Rooted in nature
empowered in mind
& true to yourself
Wildwood Academy is a small, independent school serving grades 3–8, with two mixed-age learning groups: grades 3–5 and grades 6–8.
Located in beautiful Mt Hood Parkdale, Wildwood serves families throughout the Gorge, offering transportation support that helps make our program accessible to students from surrounding communities.
We offer a student-centered, place-based, tech-lite education where children learn through hands-on projects, outdoor experiences, and strong relationships. We believe students thrive when they are known, challenged, and connected to the world around them.
-
Small By Design
Our small class sizes mean students are truly known. Teachers have the flexibility to respond to individual needs, strengths, and interests — academically and socially.
-
Hands-On & Student-Centered
Learning at Wildwood is active. Students solve problems, create projects, ask questions, and reflect on their thinking every day.
-
Place-Based Learning
The Columbia River Gorge is an extension of our classroom. Students learn through outdoor exploration, field studies, and community connection.
-
Tech-Lite, Human-Focused
Technology is used intentionally to support learning goals, not to replace human interaction. We prioritize discussion, collaboration, creativity, and real-world engagement.
Learning at Wildwood is active, meaningful, and connected. We use research-based curriculum as a foundation, then bring learning to life through real-world application, creativity, and exploration.
a community that knows your child
Wildwood Academy is a learning community where students feel safe to take risks, try new things, and grow into confident, capable learners. Students leave Wildwood with: Strong academic foundations, confidence as thinkers and problem-solvers, collaboration and communication skills, and a deep connection to place and community.
Adventure mondays
At Wildwood, every week kicks off with an adventure. Whether we're exploring ice caves, kayaking, cross-country skiing, volunteering, hiking, or learning survival skills, each Monday is an opportunity to step outside and embrace the unknown. We work together, take exciting risks, challenge ourselves, and learn in ways that are as fun as they are meaningful—building memories and skills that last a lifetime
After school program
The Wildwood After School Program provides a relaxed, creative space where students can unwind, connect with friends, and have fun. With a focus on creativity, community, and play, it's the perfect place for kids to grow in a more laid-back environment. This is just one of the many ways we nurture active, joyful, and responsible young adults—helping them thrive socially and emotionally as they explore their world.
the school shuttle
Our school is in the Mt. Hood Town Hall, a charming historic schoolhouse just 14 miles south of Hood River in picturesque Mt. Hood Parkdale. To make daily life easier for families in the Gorge, we offer convenient before and after-school shuttles to and from Hood River and Cascade Locks.
homeschool hybrid program
In addition to offering our full time Wildwood program, we welcome local homeschool students who are interested in joining us for one or more days each week. Coming to Wildwood can be a fun way to try new things, make new friends, and expand your learning opportunities beyond core subjects. Homeschool students can opt to join us for Adventure Mondays and/or join us Tuesday-Friday afternoons for art, sportsmanship, science, guest workshops and more!
Learning That Is Deep, Connected, and Human-Scale
-
Grades 3-5
Mixed-age learning
Foundations skills + curiosity
Hands-on, supportive environment
-
Grades 6-8
Deeper academics
Leadership + independence
Preparation for high school pathways
-
All Grades
Hands-on, project-based learning
Discussion-driven classrooms that value student voice
Outdoor and place-based learning woven into the week
A balance of academic rigor and social-emotional growth
