Designing A Life—and a School—Around Family, Farm, and Forest

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald speaks with Talon and Travis Holleman, co-founders of Roots Farm and Forest School in Delaware. What began as a small homeschool co-op during the pandemic has grown into a thriving, nature-based learning ecosystem serving more than 1,000 students through microschool programs, homeschool enrichment, after-school offerings, and seasonal camps.

Talon and Travis share their personal journey from successful corporate careers into homeschooling, and why outdoor, play-based, and community-centered education felt like the right path for their family. They walk listeners through the evolution of Roots—from deschooling their own children, to transforming a homestead into a permaculture learning space, to building a financially sustainable microschool inspired by Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia philosophies.

The conversation also explores the realities of running a school as a family business, supporting children's social-emotional growth, and planning for the future with hopes to expand into middle and high school programs.

This episode is a powerful reminder that education entrepreneurship isn't just about building schools—it's about building lives rooted in purpose, connection, and joy.

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Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!