Alternative Education In El Zonte - Homeschool; Skate, Paint & More | Ana Larios Pohl

For families considering life in El Salvador, this episode dives into what educational freedom really looks like on the ground. Mike talks with Ana Larios, co-founder of Escuela Libre and Skate, Paint & More, about building a community education program rooted in trust, creativity, and local connection.

Ana shares how Escuela Libre grew from three families into a small but thriving homeschool community. It’s a space where kids learn without uniforms or testing, and where volunteers from around the world teach everything from math and English to aerial silks and robotics. The school is part of a growing movement toward non-traditional schooling that centers kids instead of systems.

We also get into Skate, Paint & More, an after-school program that offers experiential education through painting, skateboarding, music, and group projects. Most of the local kids had never painted before. Now they’re learning to create, explore, and build confidence in a safe, supportive environment. It’s all free for them, made possible by donations and visiting volunteers.

This conversation is for anyone rethinking how learning should work, especially if you care about creative education or are considering a move to El Salvador. It’s also a real look at how grassroots efforts can grow into something lasting without losing their soul.

Hit subscribe, drop a comment, or send it to someone who's ready to ditch the system and do school differently.

-Bitcoin Beach Team


Connect and Learn more about Ana Larios Pohl
https://x.com/analariospohl 
https://www.instagram.com/analariospohl_arte/ 
https://www.instagram.com/acroyoga_elsalvador/ 
https://www.facebook.com/acroyogaelsalvador/ 
https://www.instagram.com/elzonteartsandlearning/?hl=en 

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Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:

00:00 What is Skate, Paint & More and how does it help kids in El Zonte?
01:30 Why did Ana and other families start a non-traditional school in El Salvador?
03:43 Is homeschooling legal in El Salvador and how does it work?
06:43 How do volunteers help build this homeschool community?
10:12 What makes this community education program work for both locals and expats?
14:16 What is grip tape art and how are kids using it creatively?
16:52 How does art and skateboarding boost kids’ confidence?
21:06 What advice does Ana have for parents moving to El Salvador?
29:44 When does the Skate, Paint & More program run and how can others join?
34:00 What kind of donations support creative and experiential education in El Zonte?

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