Why we’re here
We look at the world once, in childhood. The rest is memory.
“Nostos” by Louise Glück
Our Approach to Education
The magic of childhood - its boundless curiosity and special sweetness - are what The Field School nurtures and celebrates. Caring educators, natural beauty, and rich Mediterranean culture are the foundation of our offering and approach.
Educational programs at The Field School of Hvar present math, language, science, history, and other academic disciplines as critical tools for appreciating joyful and exciting real world experiences.
Our goal is to inspire wonder, which is the beginning of an intellectual life, by activating the multiple benefits that children draw from time spent in nature, collaborative play, and creative pursuits. There are no worksheets, no textbooks, and no screens.
values
Stewardship. We each exist to serve the world. Whatever our different abilities and inclinations, each of us has the chance to flourish by contributing to a tapestry that is larger than any individual. Stewardship - the duty to care for the heritage and environment that sustains us - is a core value of The Field School. It is present in what we teach, how we learn, and what we honor in our culture.
Enlightenment. Can anyone live a good life without knowing what goodness is? Appreciation of the beauty, complexity, and mystery of life on our planet grows from long study and exposure to diverse perspectives. Learning - through trial, error, and consistent challenge - is the core activity of The Field School of Hvar.
Dignity. All people are worthy of care, curiosity, and respect regardless of their identity, education, or economic status. A child is incalculably precious, a value not raised or reduced by where or whether they go to college. Likewise the life around us has its own reasons for existing, not limited by its utility to us.
mission
The Field School of Hvar was founded as the first step in creating a regenerative ecosystem on the island of Hvar, a bucolic and deeply historic island on the Adriatic coast. By regenerative, we specifically mean way of life that sequesters carbon, enhances biodiversity, and supports human thriving.
For Families. The Field School of Hvar offers a portal to family life as it should be, either as a season or for a lifetime. Contrary to the famous quote, happy families are not all the same, but they do share some similarities. We think that ample time with friends, nature, and meaningful traditions are key.
For Hvar. The School aims to invigorate regenerative industries on Hvar. As a community, we consume food, energy, transportation, and other goods which can be produced in a way that nourishes the island rather than diminishing it. As a center for education and tourism, we can celebrate and preserve important island knowledge.
For the World. In the long-run, we hope that our success inspires similar learning communities in other places. The bond of love between parents and children is the most powerful force on earth. Let it be a force for good.
