To get started with the enrollment process, please follow the steps below.

STEP 1: Research - Wildwood is vastly different from most other schools. To be sure that Wildwood is a good fit, we ask that interested families begin by exploring the following resources:

• Familiarize yourself with Self-Directed Education and Agile Learning Centers (ALC) to understand the underlying philosophy of our school.

• Watch our 3 minute summary video (note- we are in a new location from the one shown in this video).

• Check out our FAQ page and Resources page to find links to articles, websites, videos & books that have inspired us.

• Finally, take a look at our Financial Contribution overview, which includes information about the NC Opportunity Scholarship and out-of-pocket tuition payments.

• If you have any specific questions before completing the interest form in the next step, feel free to email us at admin@wildwoodalc.org.

STEP 2: Express Interest and Discuss - Complete interest form(s) HERE. Please fill out one per child. There is a parent AND child section. When we receive this, we will reach out to set up a virtual or phone chat to discuss the program and answer any questions you might have.

STEP 3: Visiting Days/Week (when applicable) - If Wildwood is currently in session, spending visiting days at Wildwood allows young people to experience what it is like to be here, and lets us make sure our community can effectively support and integrate new members. Longer visits allow young people to participate in the variety of experiences at Wildwood, since each day is different, so we encourage at least 2-3 visiting days if possible. (*If you are starting this process in the summer and were not able to visit during the school year, it is still possible to apply and enroll for fall if there is space).

STEP 4: Final Discussion and Enrollment: At the conclusion of any visiting days, we’ll do a final check-in to decide together if Wildwood is a good fit for enrollment. If enrolling, you’ll complete several enrollment documents including an out-of-pocket contribution worksheet, and provide a small deposit payment to hold your space (which will be refunded at the end of the year).

*Many variables are taken into account when considering new community members, including philosophical alignment, our ability to meet the needs of everyone in the group, and how our community is currently balanced. When we have a waitlist, it will be ordered based on our need for a well rounded, diverse, and inclusive community. People from historically marginalized or oppressed groups, as well as identities that are underrepresented at Wildwood will often be placed at or near the top of the waitlist.

We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals and support an inclusive learning environment where diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and identities are recognized, respected, and seen as a source of strength. We aim to be a community where all can feel empowered to be their authentic selves. This includes a commitment to creating a safe space across all races, gender expressions, sexual orientations, ages, religions or spiritual practices, physical abilities, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses.