The Child Experience
Education through Empowerment
Our students demonstrate resilience and empathy while developing creative solutions and innovative ideas. They possess emotional intelligence, maintain physical well-being, and are guided towards fulfilling their passions through diverse activities and opportunities.
Wilde Students are Passionate Changemakers
They demonstrate confidence, resilience and grit gained from facing obstacles and overcoming challenges.
They are passionate and empowered to effect change, curious of the world around them, and constantly asking questions while critiquing and analyzing information gathered.
Goal and passion oriented
Their interests and unique skills are nurtured and enhanced and they are guided toward opportunities in order to fulfill their passions.
Aware of larger world
They are aware and empathetic of the issues facing their environment and their local and global communities.
Wilde Students are Problem Solvers
They are creative problem solvers who think outside the box and develop and design new and innovative ideas.
They are emotionally intelligent.
They are active listeners and can perceive beyond what is being said.
Aware of themselves
They understand their own emotions, they self-regulate and express themselves coherently, confidently and with depth.
Aware of others
They're empathetic towards others, what is motivating them, what is influencing their actions, and how to support others.
Wilde Students are Healthy
Our students are routinely outside, playing actively, building forts, racing on fields and trails, and challenging each other to new physical contests.
They eat healthy foods and understand the importance of doing so.
They are exposed to a myriad of activities and sports and are masters of backcountry travel.
Daily exercise
Every morning, the entire school gathers together for morning assembly and takes part in group exercise together. Building this healthy ritual from a young age sets the stage for healthy habits in adulthood.
Engaging with the natural world
The benefits of breathing fresh air from the mountainside, feeling the warm sunshine on your face, and walking many kilometers each day have emotional as well as social impacts on health.
Wilde Students are Self Aware
At Wilde School, students are encouraged and nurtured to cultivate a strong sense of self-awareness.
Through outdoor exploration, experiential learning, and reflective practices, Wilde students learn to understand their emotions, strengths, challenges, and values. They engage in activities that promote mindfulness, self-reflection, and personal growth, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
Wilde School also emphasizes the concept that students are the "pilots" of their own lives, teaching them that their decisions and actions have implications and consequences. By fostering this sense of responsibility and autonomy, Wilde School empowers students to make informed decisions, take ownership of their choices, and navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
This holistic approach to self-awareness not only enriches their educational experience but also equips them with essential skills, insights, and a strong moral compass that will serve them well in their personal, academic, and future endeavours.
Daily Journaling
At Wilde School, students practice self-awareness through journaling exercises. By taking time to reflect on their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a journal, students gain insight into their feelings, behaviours, and values.
This simple yet powerful activity encourages mindfulness, self-reflection, and personal growth, helping students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their actions. Through journaling, Wilde School empowers students to become more conscious of their choices, emotions, and the impact of their decisions on themselves and others, fostering a sense of responsibility and autonomy in their personal and academic lives.
The Balance Wheel
The Wilde School "Balance Wheel" is a tool designed to promote self-awareness and holistic well-being.
Students fill in the Balance Wheel, reflecting on various aspects of their lives such as physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, academics, and leisure activities. This reflective exercise encourages students to evaluate and prioritize different areas of their life, identifying areas of strength and areas that may require attention or adjustment.
By examining their life balance through the Balance Wheel, students gain valuable insights into their overall well-being and are empowered to make informed decisions to work towards living a more balanced and fulfilling life. This activity reinforces the importance of self-care, prioritization, and mindful living, equipping students with essential skills and strategies for maintaining a harmonious balance in their personal and academic endeavours.
Wilde School Students Love to Learn
At Wilde School, students are inherently passionate about learning and driven by their innate curiosity. The school's environment fosters a love for exploration and discovery, igniting a desire within students to delve deeper into subjects and topics that captivate their interest. Assignments and projects at Wilde School are thoughtfully designed to be engaging, relevant, and meaningful, sparking enthusiasm and excitement among students.
This approach to learning cultivates intrinsic motivation, where students are driven by their own interests, curiosity, and personal goals, rather than external rewards or pressures. By nurturing this intrinsic motivation, Wilde School empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey, pursue knowledge with enthusiasm and determination, and develop lifelong skills and habits that extend beyond the classroom. This self-motivated approach to learning not only enhances academic achievement but also fosters a sense of independence, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning in Wilde School students.
