Wildwood Forest Academy - OUR APPROACH TO LEARNING

At Wildwood Forest Academy, curriculum is not something we simply deliver—it is something we bring to life through relationship with children, place, and season.

Our program blends individualized academics, project-based learning, and daily outdoor experiences to create learning that is both structured and responsive.

We draw from strong, research-based curricula—including EL Education and Open Up Resources—while adapting and shaping instruction to meet the needs of each child.

We believe children learn best when they are:

  • Engaged

  • Curious

  • Connected

  • Supported as individuals

This allows learning to be both intentional and alive—grounded in strong foundations while responsive to each child’s pace and development.

INDIVIDUALIZED ACADEMICS

Academic learning at Wildwood is guided by clear goals, thoughtful instruction, and close attention to each child.

We use a combination of established curriculum and teacher-designed lessons to support:

  • Literacy development (reading, writing, communication)

  • Mathematical understanding and problem solving

  • Scientific thinking and inquiry

  • Social studies and global awareness

Rather than moving all children through the same material at the same pace, we adjust instruction, groupings, and expectations to meet each child where they are.

This allows students to build strong foundations, confidence, and a positive relationship with learning over time.

LITERACY THROUGH EL Education

Our literacy program is grounded in EL Education, a nationally recognized approach that emphasizes:

  • Deep reading and comprehension

  • Writing with purpose and clarity

  • Meaningful, content-rich learning

  • Collaboration and discussion

Students engage with rich texts and real-world topics, building both academic skills and a sense of purpose in their work.

We bring this curriculum to life through discussion, project work, and integration with our broader themes and outdoor experiences.

MATHEMATICS WITH Open Up Resources

We use Open Up Math to support a strong, concept-based approach to mathematics.

This program emphasizes:

  • Understanding over memorization

  • Multiple strategies for problem solving

  • Mathematical discussion and reasoning

  • Real-world application

Students are encouraged to think flexibly, explain their reasoning, and develop confidence as problem solvers.

Math is both structured and exploratory—supporting depth of understanding alongside skill development.

PROJECT & PLACE-BASED LEARNING

Much of our learning unfolds through projects that connect academic skills to real experiences.

Children might:

  • Design and build structures

  • Study ecosystems through direct observation

  • Create written, artistic, or performance-based work

  • Explore questions that emerge from their environment

Through these experiences, students develop:

  • Critical thinking

  • Collaboration

  • Creativity

  • Communication

Learning becomes something they actively participate in—not just receive.

LEARNING THROUGH THE LAND

The forest and surrounding landscape are an essential part of our curriculum.

Students regularly engage in:

  • Nature observation and seasonal study

  • Land stewardship and ecological awareness

  • Outdoor exploration and skill-building

  • Quiet reflection and independent noticing

Over time, children begin to:

  • Notice patterns

  • Ask deeper questions

  • Develop patience and attention

  • Build a meaningful relationship with the natural world

This supports both academic learning and a deeper sense of connection and responsibility.

SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Learning is deeply connected to how children feel.

We intentionally support:

  • Emotional awareness and regulation

  • Communication and conflict resolution

  • Empathy and respect for others

  • A strong sense of belonging

Through daily interactions and guided support, children learn how to be part of a community.

A CONNECTED APPROACH

Rather than separating subjects into isolated blocks, learning at Wildwood is often interconnected.

A single project might include:

  • Writing and research

  • Mathematical problem solving

  • Scientific observation

  • Creative expression

This helps children see learning as a whole—and understand how it connects to the world around them.

We believe learning is not only about building knowledge, but about developing confidence, awareness, and a sense of connection—to self, to others, and to the world.

How we Assess

At LVFFS, we use a variety of supportive, student-centered methods to monitor student growth in learning. When diagnosing student needs, we use games and activities to gauge where learners are on a developmental progression. When monitoring student progress, we use observations and conversations with students and engage students in frequent reflection about their growth as learners. Our curriculum progresses toward authentic products and performances, which we often share with the broader community.