The Parent Experience

What’s it like having a child at Wild School?

Having a child at Wild School can be challenging at times.  It is certainly more difficult than having a child at a traditional school.  Wild students need more and better nourishment (they burn a lot of fuel).  They need more attention to their dress i.e. dressing for the elements at all times.  They often come home muddy and exhausted.  But they are much happier going to school, they are more self motivated and often less inclined to use screens.  

What’s different?

There are some key differences between Wild School and a traditional school setting:

1. Outdoor and Experiential Learning:

One of the most distinctive features of Wild School is its emphasis on outdoor exploration and experiential learning. Students spend significant time outdoors, engaging with nature, participating in hands-on activities, and learning through real-world experiences.

2. Focus on Emotional Intelligence:

Wild School places a strong emphasis on nurturing emotional intelligence alongside academic learning. Students are encouraged to develop self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and interpersonal skills, fostering personal growth and well-being.

3. Holistic Approach to Education:

While traditional schools often prioritize academic achievement, Wild School takes a more holistic approach to education, emphasizing the development of the whole child – mind, body, and spirit.

4. Flexible Learning Environment:

Wild School offers a more flexible and adaptive learning environment compared to traditional schools. Classes may be held outdoors, in community spaces, or other non-traditional settings, allowing for a dynamic and engaging learning experience.

5. Community-Centered Learning:

Wild School fosters a strong sense of community among students, parents, teachers, and the broader community. Learning often takes place collaboratively, with students working together on projects, participating in community service, and engaging with local resources and experts.

6. Emphasis on Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship:

Wild School places a high priority on teaching students about sustainability, environmental stewardship, and responsible citizenship. Students learn about the importance of caring for the environment and are encouraged to become active stewards of the natural world.

7. Alternative Assessment Methods:

In addition to traditional grading systems, Wild School employs alternative assessment methods that focus on students' growth, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Assessment may include portfolios, projects, presentations, and self-reflection, providing a more comprehensive and personalised view of student learning.

Overall, Wild School offers a unique and innovative approach to education that differs significantly from traditional schools, prioritizing outdoor learning, emotional intelligence, community engagement, and holistic development.

Expect your child to be exhausted at the end of the day, especially in the first two to three weeks.  Our program is much more active than a traditional school. This allows for more physical development but also neurological as we love to think and move at the same time. Research shows this lends to enhancing neurological development. Think of it as cross fit for your brain. We send home report cards at the end of each semester but the focus goes beyond academic reporting to also include social, emotional and physical. In addition we develop a Strategic Student Plan with each family and student which outlines their goals and objectives for each of our four pillars.  

What’s the same?

At Wild School, while we emphasize outdoor exploration and emotional intelligence, we also recognize the importance of providing a well-rounded education that aligns with certain traditional school aspects. Here are some similarities between Wild School and a traditional school setting:

1. Educational Curriculum:

Wild School offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers core subjects such as math, science, language arts, and social studies, ensuring that students receive a balanced education.

2. Qualified Teachers:

Just like traditional schools, Wild School employs qualified and experienced teachers who are dedicated to providing quality education to students.

3. Assessment and Feedback:

Wild School utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate students' progress and provide constructive feedback, similar to traditional grading systems.

4. Structured Learning Environment:

While Wild School incorporates outdoor and experiential learning, it still maintains a structured learning environment with scheduled classes, assignments, and academic expectations.

5. Social Interaction:

Wild School fosters a supportive and inclusive community where students can interact, collaborate, and develop social skills, mirroring the social dynamics found in traditional schools. However we go beyond that to actually teach social and emotional skills. E.g breaking down conflict, self regulation, maintaining relationship, etc.

6. Extracurricular Activities:

In addition to academic learning, Wild School offers extracurricular activities and opportunities for students to explore their interests, talents, and passions outside of the regular curriculum.

7. Parental Involvement:

Wild School values and encourages parental involvement in their children's education, fostering a collaborative relationship between parents, teachers, and students, similar to traditional schools.

By incorporating these traditional school elements alongside its unique focus on outdoor education and emotional intelligence, Wild School strives to provide a holistic and enriching learning experience for all students.