For families who want to shape how their child learns.

West River Academy is a U.S. private school for families who take an active role in their child’s education. There is no fixed board syllabus or set of required exams. Your child’s learning journey can be documented and translated into academic credit.

Not a conventional school replacement or a “hands-off” schooling service. A family-directed approach to learning.

Learning can happen in many ways.

Projects, passions, coursework and real-life experiences can all be part of a student’s educational story.

1993

Founded in Colorado, USA

10,000+

Families supported worldwide*

50+ countries

International family community*

Year-round

Open enrolment

Who accredits West River Academy?

In the United States, there isn’t one national school board equivalent to CBSE. Schools may choose an independent accrediting organisation. West River Academy is accredited by NALSAS.

NALSAS reviews whether a school is legitimate, operates within applicable legal and operating standards, and follows through on the commitments it makes to families. Accreditation is about the school’s standing and operation — it does not mean NALSAS sets a curriculum or conducts board examinations.

In simple terms: WRA is the school. NALSAS is the independent accreditor that reviews the school’s legitimacy and operations. They do different jobs.

Three kinds of parent. One important fit question.

West River Academy works best when families understand that parents remain actively involved in shaping and supporting the learning journey.

The “200%” homeschooling parent

You are deeply involved. You research, plan, guide and document your child’s learning. You want flexibility without losing a clear academic record.

Your child is already learning their own way

Your child follows interests, builds skills through projects, explores subjects independently or has a learning rhythm that doesn’t fit a conventional timetable.

“Please take it off my hands”

You are looking for a school to provide daily teaching, manage the complete learning programme and take primary responsibility for your child’s education.

A kind but important distinction: West River Academy does not function as a conventional school that takes over day-to-day teaching. Parents or guardians lead and support the child’s learning; WRA provides the school framework and academic documentation. If you want a school to manage everything, another model may serve your family better.

Recognise learning beyond a single classroom.

WRA offers a flexible framework for families whose educational choices are intentional, individual and actively supported at home.

Credit for real learning

Coursework, projects and documented learning experiences can contribute to a student’s academic record, subject to WRA’s review and requirements.

A flexible learning path

Families can shape learning around interests, schedules, travel, performance commitments and individual needs rather than a fixed daily timetable.

International records

WRA can provide U.S. transcripts and diplomas. Apostille and acceptance requirements vary, so families should verify requirements with their intended institution or authority.

Four steps from enrolment to graduation.

A family-directed process, supported by the Academy’s school framework and guidance.

Enrol

Explore the programme, understand the requirements and complete enrolment. Families can enquire throughout the year.

Design the year

You and your child plan learning goals and activities around the student’s interests and educational journey.

Report and earn credit

Share learning summaries and required documentation with WRA for review and transcript planning.

Graduate

Complete the applicable high-school requirements, including required learning documentation and graduation project.

Experiences from families.

Every family’s learning journey is different. These are examples of the flexibility families have described.

“It is so non-invasive of your family and you can school whatever way you want.”

Coni — Kentucky, USA

“We have a couple more schools to hear from, but our son was accepted into his first-choice university.”

Gwen and Bob — Colorado, USA

Tell us about your family’s learning approach.

This short enquiry helps us understand what you’re looking for and whether West River Academy’s family-directed model may be a good fit.

The next step is a conversation or parent information session — not an automatic enrolment. Please share enough detail for our team to guide you meaningfully.

Come to a parent information session.

Understand how family-directed learning works, what WRA does — and does not — provide, and whether this model fits your child. Ask questions before making a decision.

Add the confirmed date, time and registration link for the next session before the page goes live.

Questions people usually ask first

Is West River Academy a board, like CBSE or IB?

No. West River is a US private school. It documents your child’s real learning (a yearly portfolio, reviewed by an advisor) and builds it into a US transcript and diploma. It is not a curriculum board like CBSE, IGCSE or IB.

West River isn’t an online school, so nobody is watching a child on a screen all day. The family organises the day with the help that suits them: tutors, learning centres, online courses, relatives. Teenagers can usually work more independently; with younger children, families plan care around their own schedule.

No. Enrolment is open to any family, year-round. There’s no entrance exam or admissions committee.

NALSAS is a third-party accrediting organisation. It confirms, through an on-site review, that West River meets legal operating standards and delivers what it promises. It is not a curriculum board, and it is not a regional accreditor.

West River Academy is a US school. Its diploma has been accepted by universities in the US and many other countries. Recognition by Indian universities is decided case by case through the Association of Indian Universities and is not guaranteed. Families who need an Indian board certificate can combine West River with NIOS.

Honestly, that’s not what West River is designed for. Indian entrance exams need an Indian board certificate, through a school or NIOS. West River documents real learning that is happening. It is not a way to hold a certificate while doing something else.

Attendance is free. The session is live and interactive, and whether a recording will be shared afterwards will be confirmed closer to the date.

Yes. Consultants, counsellors and institutions are welcome. Questions about legitimacy, accreditation and recognition are answered by India Market Entry in the live Q&A.

Copyright © 2026 West River Academy

Colorado-incorporated, USA · Accredited by NALSAS