Welcome Back: Pathways Updates from Spain
The last time I wrote, back in June, feels like an eternity ago. Since then, I’ve caught lobsters and dug clams with my kids, spending the summer in Maine. Now, back in Spain and three weeks into the school year, it feels like the right moment to share an update.
One of the biggest changes is that I’m now spending two days a week at Alma, teaching Grade 6 and 7 a course on metacognition called Thinking about Thinking (TaT). This opportunity has been overwhelming—in the best way possible. It’s giving me the chance to look under the hood at Alma, to see firsthand the gears that make the school tick. It’s also been special to see my own kids in their learning environment. These first weeks have confirmed for me that Alma is a place where ideas and people thrive, and being part of that has been invaluable.
This experience has direct impact on Pathways. Working alongside Alma strengthens our shared goals, our vision of progressive education, and—importantly—our path toward NEASC accreditation, which will be a cornerstone for Pathways’ global recognition. At the same time, the Pathways curriculum is taking shape. Projects are moving from seed ideas into frameworks, and I can see how the IB MYP design cycle we’ll be using can become the backbone of how students integrate knowledge across disciplines.
Location remains a high priority. There’s been movement, though nothing to announce just yet. What we do have is a strong response to the concept of Learning Nests—our indoor/outdoor, timber-frame hubs for learning. Every conversation I’ve had with families and educators about these has been energizing, and I’m confident that once the right space is secured, things will move quickly.
Inquiries and conversations are also picking up. Over the summer and into September, families have reached out with thoughtful questions, encouraging words, and genuine enthusiasm. Some have even asked whether Pathways could open as soon as next year. While there are challenges to that idea, I believe anything is possible, and I’m actively exploring what a soft opening might look like.
I return to Spain both humbled and energized. Pathways is moving from vision to reality, step by step, and your encouragement has been a huge part of that momentum. Thank you for reaching out, for sharing your ideas, and for helping me sharpen the edges of this dream.
Stay tuned later this week for a new post on a question that I think sits at the heart of Pathways: How do we prepare our kids for jobs that don’t exist yet?
With gratitude,
Rob
About Rob & The Pathways School
Rob Wilson is an educator, writer, and father of two with over 20 years of experience in international, progressive, and experiential education. From rural Maine to Hong Kong, and now Spain, his journey has always revolved around one question: how can we help young people learn in ways that are meaningful, joyful, and truly prepare them for the future?
Born out of this question, The Pathways School is Rob’s answer. Launching in Southern Spain in 2027, Pathways is a high school that blends personalized, project-based learning with real-world readiness and ecological living. At Pathways, students design their own educational journeys—with the guidance of mentors, experts, and peers—rooted in curiosity, purpose, and deep connection to the world around them.
To follow the journey or get involved, subscribe to the blog or reach out. Let’s build something better—together.