Engaging Projects
We develop projects or ‘thematics’ that are designed to be cross-curricular and hands-on, integrating various subjects into cohesive learning experiences. These multifaceted projects allow students to apply and practise essential skills in real-world contexts, fostering curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Whether it's designing a sustainable community garden or creating a historical documentary, these experiential projects inspire students to explore and innovate, making learning both meaningful and exciting at Wilde School.
Community Engagement
Initiatives encourage students to connect and contribute both on and off-campus. Through activities like volunteering at local animal shelters or collaborating on sustainability projects, students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. These hands-on experiences foster empathy, leadership, and civic responsibility, enriching their educational journey and empowering them to make a positive impact in their community at Wilde School.
FAQs
Does the cost of tuition also include the Wilde Bus service?
The tuition does not cover the cost of our convenient Wilde Bus service. This is a separate service that parents can book each semester, or if it suits your convenience, as a one-off payment at the beginning of the year.
Does The Cost Of Tuition Also Include Field Trips?
No, the cost of tuition does not include regular field trips; these are considered an additional expense. However, camping trips are included in the tuition fees, offering students valuable outdoor learning experiences and opportunities for personal growth.
How Can I Apply For Admission To Wilde School?
To apply for admission to Wilde School, please complete our online application form and submit the required supporting documents. Our admissions team will review your application and contact you to schedule an interview and assessment as part of the admissions process.
How Can Parents Get Involved At Wilde School?
We value parent involvement and believe in fostering a strong partnership between home and school. Parents can volunteer in classrooms, participate in school events and committees, and engage in regular communication with teachers and administrators to support their child's educational journey at Wilde School.
How Can I Schedule A Tour Or Learn More About Wilde School?
We invite you to visit our campus, meet our educators, and experience the Wilde School difference firsthand. Please contact our admissions office to schedule a tour or attend one of our open house events to learn more about our programs, philosophy, and community.
Is Financial Aid Or Scholarship Available For Tuition?
Yes, Wilde School is committed to making our holistic educational experience accessible and affordable for all families. We offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to eligible families based on demonstrated need. Please see our Wilde Way Bursary for more information.
How Does Wilde School Support Students With Diverse Learning Needs?
At Wilde School, we prioritize inclusivity and personalized learning. Our educators are skilled in differentiating instruction to meet each student's unique needs, offering additional support, accommodations, or enrichment as required to ensure every student thrives. The small class sizes at Wilde School further enhance this tailored approach, allowing for individualized attention and fostering a supportive learning environment where every student can succeed.
What Is The Class Size At Wilde School?
We maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and meaningful connections between students and teachers, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Typical class sizes are usually around 12 and not exceeding 14.
Does Wilde School Offer Any Extracurricular Activities Or Programs?
Yes, Wilde School offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities and programs tailored to the interests of our students. Our offerings have included clubs such as pottery, theatre, gardening, mountain biking, and canoeing. Given the size of our school, our sports teams primarily focus on individual sports like cross-country running and Nordic skiing, providing students with opportunities to develop skills, build teamwork, and pursue their passions outside of the classroom.
What Happens After Grade 8? How Is The Transition Back To High School?
At Wilde School, our focus extends beyond academics to equip our students with essential life skills such as grit, perseverance, and adaptability. A significant component of our middle school program is cultivating the ability to become autodidacts, or self-directed learners. Our graduates are well-prepared to navigate any challenges life may present. Our holistic approach to education fosters resilience, curiosity, and a love for learning, empowering students to thrive in diverse educational settings and make a positive impact in their future endeavours.
How Do You Monitor Academic Success Of Your Students? Do You Provide Report Cards?
We regularly assess and monitor student progress through ongoing formative and summative assessments, teacher observations, and student portfolios. We provide comprehensive report cards twice a year to communicate student achievement and growth in alignment with the Ontario curriculum. In addition, we create a Strategic Student Plan with our students and parents that sets out their goals and objectives for the year. We revisit this plan halfway through the year and re-evaluate its trajectory.
Do You Follow The Ontario Curriculum?
