CASE STUDY 04
WILDHEARTS ACADEMY
Building an alternative educational experience rooted in arts integration, nature, and changemaker-centered learning.
Project Overview
Wildhearts Academy began with a question: What would education look like if creativity, curiosity, nature, and meaningful connections were central to the learning experience?
In 2021, I co-founded the academy to develop an alternative educational model responsive to the needs of children and families.
Building the organization required designing an interconnected system of educational programs, curriculum, learning environments, staffing structures, branding, and communication tools.
Our youngest Wildhearts exploring in the woods
The Challenge
How might we design an educational experience that is creative, flexible, meaningful, and responsive to diverse learning needs?
Developing an alternative educational model required balancing educational philosophy with practical considerations including accessibility, staffing, program structure, physical environments, family communication, and organizational sustainability.
The challenge was to transform an ambitious educational vision into a functional, adaptable experience.
A teacher reading to the older kids by the river
Research & Delivery
The design process drew on educational research, including arts integration, experiential learning, interdisciplinary instruction, and nature-based education.
Family perspectives, educator collaboration, and practical experience informed the development of programs, curriculum, and organizational structures.
Planning docs for curriculum
The Vision
Create a small, community-centered educational model that integrates creative thinking, nature, interdisciplinary learning, and meaningful relationships.
The goal was to build a cohesive organization where educational philosophy informed every aspect of the experience, from curriculum and learning environments to communication and daily operations.
End of season performance and gallery
Creative Strategy
- Research-Informed Design: Apply educational research to the development of original learning experiences.
- Program & Service Design: Create age-based programs, schedules, staffing structures, and learning environments.
- Curriculum Innovation: Develop interdisciplinary studies connecting art, science, history, nature, and changemakers.
- Visual Communication: Build a consistent brand identity, website, and educational publications.
- Iterative Improvement: Adapt programs and resources through educator collaboration, family feedback, and practical experience.
Wildheart student holding a George Washington Carver art project
From Concept to Creation
I helped establish the academy's mission, educational philosophy, program model, and organizational framework.
I developed original curriculum, designed instructional resources, and created the logo, branding, website, educational publications, and digital communications.
As the organization grew, we continued refining program structures, learning environments, curriculum, and operational systems to respond to the needs of students, families, and educators.
Curriculum printables
Outcomes & Impact
Wildhearts Academy developed from an educational concept into an operating organization with original curriculum, multiple age-based programs, and an established community of families and educators.
The project resulted in a functioning educational model, reusable learning resources, a cohesive visual identity, and operational systems supporting ongoing programming.
YEARS OF PROGRAMMING
CHANGEMAKER CURRICULUM PACKETS
STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Reflection
Building Wildhearts Academy demonstrated that design extends beyond individual products to the creation of systems, services, and experiences.
The process required moving between research, strategic planning, creative development, implementation, and continuous improvement. It reinforced how thoughtful design and community collaboration can transform an idea into a functioning organization.
Core Takeaway: Community-centered design can transform ordinary spaces into meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and collective resilience.