About Rachel Solt

A Guide for the Educational Journey

My path to founding the FARO Center for Education has been defined by a single, guiding belief: that education is not something we "impose" on a child, but a landscape we cultivate around them.

For two and a half decades, I have lived and worked within the vibrant, rhythmic hearts of Boulder, Colorado, and Ojochal, Costa Rica. During this time, I have served as a Pedagogical Director, classroom teacher, curriculum designer, and mentor to faculties and families navigating the beautiful but often complex transition into new ways of living and learning.

In a changing world, children need to be versatile. By drawing from a wide palette of educational approaches, I am able to help families find the specific tools that resonate with their child’s unique spirit. Whether we are looking for a 'village' school in the jungle or designing a custom curriculum at home, my goal is to remain agile and responsive to the needs of the modern family.

A Foundation of Wisdom and Experience

My work is a synthesis of rigorous academic study and deep, "on-the-ground" practice. I hold a degree in International Relations from Pepperdine University, which informs my global perspective on community and connection. I pursued my Master’s work in education at California Lutheran University and earned my Waldorf Teaching Certification from Rudolf Steiner College.

As a mother and stepmother, I understand that education isn't just a professional theory - it is a lived, daily experience. This personal journey, combined with 25 years in the classroom, allows me to meet parents with empathy and a deep reverence for the natural world and the unique, unfolding story of every child.

A Bridge Between Two Worlds

Living along the Ballena Coast of Costa Rica has given me more than just a deep love for the jungle and the sea; it has given me a "local’s heart" and a "specialist’s eye." I understand the nuances of the educational landscape here - from the hidden gems of community-led learning centers to established local and alternative schools.

I created FARO to be a bridge. I help families translate their deepest values into a practical educational path, ensuring that their children don’t just "fit into" a school, but truly find a place of belonging.