Yes, Wilde School adheres to the Ontario curriculum, but we enrich this framework with our distinctive approach which we call ‘the living curriculum’ and includes experiential learning, outdoor exploration, and character development. Our curriculum is not only about meeting the standard educational requirements but also about inspiring a deeper love for learning and fostering essential life skills. What's particularly fascinating is that our students consistently surpass the baseline expectations for their grade level. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of our holistic educational model, which nurtures curiosity, resilience, and a passion for continuous growth in each student.
How Is Wilde School's Curriculum Different From Traditional Schools?
Our curriculum at Wilde School emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, outdoor exploration, and the development of essential life skills alongside academic subjects. We focus on fostering a growth mindset, building healthy relationships, and instilling leadership qualities in our students to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
What Grades Does Wilde School Serve?
Wilde School offers programs from Kindergarten through Grade 8, providing a seamless educational journey from early childhood to early adolescence. We will be announcing a unique High School program in the coming months.
What Is The Philosophy Behind Wilde School?
Wilde School is committed to providing a holistic and experiential learning environment that fosters curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning. Our educational approach integrates academic rigor with outdoor exploration, emotional intelligence, and community engagement to nurture well-rounded individuals prepared for lifelong success.
What Are Your Winter Safety Guidelines? Can They Stay Inside On Very Cold Days?
We prioritize student safety and well-being in all weather conditions, including winter. Our winter safety guidelines include dressing appropriately for the weather, staying hydrated, and taking regular indoor breaks when necessary. We closely monitor outdoor conditions and adjust activities accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable learning experience for all students.
What Do You Do For Safety If There Is A Thunderstorm / Lighting / Forest Fire?
We prioritize student safety and monitor weather conditions closely. In the event of severe weather or forest fires, we follow established safety protocols, including seeking shelter indoors and communicating with families as necessary.
What Is The Response Time For EMS / Fire / Police If There Is A Serious Emergency?
We have established protocols and emergency response plans in place, and emergency services can typically respond within 20 minutes in the event of a serious emergency.
How Do I Get To Wilde School?
Wilde School is conveniently located with easy access by car, horse 😉 or our Wilde Bus service. For detailed directions and transportation options, please visit our contact page.
Is Wilde School A Peanut Free Environment?
Yes, Wilde School is a peanut-free environment to ensure the safety and well-being of all students with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Is There A Lunch And Snack Program Available?
No, we do not offer a lunch and snack program at Wilde School. Students are required to pack their own lunches, and it is essential that these meals are substantial and of high quality to support their nutritional needs throughout the day. We encourage families to prioritize healthy and balanced meals that align with our holistic approach to well-being and learning.
Are There Any Additional Costs such as Equipment, Books, Etc.?
There may be additional costs for specialized equipment, books, and optional extracurricular activities or programs. We strive to keep additional costs to a minimum and provide families with a detailed list of required and optional items at the beginning of each school year.
Does Tuition Increase Every Year? If Yes, By How Much?
Tuition might go up annually to help the school meet its financial requirements and keep improving. We want to keep our programs accessible for many families and also need to cover important costs. Expected tuition increases are usually in line with inflation and the cost of making our school better. We promise to be open about any changes and will let families know early about any tuition changes.
What If My Child Does Not Adapt? What About Refunds / Cancellations?
We want all of our students to love Wilde School and the overwhelming amount of our students do, however providing a positive education experience is our foremost priority. We strongly encourage a trial day or even multiple days so that your students gets a feeling for the Wilde Way.
What Time Does School Start?
WILDE School starts at 8:45am and ends at 3:30pm (unless your child is in a club, these programs typically end at 4:30pm). We highly encourage parents to drop their children off right at 8:45am.
The first block of the day (25 min) is for free play (or water cooler time as Jeff calls it), we also offer study hall during this block. This is vital for students' morning routine to transition.
There is a lot of research surrounding the importance of transition times in students' daily routines in which they can free play, socialize and ground. It allows for students to ‘let a little air out of the tires’, which is very important for most students' concentration levels.
What Is Your Approach To Conflict Resolution?
We encourage parents to communicate with your child's teacher first, coming to the team of directors if you need further support. At WILDE School we teach our students to be proactive problem solvers and not let any problems grow because they were left unattended.