What Is Unschooling?
Unschooling is not "not learning." It is learning without coercion. It is trusting that children are natural learners who do not need to be forced to acquire knowledge.
You believe learning happens everywhere, all the time. You want to support your child interests without imposing arbitrary subjects or schedules.
Self-degree offers a resource library—not a curriculum—to support your unschooling journey.
Our Unschooling Approach
Interest-Driven Exploration
Follow your child passions wherever they lead. Deep dives into topics that genuinely fascinate them.
Natural Learning
Learning happens organically through living. No forced lessons, no arbitrary schedules.
Real-World Experiences
Museums, nature, community, travel, and daily life become the classroom.
Child Autonomy
Your child decides what, when, and how to learn. Trust their innate curiosity.
Resource Library
Curated materials available when interest strikes. Not a curriculum—a buffet of possibilities.
Deschooling Support
Transition from traditional education. Unlearn school-think and embrace natural learning rhythms.
How Unschooling Works
Follow the Interest
Your child is fascinated by dinosaurs? That is not just science—it is reading (books about dinosaurs), math (measuring fossils), geography (where they lived), art (drawing them), and more. One interest can lead to comprehensive learning.
Living Is Learning
Cooking teaches math, chemistry, and reading. Gardening teaches biology, patience, and responsibility. Conversations teach communication and critical thinking. Life itself is the curriculum.
Strewing, Not Teaching
Leave interesting materials around. Share cool articles. Suggest activities. But do not force. Your role is to create a rich environment and get out of the way.
Trust the Process
Some days look like "nothing." That is okay. Rest, play, and boredom are part of learning. Trust that your child is always learning, even when it does not look like school.
Deschooling: The First Step
If you are transitioning from traditional school, you need time to deschool—to unlearn school-think:
- Let go of grades and tests:
Learning is not measured by scores
- Release the schedule:
Learning does not happen 9-3, Monday-Friday
- Trust your child:
They will not choose to "do nothing" forever
- Redefine success:
It is not about covering subjects, it is about curiosity and joy
- Give it time:
Rule of thumb: one month of deschooling for every year in traditional school
What We Offer (Not a Curriculum)
A Resource Library, Not Lessons
We provide access to materials organized by interest, not grade level. Your child can explore:
- •Documentaries and educational videos
- •Interactive simulations and games
- •Book recommendations and reading materials
- •Project ideas and maker activities
- •Community connections and mentors
- •Field trip suggestions and virtual tours
Nothing is required. Nothing is graded. It is all available when interest strikes.
Common Unschooling Concerns
"What if they never learn math?"
They will. Math is everywhere—cooking, building, gaming, shopping. When they need it or become curious about it, they will learn it. Often faster than in traditional school because it is relevant.
"What about college?"
Many unschoolers attend college successfully. They are often more self-directed and motivated than traditionally schooled students. Colleges increasingly value diverse educational backgrounds.
"How do I document learning?"
Keep a journal of activities, interests, and growth. Take photos of projects. Save work samples. Focus on the learning that is happening, not checking boxes.
Ready to Start Your Unschooling Journey?
Join families who trust their children natural curiosity and support self-directed learning.
Secular • Evidence-based