OUR STUDIOS
Learning spaces at The Wilder School are called studios. These multi-use spaces are designed to accommodate work, learning, and play and the way in which learners will ebb and flow through their day. Each studio is the heart of the community, as it is where learners take ownership of their space and develop character skills that make this space uniquely their own.
DISCOVER STUDIO
Exploring the world to discover the wonder of learning
Discover Studio is for Ages 4-7
Our Discover studio provides a Montessori-based experience for our youngest learners to engage with the world around them. In this studio, learners gradually transition between guided and independent learning activities where they master foundational reading, writing and math skills. To accomplish this, Discover studio learners work with a range of hands-on materials, offered to them so they can adopt what helps them most. To increase confidence, emotional intelligence, and independence, children in this studio have extended time for exploration and free play, outdoor play (in all weather), and choice of activity.
~~~
To enter this studio, a learner must be physically independent and curious enough to independently explore activities for at least 15 minutes at a time. Learners work at their own pace on academic skills, and parents must be ready for progress that is non-linear and follows individual timelines. This studio is community focused, allowing learners to develop a foundation for life-long success - communication skills, curiosity, adaptability, and social/emotional skills prepare learners for the elementary school.
SPARK STUDIO
Cultivating a love of learning while learning real life
Spark Studio is for Ages 7-10
Learners in our Spark studio further develop a love of learning and kindness in relationships with others while delving into their spark - the unique curiosity that drives them. Personalized core skills - reading, writing, and math - are self-paced and mastery-based using adaptive technology and hands-on materials. Students explore the arts, sciences, history, and natural world through exploratory projects each afternoon. These hands-on, collaborative projects require teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity. Meanwhile, plenty of free play binds the community together and builds problem-solving and collaboration. Through outdoor play (in all weather), choice of activity, and cooperative games, learners in this studio will love learning as they exercise curiosity and independence.
~~~
To enter this studio, a learner must be independent and resilient enough to take responsibility for their own learning and choices, and parents must be ready to see the struggles that come with that responsibility. Learners work at their own pace on academic skills, so progress can be non-linear, yet the results are paramount - a strong foundation in goal setting, time management, resilience, conflict resolution, and community building prepare learners for the middle school.
Our studios will grow organically with our oldest learners. Will will open our learner-led, project-based middle school in fall 2023 and high school in fall 2026.
A Day Like None Other
A day in our studios is marked by creativity within constraints: large blocks of time for work and play with clear but broad guardrails, equipping young people to manage their time, set goals, and track progress. Mornings are reserved for core skills and afternoons are for hands-on projects and outdoor play with integrated time to reflect, think deeply, and connect with peers. Within each work block, students choose from a broad range of work options based on their personal goals, passions, and commitments.
Community is an ecosystem of connected and growing individuals, working together for a common goal. In launching The Wilder School, we are intentionally growing a support and accountability system that will enable our collective to create change. We will develop community by fostering the holistic lives and experiences of our learners, families, guides, and community partners, leveraging our strengths and cultivating our leadership skills through creative problem solving.
We value a diverse and inclusive community and welcome learners and families of all structure, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, and ethnicity. As we see it, our learners will make a unique impact on the world, and to achieve that, they must appreciate the richness of our differences.