GROWING A SCHOOL IN THE JUNGLE: AN INTERVIEW WITH LA SELVA LEARNING CENTER

When moving to a rural area, even one as gorgeous as our coast, one question often outweighs all others: "What about school?" For many years, parents seeking bilingual education in our area relied on a blend of homeschooling, public education and community-organized activities, creating learning opportunities where they could.

This year, the newly opened La Selva Learning Center in Torio has changed that reality.

Like with many other projects in our community, it took many hands to make La Selva a reality. Read on to learn more about the school and meet one of the people who helped bring it to life.

La Selva starts its new school year on September 1st and is still accepting students.

ABOUT LA SELVA

Born from a group of thoughtful parents who wanted more for their children than a traditional classroom, La Selva has grown into Torio’s first and only bilingual learning center, a place where education feels alive.

Welcoming children from ages 2 to 10, the school continues to expand, opening its doors to new families while thoughtfully evolving its curriculum.

At La Selva School, learning is designed around the whole child, head, heart, and hands. In the early years, days unfold through imaginative play, art, music, storytelling, and time spent in nature, where children effortlessly grow into both English and Spanish while building curiosity, resilience, and meaningful social connections. As students grow, so does the curriculum, introducing core subjects like math, language arts, science, and history through hands-on, engaging experiences. The result is learning that feels joyful and purposeful, rooted in each child’s development, guided by curiosity, and always in harmony with the natural world.

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The opening of La Selva is such an important milestone for Panama's Sunset Coast that we wanted to sit down with one of its founders to learn the story behind it.

Rather than simply tell you about the school ourselves, we thought it would be more meaningful to hear directly from someone who helped bring it to life.

Thea comes from Aarhus, Denmark, and was drawn here by the surf and surrounding nature. A movement teacher and baker whose travels have taken her from India to many corners of the world, she brings a global perspective while remaining grounded and inspired daily by her children. She created/initiated this project to help build something meaningful and lasting for the community: a place that creates new opportunities and a nurturing environment for children to learn and grow.

Here's our conversation with Thea.

HOW LA SELVA CAME TO LIFE

Q: What inspired the creation of La Selva School?

The inspiration came from a deep desire to live in a beautiful, remote part of the world, immersed in nature, without compromising on the education of my children. As a parent, one of your greatest hopes is to open more doors for your children than were opened for you. For us, that meant giving them not only a magical childhood in this extraordinary place, but also access to an exceptional education. La Selva was born from the idea that families shouldn’t have to choose between a beautiful life and a great school, they should be able to have both.

Q: Tell us about the process of building a school from scratch in a remote area. What was the journey like? What was the initial vision?

We were incredibly fortunate in the beginning; Ludvig saw the potential in the school and generously offered an open-roof structure he had already built. That became the starting point for what would eventually become La Selva. From there, we began brainstorming and building our first two classrooms.

We were also exceptionally lucky to have Horst, our construction and building manager, who was on-site every day, not just overseeing the project but working with his own two hands and a team of volunteers. Even more remarkably, Horst donated all of his time, expertise, and knowledge to the project. His dedication, and generosity were instrumental in turning our ideas into reality.

Building anything in the jungle teaches you patience. Materials take longer to arrive. Logistics become more complicated. Plans change. It requires consistency, resilience, and a willingness to adapt.

But in many ways, that process shaped the school itself. Our initial vision was simple: to create a place where children could receive a high-quality education while staying connected to nature, community, and themselves. Every step since then has been about bringing that vision to life. As we say in Spanish, poco a poco. The school has grown into what it is today, and we're always looking for ways to make it even better for our students, families and teachers.

The hands that built La Selva.

The DAILY RHYTHM

Q: What does a typical day look like for a student?

Students arrive at 8:00 a.m - some biking to school, some walking, and others coming from as far away as Playa Reina. They put their lunches and water bottles in the fridge, give their teachers a hug, and begin the day together at circle time.

All the children and all the teachers gather in one shared space. It’s a beautiful way to start the day: singing the Selva song, talking about the day, date, and weather in both English and Spanish, and sharing a moment together as a community. If it’s someone’s birthday, everyone comes together to celebrate and make that child feel special.

From there, students move into their classrooms for academic learning. Throughout the day, there is a balance of focused classroom work, creative activities, movement, and time outdoors. That balance helps create a school day that feels grounded, joyful, and connected.

LEARNING AT LA SELVA

Q: How would you describe the learning experience at La Selva?

Our school is home to children and teachers from around the world, creating a truly international learning community. As a bilingual school, learning sometimes progresses at a gentler pace, allowing children to develop confidence in both languages. Rather than rushing through content, we value deep understanding, meaningful conversations, and lasting connections that support lifelong learning. Our diverse teaching team brings a wealth of international perspectives, cultures, and experiences into the classroom, enriching children’s understanding of the world and helping them develop empathy, adaptability, and an appreciation for different ways of thinking.

