About Kreativgården Sydals & Freilernen.dk

Kreativgården Sydals is an alternative learning and education workshop in Lysabild on the island of Als in South Denmark — founded by Adrienne Siepert. Here, between sea and nature, we accompany children from pre-school age through 10th grade on their very own learning journey.

Kreativ.Schule is a free-learning offering that accompanies children pedagogically within the framework of Danish compulsory education. Parents bear responsibility for fulfilling compulsory education requirements; the learning workshop provides the pedagogical support.

Our Vision

We believe every child is unique — with their own strengths, interests and learning paths. Our vision: education that does not press children into templates, but meets them where they are. Learning should not be a burden. Learning should bring joy, spark curiosity, inspire. At Kreativgården Sydals we create a space where children feel safe, are allowed to make mistakes, and experience that education is more than tests and grades.

Adrienne Siepert

Behind Kreativgården Sydals and Kreativ.Schule stands Adrienne — a pedagogically qualified education practitioner with interdisciplinary professional experience, a mother, and a passionate advocate for child-centred education. With empathy, patience and a deep understanding of child development, she guides each child along their individual learning path.

What is Free Learning?

Free learning (also called "unschooling") is an educational philosophy built on children's natural curiosity. Instead of following rigid curricula, children learn what interests them — at their own pace and in their own way.

This does NOT mean:

• Children simply do whatever they want
• There is no structure
• Important competencies are neglected

This means:

• Learning adapts to the child's interests
• The curriculum is developed together with parents
• Children learn at their own pace — without pressure, but with clear goals
• All important competency areas are covered: language, mathematics, sciences, social skills, creativity

Who is Free Learning for?

German-speaking families moving to Denmark

Planning a move to South Denmark and unsure about school placements? With us there are no waiting lists. We accept children at any time — as long as capacity exists.

Families seeking alternatives to the mainstream school system

Does your child not fit the rigid school system? Need more individuality, more time, or a different approach to learning? Your child is welcome — exactly as they are.

Our Approach: Four Core Elements

• Individual curriculum — Every child is different. We develop individual learning programmes with parents, taking strengths, interests and goals into account.
• Mixed-age learning — Not only peers learn together. Younger children learn from older ones; older students deepen their knowledge through explaining — just like in real life.
• Nature as classroom — Lysabild and Als offer beautiful nature. Learning does not only happen indoors — at the beach, in the forest, on meadows.
• Parents as partners — You are important partners in your child's learning process. We work closely together and keep you always informed.

Our Location

Lysabild is located on the island of Als in South Denmark — 45 minutes by car from the German border, surrounded by beaches, forests and nature. A safe environment where children can grow freely and securely.

How Enrolment Works

1. Get in touch — write to us via our website
2. Get-to-know conversation — personal or virtual meeting with Adrienne
3. Two discounted trial sessions — your child experiences how free learning works, completely non-binding
4. Joint decision — we decide together whether Kreativgården Sydals is right for you
5. Start — at any time, in any month

Our Values

• Individuality — every child is unique
• Respect — we meet everyone at eye level
• Curiosity — questions are welcome
• Community — we learn from each other
• Trust — between parents, child and us
• Transparency — open communication always

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free learning recognised?

Denmark has a long tradition of educational freedom. Free learning is legal and recognised. Children can later transition to the regular education system without difficulty.

What does it cost?

We discuss costs individually in the introductory conversation, depending on various factors (number of days, number of children, etc.). We value transparency and fairness.

Can my child start at any time?

Yes! No fixed school-year start dates. We are flexible and accept children year-round.