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

STEP 1: Research - Wildwood is vastly different from most other educational programs. To increase the odds that Wildwood is a good fit for your family, we request that all interested families explore the following resources before considering applying:
Introduce yourself to 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. Review our Contribution Philosophy, which includes information about the NC Opportunity Scholarship and sliding scale/flexible Out-Of-Pocket tuition.

STEP 2: Interest Form- Complete interest form(s) HERE. Please fill out one per child. There is a parent AND child section.

STEP 3: Phone/Virtual Discussion- We will contact you to set up a time to talk.

STEP 4: Visiting Days/Week (when applicable) - If applying mid year (or for the following school year) visiting allows one 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.

STEP 5: Final Discussion and Enrollment: At the conclusion of the visiting days we’ll check in with your family to do a final check-in. If we are all in alignment around enrollment, you will fill out the final enrollment documents including the Contribution Proposal form which includes a yearly Out-Of-Pocket (OOP) amount you are proposing, adjusted based on later start date if applicable. Our admissions team will meet and determine if we have a space available at the OOP amount proposed. If accepted, we will need a deposit payment (1/9th of your out-of-pocket yearly contribution amount), which will be refunded in May.

*Our admissions team considers several factors when accepting new members, including philosophical alignment and how our community is currently balanced. When we have a waitlist, it will be ordered based on our needs for a well rounded, diverse, and inclusive community. Hence, 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.