefer to be known as guides rather than teachers.
The vibrant yellow-and-pink building boasts terra cotta tiles, and inside, children discover a wealth of materials designed to spark creativity—from art supplies and cooking tools to scientific equipment and engaging games. Outdoors, a lush riverside forest awaits exploration, creating an idyllic environment for learning.
Reflecting on my own experiences with my children, I remember our countless hours spent outdoors. The simplest pleasures captivated them: sifting through sand, observing bees, and transforming an old Amazon box into a colorful playhouse. While I encouraged independence and exploration, I often found myself anxious, concerned that our unstructured play might mean they would fall behind academically when it came time for kindergarten. I didn’t believe in rigid expectations for early reading, yet societal norms and traditional education methods made me worry about fulfilling educational milestones.
Casa Sulà, however, completely redefines learning. Here, the focus is on helping children understand how to learn at their own pace, pursuing interests that genuinely excite them. The classroom environment is thoughtfully designed to include various settings—home, art, science, and literature—equipped with accessible creative resources. Outdoor areas feature simple climbing structures and ample space for water play and physical activity. Adults are present to support the children’s pursuits, allowing them the freedom to explore their interests for as long as they desire. With around 45 students aged 3 to 15, the school boasts a diverse community, with families from 29 countries.
I spoke with Oliver Reyes, a parent whose children attend Casa Sulà. He recounted how his 6-year-old son was inspired by an adult crafting a ukulele. Without any formal instruction or pressure to move on, his son immersed himself in the project, ultimately creating a beautiful instrument after two months of dedicated effort. Can you imagine a learning environment where your child has the autonomy to follow their passions without interruption? At Casa Sulà, the philosophy is that children learn best when they are intrinsically motivated and ready to explore new ideas, free from the constraints of traditional assessments or grades.
The school actively involves parents through monthly meetings to discuss each child’s progress and twice-monthly gatherings focused on community parenting discussions. Casa Sulà invites families interested in unconventional education, encouraging trust in children’s innate learning abilities through free play. This philosophy resonates deeply with me; I wish for my children the same enriching experiences that Casa Sulà provides.
Yet, it raises a crucial question: Why are such educational environments not more common? Many parents, myself included, have grown hesitant to allow our children to learn outside a structured framework. We often prioritize academic achievements and test scores over fostering genuine happiness and curiosity. This shift in focus can lead us to overlook the unique learning styles of our children, as we become entrapped in a cycle of assignments and grades.
Casa Sulà emphasizes love, joy, respect, and the natural inquisitiveness of children. As one of the school’s co-founders, Elena Morales, articulates, “Children are inherently good and curious. Rather than forcing learning, we believe in nurturing their natural abilities.” Each child has their unique interests and desires to learn, and we should cultivate environments like Casa Sulà that encourage curiosity and a love for learning, free from standardized curricula and the pressure to achieve financial success.
In conclusion, we need more educational spaces that prioritize intrinsic motivation and personal growth. Such schools can inspire children to explore, thrive, and learn joyfully.
For more insights into unconventional parenting and education, visit Modern Family Blog and explore excellent resources on artificial insemination and home insemination kits like the BabyMaker at Home Insemination Kit.