Restoring human-centered education. Not a program. A reorientation—around the child, not the system.
"Character is formed by 6, morality by 10. Protecting and advancing childhood must be the central mission of America's resources."
— Mimosa Jones Tunney
As Seen In
Our systems are neither efficient nor cohesive. They are transitory and transactional—built to be administered, not to educate. America needs an Educator Architecture grounded in Pedagogical Innovation. That is what Back to the Child is here to build.
Standardization over individuality
One-size-fits-all systems flatten the very uniqueness education should cultivate.
Compliance over curiosity
We train children to follow instructions when we should be igniting questions.
Scale over relationship
The most critical factor in learning—human connection—is the first thing cut.
Administration over development
Systems are designed to be managed, not to nurture the humans inside them.
Families are already leaving. Educators are already searching. They just don't have a better system to step into—yet.
Growth in homeschooling since 2019, accelerating each year
Structural, not temporary
U.S. states now have active Education Savings Account programs
Policy enabling alternatives
Parents are overwhelmed. Educators are leaving. The moment for a real alternative is here.
This is not theoretical
What We're Building
Back to the Child is not a single program. It is a coordinated set of works—curriculum, schools, technology, scholarship, story—each reinforcing the others.
Curriculum / Civics
Supported by the Department of Education, this free platform gives America's best educators interdisciplinary lessons where learners score 2× the national average and enjoy the journey of America.
Documentary Film
The award-winning documentary Babies gave us a look at infancy. Back to the Child takes us on a rare journey into the way a child sees learning in a school environment.
Book
A book by Mimosa Jones Tunney covering 14 years of her pedagogical journey—from parenting herself at a young age to the remarkable improvements in childhood made possible through science.
Model School Network
A nationally recognized model for its innovative learning architecture—the American Emergent Curriculum, Prepared Environment, and Educator & Parent Culture. TSH is expanding to multiple states and has been featured in Forbes and Newsweek, and received the Yass Prize Transformational School Award—the Pulitzer of Education.
Homeschool Platform / AI
The first and only AI-based homeschool program using the American Emergent Curriculum. Through AI agent technology, a simple dashboard, and 400 content films and lessons, it elevates instruction for the 5 million homeschool families across America.
Curriculum Architecture
A 6,000-page curriculum developed by 70+ thought leaders and educators over 14 years—a complete learning architecture for schools. It synthesizes the best of six methodologies: Socratic seminar, PBL, Reggio, Montessori, entrepreneurship, and civics. Honors childhood development stages, the Zone of Proximal Development, and educator wellness. In family schools with no academic pre-selection, children score 2× the national average—with 100% educator retention.
As Featured In
"America's brightest workforce yet begins in childhood."
About Us
Character is formed by 6. Morality is formed by 10.
Back to the Child is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to protecting childhood in a time of failing schools, the highest mental and physical health crisis among children, and screen infiltration of childhood. It is the only organization committed to infusing American schools with the pedagogical science of how children learn—based on evidence—and connecting this practice to what we used to love about American traditional schools. We also champion robust and wide parent education, school adoption of cohesive education architectures, public awareness, and fervent knowledge of the workings of childhood, ages 0–12.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Advisory Board
Educators, scientists, writers, and civic leaders who lend their judgment to the formation of childhood.
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"Character is formed by 6, morality by 10. Protecting and advancing childhood must be the central mission of America's resources."
— Mimosa Jones Tunney
AI, in our work, exists to support educators—not replace them. To reduce overwhelm for parents and teachers. To make high-quality, human-centered education more accessible, not more automated. Technology is in service of the child. Always.
We are building the next model of education. Not funding an idea—funding execution. Choose the role that fits you.
Philanthropic capital that can actually reshape a system. Aligned with child development—not policy cycles. Long-term societal impact.
Align with educators, creators, and institutions already building the alternative. Be part of the network that sets the new standard.
You're not alone in feeling like something is broken. Learn about environments and tools built around your child, not around the system.
Our Supporters
From school choice and civics to screen-free environments for our littlest citizens and virtuous teenagers.
