The Wandering Koi

One of the first questions we were asked when we shared our plans was: What about school? This was also one of our earliest planning steps.

Staying Enrolled

She remains enrolled in her public school

Uses an established asynchronous program

Keeps her school-issued laptop

No cost for curriculum

Why Asynchronous Was Essential

Time zone changes

Variable internet access

Travel days vs learning days

Reduced stress and rigidity

Academic Continuity

Same curriculum

Same standards

No acceleration or “catch-up” goals

Re-entry into 8th grade as usual

The Role of Planning

Early communication with the school

Clear expectations at home

Respect for her education and routine

What This Is (and Isn’t)

Not unschooling

Not enrichment-only

Not experimental

Simply school — in different places

This approach gave us confidence that learning could continue without dominating our days or limiting where we go. For us, structure created freedom.