MEET THE FOUNDER
Hey I'm Robert
Discover the story behind my path in education—and explore the 9 Pillars that shape my holistic, soul-centered approach to learning
My Story
When I first discovered Waldorf education after college, it felt like finding an island of sanity in a chaotic world. Unlike the rigid sequences and relentless surveillance described by John Taylor Gatto, Waldorf held a natural rhythm that mirrored nature, allowing children to authentically unfold through grades 1–8.
But something was still missing…
Sometime later, a student introduced me to something called
The Forest Kin School in Russia—a school inspired by the mystical book series,
The Ringing Cedars. Intrigued, my son and I traveled there, and we encountered something extraordinary: a school that felt like an Elven village rooted deeply in ancestral wisdom, guided and run by the students themselves. Age segregation didn't exist. Older children taught younger ones, and students as young as third grade effortlessly handled high-school-level mathematics. Witnessing this changed me profoundly.
From that day forward, my horizons expanded beyond anything I had previously imagined
Returning home inspired, I became the educational director of my school. Yet, despite my newfound vision, I found myself increasingly constrained by the system’s limits. Under the guise of "diversity" and "inclusion," genuine freedom and creativity gave way to compliance and indoctrination. When the COVID-19 pandemic intensified these pressures, I was given an ultimatum: accept the vaccine or leave. I chose freedom.
What happened next would be my greatest test yet.
My journey led me to a Freedom Co-op school in Texas, but life soon presented me with my greatest challenge yet—a life-threatening illness that halted my teaching career entirely. Facing death, I chose life, healing, and truth. Unable to continue within the traditional framework of teaching, I discovered a new path forward. I realized I could finally take all my years of wisdom, profound experiences, and innovative ideas, and share them through the powerful vehicle of entrepreneurship.
This is my life's work.
With decades of educational wisdom behind me, I recognized that many others had also glimpsed behind the mask of our education system and longed deeply for something more. They desired sovereignty, authenticity, and an educational experience beyond indoctrination and the conventional box society provides.
That is why I created Aire Education and its 9 pillars—rooted deeply in Waldorf's natural rhythms, strengthened by the structured wisdom of classical education, and inspired by the transcendent vision of Forest Kin
The 9 Pillars Of Aire Education
Pillar #1: Deep Roots – Heritage & Real History
True strength comes from deep roots. Returning to the timeless wisdom and foundational principles of our heritage provides clarity, stability, and purpose.
Just as a tree with strong roots withstands any storm, individuals firmly grounded in the wisdom of their ancestors possess an unwavering sense of identity, direction, and resilience.
Reconnecting with authentic heritage and real history creates the foundation from which true growth, innovation, and mastery naturally emerge.
Pillar #2
Stages & Capacities
The human soul incarnates gradually, unfolding naturally through distinct developmental stages in childhood. This pillar honors those stages.
Modern education often rushes or skips critical phases, stunting the full spectrum of a child’s potential. Our approach awakens what has been dulled by materialism and incomplete teachings, thoughtfully nurturing and developing the child's capacities of head, heart, and hand
—leading to true balance and holistic growth.
Pillar #3
Clarity Of Thought & Expression
In this pillar, you'll learn to skillfully develop clear thinking and powerful expression aligned with each developmental stage. From ages 7 to 11, we harness the strength of memorization; from 12 to 15, we cultivate logical thinking; and from 14 to 18, we master rhetoric and persuasive communication.
This pillar embodies the
masculine principle, providing the structured clarity necessary to shape and manifest ideas. It is through precise thought and persuasive expression that ideas move from the immaterial into tangible creation—unlocking the capacity for creation within the world.
Pillar #4
Identifying Gifts & The Path Of Mastery
Identifying your child's unique gifts early sets them confidently on a path toward mastery and achievement.
To be genuinely skilled and take pride in what you do creates the essential foundation for lifelong success.
In this pillar, you'll discover the nine forms of intelligence and how to recognize your child's inherent strengths. You'll learn how to nurture these natural gifts, empowering your child with the clarity, confidence, and direction needed to pursue their own path of fulfillment and mastery.
Pillar #5
Character
This pillar stands at the very heart of the Nine Pillars, emphasizing the formation of strong character rooted in kinship—with family, ancestors, community, nature, motherland, and the Creator.
It nurtures the development of physical as well as mental strength, agility, and endurance, alongside a sound mind and virtuous character.
Strong character shapes an individual's entire life, guiding them confidently along the path of fulfillment, resilience, and lasting success.
Pillar #6
Conscious Media & Technology
Technology and media can either be an ally or an enemy, depending on how you use it.
We live in a time when conscious engagement with media has never been more critical. Just as the food we consume shapes our physical health, the media we consume shapes our minds and thoughts.
Through this pillar, you'll learn to consciously use technology and media to enhance your life, amplify your strengths, and enrich your mind, rather than letting it undermine your potential and clarity.
Pillar #7
Math & Science
Science confined to conventional thinking leaves no room for genuine innovation—only replication. To foster real innovation, children must explore beyond traditional limits.
In this pillar, you'll step outside the containment field of mainstream science, exploring empirical and phenomenological approaches rarely taught elsewhere. You'll discover the brilliance of overlooked visionaries like Nikola Tesla, Walter Russell, and Viktor Schauberger, whose ideas expand minds and spark true creativity.
You'll also gain access to practical, effective math programs and enrichment methods that empower innovative thinking rather than training your child for conformity.
Pillar #8
Curative Education
Today, so-called "learning disabilities" are increasingly common—but these differences are often misunderstood and misrepresented. Each child is unique and deserves an approach that helps them balance and integrate their individual learning style, empowering them to continually progress and thrive.
In this pillar, you'll discover how apparent "disabilities" are actually opportunities—distinctive gifts that, with the right guidance, can lead to remarkable strengths. With care and insight, every child's unique challenges can become powerful pathways toward growth and achievement.
Pillar #9
Work & Skill
True education goes beyond intellectual capacity—it includes developing practical skills, independence, and a strong work ethic. In a world where self-sufficiency is increasingly rare, teaching children practical skills and cultivating their capacity to work empowers them with lasting confidence, resilience, and character.
Just as the children in
“The Secret of Roan Inish”
were able to independently repair a cottage, create a garden, and provide for themselves, this pillar emphasizes the real-world benefits of practical skills and hands-on learning. Children who master these abilities early on become adults who confidently care for themselves, contribute to others, and live truly self-sustaining lives.
Like to learn more?
Explore The Resources That have Built This Vision
Aire Education is built on the foundation of many different great minds. In the resource section we have everything organized--so that if you have any burning questions, you have the possibility to do your own deep research.