Feature Family

Meet the Blair Family

On any given day, you might find the Blair family tending their fruit trees, hiking along the coastline, or exploring tide pools at the beach. Living off-grid on the Big Island of Hawai‘i, their days are filled with sunshine, movement, and meaningful moments together.

Amanda and her family of six are a former military family originally from Michigan, now embracing a lifestyle centered on connection, nature, and hands-on learning. Much of their time is spent outdoors: working in their orchards, tackling home projects, or heading out for a beach day. But they also make time for simple traditions like playing board or card games together each evening. Amanda shares that their eight years as foster parents in Metro Detroit deeply shaped how they approach both family life and learning today.

Their home-education journey began when their oldest, Addy, started kindergarten. With the demands of military life, flexibility quickly became essential. “The ability to do school on the go was exactly what we needed,” Amanda explained. Over time, they’ve created a rhythm that works for their family, blending structure with freedom. They focus on one main subject each day, incorporate reading daily, and look forward to Venture School as a weekly highlight. Fridays often turn into beach days, where learning comes alive through snorkeling, hiking, and conversations with others in their community.

Amanda credits Venture Upward with helping them find their flow. “There are so many learning options; it’s perfect whether you’re just starting out or have already found your groove,” she said. From friendships formed at Venture School to events like field trips and the Maker’s Market, the Blairs have found both support and community along the way.

For the Blair kids, learning at home brings its own special joys. “My favorite thing is that I can work at my own pace and have more time for my hobbies,” Addy shared. Ava dreams of the perfect school day at the beach with friends, finishing work quickly before swimming and enjoying treats together, while Everett is eager to learn more about other countries and cultures.

For the Blair family, home education has become a way to live, learn, and grow together.