Frequently Asked Questions

A micro school is a small, personalized learning environment that caters to a small group of students and emphasizes individualized instruction, flexible curriculum, and community engagement.

We are located  1680 Reach St. in Port Perry, Ontario (in the rear of Emmanuel Community Church). Directions

Wilder Learning North Durham caters to children aged 2-12 years of age.  We divide the program into three multi-age classes, Seedlings (2-4), Roots (4-7) and Wings (8-12). You can read more about our programs here.

Our 4 and 5 day programs are designed to replace the traditional format of a regular school year. It aims to provide a more flexible and personalized approach to education, allowing students to learn and develop at their own pace while incorporating a variety of resources and learning methods. We also offer part time options. See our academic calendar for details.

While Wilder Learning North Durham shares the forest school ethos of fostering a love for nature and learning through exploration, it distinguishes itself by providing a structured curriculum that aligns with provincial standards, incorporates a blend of educational philosophies, and ensures a comprehensive educational experience that includes structured learning outcomes in reading, writing, and math alongside outdoor education.

There are no specific prerequisites, but we do look for a good fit, so the learners can be as happy and successful as possible in our program. We look for qualities such as curiosity, self-motivation, love of nature and outdoor activities, and likeminded families who value empathy, kindness, and integrity. Learn more about admissions here. 

Yes, we will maintain a waiting list for interested families. In case a spot becomes available, we will contact families on the waiting list based on the order of registration.

Our tuition fees for the academic year are vary depending on the number of days and children attending from each family. Please visit our fee structure or contact us directly for detailed fee information.

There is a 1:10 instructor to student ratio for our elementary programs and up to 25 students in each multi-age class. Preschool has a 1:5 ratio. We want our students to easily connect to our teachers, and keeping small class sizes allows our pack to feel united and allows our teachers to provide a safe and happy learning environment for each child.

Our academic program allows families both part-time and full-time enrollment options.  Our academic program runs Monday through Thursday while our commUNITY program is offered on Fridays. We operate from 8:45 am to 3:30 pm. We have a rolling start time that allows children to arrive anytime from 8:45-9:30, giving them 45 minutes to engage in outdoor exploration and discovery for 45 minutes. Our academic year operates from September to June, with breaks for holidays.

We believe that learning outdoors is important regardless of the weather. Children should wear comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for the weather conditions. On particularly cold or uncomfortable days, most of our activities and lessons will take place in our beautiful indoor learning space.

Children should wear comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for various weather conditions. They should bring a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and a change of clothes. Rain boots and jackets are recommended during the fall. Indoor shoes will be kept at school and worn in the classroom. These shoes should be comfortable and flexible with some support so that children can engage in a wide variety of activities, including yoga and dance. Some great examples are:

https://www.softstarshoes.com/kids-shoes/classroom.html

https://realwoolshop.ca/collections/footwear-baby , 

Padraig slippers can also be purchased locally in Port Perry from https://www.thatplaceonqueen.ca

WLND embraces the idea that some degree of risk is inherent to the outdoor learning experience. We acknowledge that children need opportunities to encounter and learn how to navigate age-appropriate levels of risk to foster growth. Our staff is trained in first aid and outdoor safety. We maintain strict supervision during all activities and have safety protocols in place. Additionally, we conduct regular risk assessments of our outdoor spaces.