A few resources that have shaped our thinking. Take what’s useful, leave the rest – and know we’re learning right alongside you.
Social Media
Our Facebook Group
Join our private Facebook group to connect with other families and stay in the loop as Covey continues to take shape
- Ask questions, share ideas, and be part of the conversation
- Get updates about gatherings, enrollment, and community happenings
Our Instagram
Follow us on Instagram for a closer look at Covey
- Learn more about self-directed, nature-connected learning
- Get updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes glimpses as our community grows
Educational Models + Philosophies
Growing Without Schooling
A foundational archive of unschooling thought started by John Holt, one of the earliest voices in modern self-directed education.
Self-Directed Education (SDE)
A hub for understanding and supporting self-directed education, including research, definitions, and community connections.
Agile Learning Centers
A network and framework for learning communities that center choice, play, and co-creation.
What is Self-Directed Education?
“It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.” ~ Albert Einstein
Psychologist Peter Gray introduces self-directed education as a learning approach where young people freely pursue their interests in supportive, collaborative communities. He explains how this method naturally fosters curiosity, competence, and social skills without coercive curriculum.
Essay: A Thousand Rivers
In this essay, Carol Black critiques how modern schooling—and the narrow data it produces—distorts our understanding of learning, arguing that true learning flourishes in mixed-age, natural, curiosity-driven environments that honor human diversity and intrinsic capacity.
https://carolblack.org/a-thousand-rivers
Real-Life Stories
Outside Magazine – One Family’s Child-Led Learning Journey
A thoughtful article exploring one family’s experience stepping away from traditional schooling and embracing child-led learning outdoors.
Group Culture + Decision-Making
Sociocracy for All
Tools and frameworks for inclusive, consent-based decision-making—great for intentional communities and learning spaces.
Emergent Strategy
Rooted in the work of Adrienne Maree Brown, this resource explores how we build change through relationship, adaptation, and shared intention.
Wanting to learn more?
Natural Creativity
Natural Creativity is an SDE Learning Community in Philadelphia, has an excellent list of resources.