Learning is also child-led and responsive to children’s interests and experiences. While we have a thoughtfully planned curriculum, we believe some of the most meaningful learning happens when we follow children’s natural curiosity. A surprise visit from a bat, the discovery of an unusual insect, or a question sparked during outdoor play can evolve into a deeper investigation, weaving together science, literacy, art, research, and storytelling. We encourage children to ask questions, think critically, make connections, and explore ideas from different perspectives. By embracing these moments, we help children discover that learning is everywhere and that their own curiosity is one of their greatest tools for understanding the world.

Each month, the entire school comes together around a shared Unit Study. From Seeds through to Explorers, every class explores the same broad theme at an age-appropriate level, allowing children to deepen their understanding through a variety of subjects. A single unit might take students on a journey through English language arts, geography, science, history, art, and hands-on investigations, creating meaningful connections across the curriculum while encouraging curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Q: How does learning evolve as children grow?

La Selva is organised in three programs, grouping the children together by age group.

Our Seeds program (ages 2-4) provides a warm, nurturing environment where young children begin their learning journey through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships. Children spend their days creating art, practicing their ABC’s, exploring nature, enjoying imaginative play, and developing confidence in group settings. Through songs, stories, sensory experiences, and outdoor adventures, they build the social, emotional, and communication skills that form the foundation for lifelong learning

Our Sprouts program (ages 5-7) provides a rich and engaging foundation for early learning. Children enjoy lessons in Singapore Math, Spanish & English language arts, history, art and nature studies. Learning is hands-on, purposeful, and designed to build confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning.

Our Explorers program (ages 8+) is a small, supportive micro school program for homeschooled children ages 8 and older. Students work toward individualized academic goals at their own pace, with guidance and support from their teacher. Alongside independent learning, students come together for shared academics, nature study, creative work, movement, and hands-on experiences. This balance of independence and community helps children develop confidence, leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while nurturing curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

Q: What other experiences are part of school life?

During the dry season, both Sprouts and Explorers enjoy weekly swimming and water rescue lessons, an essential life skill for children growing up close to the beach. During the wet season, these lessons transition to music and gardening, giving children opportunities to express their creativity while developing practical skills and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Children’s literature is a treasured part of our curriculum, and we are fortunate to make regular visits to our local volunteer-run library, just a short walk from the school. These outings inspire a love of reading and storytelling and are enjoyed by children of all ages.

Q: Why was bilingual education so important for you?

For us, this was a non-negotiable. We live in a Spanish-speaking country and within a multilingual, multicultural community, so bilingual education felt essential to us from the beginning. Language is more than communication. It's connection; a bridge between people, cultures, and communities.

We want our students to feel deeply rooted in both English and Spanish, able to move confidently and comfortably between different cultures, communities and countries. Learning two languages at a young age also builds flexibility, empathy, and confidence - skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Many of our students are already on the path to becoming trilingual, and it is incredible to watch them absorb new languages, discover different ways of communicating with their peers, and use everything from words to body language to connect and understand one another. Our hope for the future is to expand this vision by offering English and Spanish language classes to the wider local community, creating even more opportunities for connection and shared learning.

Q: What does “heart, head, and hands” actually look like in the classroom?

 “Heart, head, and hands” is at the center of everything we do.

The head is academic learning; developing strong thinking skills, literacy, numeracy, and curiosity. It's the strong academic foundation every child needs. 

The heart is emotional intelligence; learning empathy, kindness, self-awareness, and how to be part of a community. A few weeks ago, we dedicated an entire week to emotional wellbeing, where our students learned age appropriate skills to understand their feelings, describe their point of view and learn how much power words can have. We see this as a natural part of going to school.

The hands are about doing; building, creating, exploring, gardening, experimenting, and learning through direct experience. Another example is when our Explorer group learned about pollinators with an extra focus on bees during their science class, and a few days later, the whole school came together to plant flowers to attract the bees. 

When those three come together, learning becomes much more meaningful, and much more lasting.

Q: La Selva draws inspiration from Waldorf education. How does that influence your approach?

 While we're inspired by Waldorf, we don't follow one philosophy simply for the sake of it. We simply believe education should nurture the whole child. We care deeply about academic excellence, but we also care about who children are becoming.

At La Selva, we prioritize curiosity, emotional wellbeing, creativity, and connection alongside traditional learning. We want children to grow into capable, compassionate and confident people, not just succesful students.

Q: What do you look for when selecting teachers for La Selva School?

For us, choosing teachers is about much more than qualifications or experience - although those matter too. We look for people who are deeply aligned with our values: educators who are warm, curious, flexible, fun, and genuinely passionate about working with children. At the same time, they need to know how to challenge students thoughtfully, pushing their critical thinking, encouraging curiosity, and helping children learn how to ask meaningful questions, solve problems, and think independently.

Our teachers need to believe in child-centered learning and understand that education is about nurturing the whole child; academically, emotionally, socially, and creatively. We look for people who can balance structure with joy, who are willing to get their hands dirty in the garden, sit on the floor for circle time, and create structure and boundaries children need.

Because we are a bilingual and multicultural school, we also value openness, humility, and a willingness to learn from one another. 

Q: What kind of families are the best fit for your school?

The families who thrive at La Selva are those who value connection, community, and a childhood rooted in curiosity, creativity, and time outdoors. They understand that learning happens everywhere, not just at a desk, and they appreciate an educational experience that balances academics with emotional wellbeing, play, and exploration.

