Is Wild Earth a school?

No. Wild Earth is not a school and does not operate as a conventional school.



We do not follow a conventional curriculum or timetable. Instead, children and young people have the freedom to follow their interests, build relationships, play, explore and learn through real-world experiences.

What is Wild Earth?

Wild Earth is a nature youth project that aims to co-create safe and fun nature-based, self-directed learning and socialization opportunities for young people who are home educated, taking a break from mainstream schooling, world-schooling families or any other young person who feels Wild Earth can benefit them.

People choose Wild Earth for a variety of reasons. For home-educating families, Wild Earth provides opportunities for social connection, relationships, exploration and learning. For others it provides a space where their young person can spend time in nature, build relationships and learn at their own pace.

What are the operating hours?

Wild Earth operates 3 days per week — Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

We are open for approximately 85 days across the year.

Our core hours are 10am – 3pm.

Will there be other children the same age as my child?

Our community is made up of children and young people of different ages. We do not segregate young people based on age, so there is a mix age group at all times at Wild Earth. Given that our participant numbers change throughout the year, there may not always be someone the same age as your child.

We believe that mixed-age communities offer valuable opportunities for connection, collaboration, independence and learning from one another.

Is Wild Earth a place for my teenager?

Yes. Teenagers are welcome to participate in Wild Earth and can particularly benefit from immersion in nature, mixed-age experiences and the self-directed learning opportunities available at Wild Earth.

In response to ideas and suggestions from teenagers, Wild Earth is currently seeking funding to develop a dedicated teenage program.

Will my child ever be taken off site?

Yes. We regularly engage in off-site activities to enrich and support the learning experience of our community. Off-site activities are planned in advance, and families will always be informed and asked to provide the appropriate permissions.

Who spends time with the children and young people at Wild Earth?

Wild Earth is supported by youth facilitators, project facilitators and a Board of Directors. We also welcome parents, skilled practitioners, community members and other contributors who bring their interests, knowledge and skills into the community.

All adults who work directly with young people are Garda vetted, and undergo child safeguarding training alongside being fully briefed by the Wild Earth Team.

Who funds Wild Earth?

We are committed to keeping Wild Earth as accessible and inclusive as possible for families. We aim to subsidize up to 80% of the full cost per child.

Wild Earth does not receive state funding. We rely on a combination of grants, independent funding awards, philanthropic support, generous donations, and contributions from parents and the wider community to sustain our work.

This year, Wild Earth is supported by the Clare Community Fund, Rethink Ireland and The Heritage Council.

How much does Wild Earth cost?

Families who are able to contribute are asked to pay € 12.50 per day for their child.

The full cost of Wild Earth is 80% subsidized by our private fundraising efforts. 

We want Wild Earth to be accessible and inclusive. If the daily contribution is not possible for your family, please talk to us. We are always willing to explore alternative arrangements where possible.

Is Wild Earth an independent school?

No. Wild Earth is not an independent school.

Wild Earth is a community youth project that creates nature-based, self-directed learning opportunities for young people who are home educated, taking a break from the mainstream school system and/or visiting from other countries.

Is a trial or part-time attendance possible?

Yes. Every new family is offered a two-day trial and a one month integration period.

Where appropriate, we encourage children to experience Wild Earth without their parent/guardian present, as this gives them an opportunity to experience the community for themselves. However, we are always open to making adjustments that support the individual child.

After approximately one month, we check in with the family to see how things are going and to discuss any questions or concerns.

We do see a benefit from young people attending the full three days of service at Wild Earth. In saying this, we also do understand that every family has different needs and circumstances. We are always open to discussing part-time attendance or other arrangements and exploring what could work well for the child, family and community.

Is Wild Earth a place for children with autism or other additional needs?

Wild Earth is committed to creating an inclusive community where children and young people can be themselves, have their needs respected and participate meaningfully.

We recognise that every child is different, so we encourage families to talk to us about their child's individual needs, strengths and support requirements before joining. This allows us to consider together whether Wild Earth is an appropriate and supportive environment for their child.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with us:

hello@wildearthclare.ie