Where learning grows wild

Hands-on, nature-based learning for ages 2-12 in Port Perry

See How They Learn

Programs

Approach

FAQ

A Different Kind of School

Wilder Learning North Durham is a nonprofit, alternative elementary school for children ages 2–12, located in Port Perry, Ontario.

Each day blends time in nature, child-led exploration, and meaningful hands-on learning. The result is confident, capable kids with strong foundations and a genuine love of learning. 

Why families choose Wilder Learning

Healthy, natural development

Children’s well-being is supported through:

  • Daily time in nature and outdoor play
  • Movement and sensory play
  • Warm, trusting relationships with teachers and peers

Learning that fits each child

Children gain skills, confidence, and strong foundations with:

  • Reading, writing and math at their individual level
  • Responsive, experienced teachers
  • Hands-on, multisensory lessons

Joyful, interest-led learning

Children stay curious, motivated, and engaged when they have:

  • Time to explore questions that matter to them
  • Meaningful, real-world experiences
  • Freedom to create and express themselves

“My children felt at home right away and have become confident, independent learners.”

Jennifer R., Wilder Parent

Programs

Part- and full-time programs for children ages 2-12

Three preschool children examine the bark of a tree in the forest

Seedlings: Ages 2-4 (Preschool)

Where natural curiosity blossoms

Sprouting with natural curiosity, our littlest learners are beginning to discover the world around them. Our preschool program invites children to play, create, and explore the natural world. With nurturing care and gentle guidance, they develop foundational skills and a growing love of learning.

Learn more about our Seedlings program

Roots: Ages 4-7

Where strong foundations grow

Our children root themselves in deeper understanding and connection with their world. Our early elementary program builds foundational academic skills through hands-on learning and outdoor exploration. With supportive guidance and a rich, stimulating environment, they strengthen core skills, explore ideas with greater depth, and start to see themselves as capable learners.

Learn more about our Roots program

Wings: Ages 7-12

Where big ideas take flight

Once rooted, children grow wings that carry them into a wider world of learning. Our upper elementary program challenges them to take initiative and solve problems creatively. Through project-based learning and hands-on investigation, they learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and shape their own learning.  

Learn more about our Wings program

Programs

Part- and full-time programs for children ages 2-12

Seedlings: Ages 2-4 (Preschool)

Where natural curiosity blossoms

Sprouting with natural curiosity, our littlest learners are beginning to discover the world around them. Our preschool program invites children to play, create, and explore the natural world. With nurturing care and gentle guidance, they develop foundational skills and a growing love of learning.

Learn more about our Seedlings program

Roots: Ages 4-7

Where strong foundations grow

Our children root themselves in deeper understanding and connection with their world. Our early elementary program builds foundational academic skills through hands-on learning and outdoor exploration. With supportive guidance and a rich, stimulating environment, they strengthen core skills, explore ideas with greater depth, and start to see themselves as capable learners.

Learn more about our Roots program

Wings: Ages 7-12

Where big ideas take flight

Once rooted, children grow wings that carry them into a wider world of learning. Our upper elementary program challenges them to take initiative and solve problems creatively. Through project-based learning and hands-on investigation, they learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and shape their own learning.  

Learn more about our Wings program

Our Approach


Our philosophy is always start with the child. We treat learning as a process that unfolds, not something to rush.

Emergent & Developmental

Children come into the world ready to learn and full of curiosity. Our emergent approach follows their interests and developmental readiness, with teachers observing, guiding, and offering just-right challenges as skills begin to grow. More.

Blended Teaching Methods

Our approach brings together and adapts the best parts of several educational methods. Teachers draw from Montessori, Reggio, and Waldorf pedagogies alongside evidence-based literacy and hands-on math practices. These methods guide our work, but we use them flexibly so teaching remains responsive to each child. More

Nature as Co-Teacher

Nature as Co-Teacher Nature anchors our approach, delivering a living curriculum with endless opportunities for discovery and exploration. It regulates children’s nervous systems for focus and builds resilience through appropriate risk-taking. Through this relationship, children gain a deep sense of understanding and belonging in relation to their community and the land. More

  • I’m so glad you’re here. 
    At Wilder, your child will be known, supported, and guided as they build skills and confidence — and yes, probably come home a little muddy. That’s part of the learning. I look forward to welcoming your family into our community.
    Lisette Dale
    Founder, Principal, and Director of Curriculum

Meet our educators

Lisette Dale, Founder, Principal, Teacher, and Director of Curriculum

Frequently Asked Questions

We design work that builds skills in ways that interest children, and offer guided lessons when they’re ready.

We teach reading, writing, and math through structured literacy, hands-on materials, and small-group lessons. Teachers watch for signs of readiness—like strong fine motor skills, phonological awareness, or number sense—before introducing new skills. This helps children progress steadily without feeling rushed, and allows broader learning in science, nature, art, and problem-solving to grow through exploration and real experiences.

Learn more about our curriculum →

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A Day at Wilder section