Most importantly, they're excited to be active participants in their child's learning journey and in the school community.

LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Q: La Selva School is located on one of Panama’s most beautiful coasts. What role does nature play in the learning experience?

Nature is not just a backdrop here, it’s an extension of the classroom. Our students spend time outdoors through exploration, nature study, beach walks, and hands-on experiences in the environment around them.

Living and learning in this setting helps children develop curiosity, observation, resilience, and respect for the natural world. Some of our most meaningful lessons happen outside the classroom walls. We want our students to understand the impact they can have on the world around them, whether that's through learning how to compost, recycle, reuse, save the water or understanding where their food comes from. These are small lessons that we hope become lifelong habits.

Q: How do you balance academics with hands-on or outdoor learning?

 For us, it’s not about choosing one or the other, it’s about integration. Strong academics are essential, and we take them seriously. But children learn best when learning feels alive and relevant.

That might mean studying science through direct observation in nature, practicing math through hands-on projects, or strengthening language through storytelling and exploration. Outdoor learning doesn’t replace academics; it deepens them.

Q: For families considering moving to this area, what are some important considerations?

Choosing to move here is about much more than relocating; it’s choosing a different way of life. Families are often drawn by the natural beauty: the beaches, the jungle, the year-round outdoor living, and the sense of freedom children can experience growing up so closely connected to nature. But what keeps people here is often something deeper: the strong sense of community and the slower, more intentional pace of life.

Living here means embracing simplicity and flexibility. Things may not always move at the speed or with the predictability that many families are used to in larger cities, and that can require a mindset shift. Infrastructure, access to certain services, and daily routines can feel very different, but for many, that becomes part of the beauty. Life here invites you to slow down, be present, and focus on what matters most.

It’s also a wonderfully international and multicultural community. Families from many different countries and backgrounds choose to make this area home, creating a rich environment where children grow up exposed to different languages, cultures, and ways of seeing the world.

For children especially, it can be an extraordinary place to grow up; where barefoot afternoons, ocean swims, muddy adventures, and close relationships with both peers and adults become part of everyday life. There is a kind of freedom here that is increasingly rare.

At the same time, moving here works best for families who are ready to engage with community. Life here is deeply relational; people know one another, support one another, and show up for each other. Families who thrive here are often those who are excited not just to live in a beautiful place, but to become part of something bigger: a connected and caring community. For many families, that shift becomes one of the greatest gifts.

Q: What’s your long-term vision for La Selva School?

Our long-term vision is to continue growing La Selva thoughtfully and organically, always protecting what makes it special: its warmth, sense of community, and deep connection to nature. We've never wanted to grow simply for the sake of becoming bigger. For us, expansion means listening carefully; to our students, our families, our teachers, and our community, and allowing the school to evolve in a way that feels intentional and aligned with our deepest values. We want each new step to feel purposeful, sustainable, and true to the values that inspired La Selva from the beginning.

As La Selva grows, we hope to expand our programs and learning opportunities while maintaining the intimacy and sense of belonging that define our school. We want every child and every family to continue feeling known, valued, and deeply connected here, no matter how much we evolve.

We also see La Selva becoming an even stronger community hub, a place that extends beyond the school day. We envision offering extra-curricular activities, language classes, family gatherings, and opportunities for connection that serve not only our school families, but the wider community around us.

Most importantly, we want to build something our community can be proud of. Not because it's big, but because it's meaningful. We hope La Selva leaves a lasting impact on children and families; a place where children remember not only what they learned, but how they felt: safe, inspired, challenged, joyful, and deeply known.

Our hope is that La Selva continues to grow into exactly what it's meant to be; nurturing thoughtful, compassionate, confident young people who feel connected to themselves, to others, and to the world around them. If we can do that well, we will know we have built something truly worthwhile.

Q: For families interested in La Selva, what's the best way to learn more or begin the enrollment process? 

We'd love to connect with any family considering La Selva. Simply send us an email at LaSelvaSchool@gmail.com with a bit of information about your child and your family's questions or plans. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, answer any questions you may have, and arrange a visit so you can experience the school for yourselves. We believe the best way to understand La Selva is to come spend some time with us and see the school in action.

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Communities aren't built overnight. They grow when people choose to invest their time, energy and passion into creating something meaningful for those around them. La Selva is one of those projects. We'd like to thank Thea for sharing her story, and the entire La Selva team for their dedication to building a lasting foundation for families on the Sunset Coast for generations to come.

As our coast continues to grow, it's not just new homes and businesses shaping the future of the region. It's community-led projects, such as La Selva, as well as our volunteer-run library, small businesses, conservation initiatives, and all the hands that work together to create a place where people don't just come visit; they choose to stay and build a life. From all of us at Tērra Jungle Estates, our vision has never been simply to develop land. We believe in helping people build meaningful lives here. Seeing community-led initiatives like La Selva flourish reinforces what we've believed from the very beginning: that our Coast, the Sunset Coast, offers something increasingly rare: a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and put down roots in a place that thrives through collaboration, care and love.