Our Story
Every school has a beginning. Ours started with a question: What if there were a place where children could learn in a way that truly fit them?
Wilder Learning was born from that vision, and from the belief that education should grow with the child, not the other way around.
Why a Nonprofit Charity
From the beginning, we knew Wilder should not be owned by any one person. We wanted it to grow with the families, educators, and board members who shape it, and to stay focused on children rather than profit.
That is why we chose to become a nonprofit and later applied for charitable status. This allows us to apply for grants, accept donations, and offer financial assistance to families who need it. More importantly, it ensures that Wilder continues to serve the community.
Finding Our Space
Finding a home for Wilder was not easy. It took over two years of searching and navigating zoning restrictions to find the right space.
We ultimately chose Port Perry because it is central to North Durham and accessible to families from Scugog, Uxbridge, Brock, and surrounding areas. We wanted families to have access to alternative education without needing to travel far.
We eventually found our home at Emmanuel Church. While we are a secular school, the church has been a generous and supportive partner. Renting space from them made it possible for us to open our doors, grow our programs, and bring this vision to life.
The Challenges We’ve Faced
Running a small independent school takes more than vision. It takes constant care, flexibility, and determination.
Like all independent schools in Ontario, we receive no government funding, so tuition and donations are our only sources of revenue. The cost of operating a school in Ontario is high. Rent, insurance, staffing, and supplies all add up quickly. Balancing these financial realities with our commitment to accessibility is a constant challenge.
Much of what we’ve built has come from the dedication of staff, board members, and volunteers who care deeply about this work. We continue to grow thoughtfully, shaping our spaces and programs in response to the needs of our community.