Overview
Field School of Hvar is a place-based learning program on the island of Hvar, Croatia, founded with the mission of building a regenerative ecosystem on the island. It serves children ages 3 to 14 during summer sessions and up to age 17 during the academic year. The summer program caps at 45 children.
The curriculum rotates through four concurrent themes: Growers (regenerative agriculture), Makers (upcycling, textiles, natural dyes), Explorers (nautical heritage, boat building, carpentry), and Healers (edible island, foraging, cooking, preserving). Learning is overwhelmingly outdoors, taking place on beaches, in forests, orchards, and villages across Hvar. Children must be comfortable in natural environments.
The school takes a strong stance on technology, limiting consumer tech in the learning environment. There are no Chromebooks; e-readers are limited; and a growing physical library is being built. The philosophy is to "defend childhood," including shielding children from social media pressures.
The program is secular but rooted in Catholic values. No Mass attendance is required.
Locations & Dates
All programs are based on Hvar island, Croatia, with one additional session in Switzerland.
Summer 2026
Five two-week sessions:
| Session | Dates |
|---|---|
| Session 1 | Jun 13 - Jun 27 |
| Session 2 | Jun 28 - Jul 11 |
| Session 3 | Jul 12 - Jul 25 |
| Session 4 | Jul 26 - Aug 8 |
| Session 5 | Aug 9 - Aug 22 |
| Switzerland | Aug 22 - Aug 29 |
Academic Year 2026-2027
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Sep 7 - Nov 28 |
| Spring 2027 | Mar 13 - Jun 5 |
Summer 2027
Six two-week sessions: Jun 5 - Aug 28.
Fall 2027
Sep 4 - Nov 27.
Availability (as of February 2026)
Session 1 has open spots. Session 2 is waitlisted. Other sessions have openings.
Ages & Format
Age Groups and Ratios
| Group | Ages | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years | 3-4 | 6:1 |
| Lower Primary (K age) | ~5 | 6:1 |
| Grades 1-2 | ~6-7 | 8:1 |
| Grades 3-4 | ~8-9 | 10:1 |
| Upper Primary | 11-14 | 12 kids max |
Upper Primary is available only during Session 3 and the academic year terms.
Summer Schedule
The summer program follows a Mediterranean rhythm, running from 2 PM to 9 PM. It is a drop-off program providing 35 hours per week.
Typical Summer Day
- All-school circle with Croatian song
- Small group rotations through themed activities (Growers, Makers, Explorers, Healers)
- Outdoor time: swimming, nature journals, crafts
- Dinner with gratitude practice
- Evening project: performance, competition, or social enterprise activity
Weekly field trips are included. Croatian language instruction is offered for approximately one hour per day.
Athletics
Outdoor recreation replaces traditional school sports. Activities include sailing, hiking, kayaking, and paddling.
Learning Center
The main classroom is a 220-square-meter space at Fontana Resort with a sea-view terrace. An adjacent coworking space is available for parents.
Pricing
Tuition
| Session Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Summer (2-week session) | €1,300 |
| Fall or Spring (full term) | €3,600 |
Discounts
- Junior Guides (age 13+): Attend free
- Academic year (both fall and spring terms): 50% off monthly tuition
- 4th child and beyond: Additional 50% off
- Switzerland session: 50% off for Field School enrollees
What Is NOT Included
- Accommodations: Families book independently at Fontana Resort or arrange their own housing
- Meals: Available for an additional fee
What Families Say
Families praise the depth of the place-based learning and the strong connection children develop with the island of Hvar. The four rotating themes keep programming fresh across multiple sessions, and the outdoor-first approach is a major draw. The Mediterranean schedule (2 PM to 9 PM) is unusual but appreciated by families who want mornings free for their own activities or work.
The tech-limited philosophy is polarizing: families who share the "defend childhood" ethos find it refreshing, while those accustomed to tech-integrated education may need to adjust expectations.
The small size of the program (45 kids max in summer) creates a tight-knit community, and the Junior Guide pathway for older children is seen as a meaningful leadership opportunity.
Compared To
Field School of Hvar is distinct from most worldschooling programs in its commitment to a single place. While Boundless Life rotates across eight locations and Worldschool Pop-Up Hub moves to a new city every week, Field School of Hvar is rooted in one island and builds its entire curriculum around that place. This makes it a strong fit for families who want depth over breadth.
Compared to Boundless Life, it is significantly less expensive and does not bundle housing. Compared to The Hive Adventure, it is less focused on global activism and more focused on local ecology, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. The academic year option (fall and spring terms) makes it one of the few worldschooling programs that can serve as a near-full-time school.
How to Apply
- Application: Submit an application through the Field School of Hvar website (fieldschoolhvar.org).
- Invitation: The school reviews applications and extends invitations.
- Deposit: Pay a 50% tuition deposit to secure your spot. The deposit is refundable if cancelled six or more months in advance.
- Book accommodations: Arrange housing at Fontana Resort or independently.
- Virtual orientation: Attend a virtual orientation session.
- Pre-departure letter: Receive a letter with final details before arrival.
No refunds are available past the deposit deadline. Travel insurance is strongly urged.
Community Program
Beyond the children's program, Field School of Hvar offers a community program for families that includes village-style accommodations, coworking space, welcome dinners, workshops, service opportunities, and family outings.
Sources
- fieldschoolhvar.org (main site)
- fieldschoolhvar.org/enroll
- fieldschoolhvar.org/child-enrichment
- fieldschoolhvar.org/community-life