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 offers an alternative to one-size-fits-all schooling

Wilder Learning is a small nonprofit alternative elementary school in Port Perry, serving families across North Durham including Scugog, Uxbridge, Brock Township, Brooklin, and surrounding communities. Each day blends time outdoors in nature, child-led exploration, and meaningful hands-on learning.

The result is confident, self-motivated kids with strong foundations and a genuine love of learning.

Why families choose Wilder Learning

Families sometimes come to us looking for a forest school, Montessori, or Waldorf program. Wilder Learning blends the best of these approaches, with small classes, a nurturing environment, and learning rooted in nature and play.

Each child is seen

Small classes support close, responsive teaching.

Rooted in nature

Learning is grounded in the living world and natural rhythms.

Joy and curiosity

Children have time and freedom to explore what matters to them.

Real-world learning

Projects, play and hands-on work make learning concrete and meaningful.

Daily time outdoors

Lots of time outside in all seasons to support focus, resilience, and wellbeing.

At their own pace

Learning follows each child’s readiness and development.

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

Jennifer R., Wilder Parent

Our Approach

These are the core beliefs that shape how we teach and how children learn at Wilder.

Children are naturally driven to learn

Children learn best when they are engaged. We follow their curiosity, interests, and readiness, introducing new skills through the topics they care about so learning feels natural and unhurried.

Learning should adapt to the child

Our teaching is child-centred and responsive. We draw from Montessori, Reggio, and Waldorf and forest school pedagogies, using structured literacy and hands-on math. These methods are adapted to fit each child’s development and way of learning.

Nature belongs at the centre of education

Nature anchors our approach. It offers a rich, living curriculum and provides what children need to feel grounded as they explore, make sense of the world, and understand their place in it.

Read more about our philosophy →

Admissions at a Glance

Admissions at Wilder begin with a simple interest form, followed by a school visit to meet our team, ask questions, and get a feel for daily life at Wilder.

Our admissions process is designed to be thoughtful, transparent, and focused on fit. As a nonprofit school, we focus on relationships and accessibility rather than competition or timelines.

If you are interested in more information, to arrange a tour of our school, or to begin the application process, please fill out our interest form

Learn more about admissions

A message from our principal

As a parent, you want to know your child is in good hands.

I’ve worked with children for over twenty years. That experience has shown me how children flourish when learning meets them where they are. At Wilder, we take time to truly know each child.

I’m glad you’re here.

– Lisette Dale, Principal

Meet our educators →

Programs

We offer full-time and part-time programs for children ages 2-12

Part-Time

2-4 days per week for gentle entry or homeschoolers seeking enrichment and community

Full-Time

Regular school schedule with steady skill-building, deeper projects and relationships

Programs by age

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

Seedlings

Preschool: Ages 2-3

Where natural curiosity blossoms

Sprouting with natural curiosity, our youngest learners begin discovering the world around them. Our preschool program invites children to play, create, and explore nature while building foundational skills and a love of learning through gentle care.

Learn more about our Seedlings preschool program

Kindergarten children study the life cycle of the frog

Roots

Ages 4-7: Kindergarten/Early Elementary

Where strong foundations grow

Beginning to take root, children deepen their understanding of the world. In our early elementary program, hands-on learning and supportive guidance help them build core skills and confidence.

Learn more about our Roots program

Elementary kids enjoy nature while climbing a tree in the forest

Wings

Ages 7-12: Upper Elementary

Where big ideas take flight

As children spread their wings, they step into wider, more independent learning. Our upper elementary program builds initiative and creative problem-solving through project-based work. Children think critically, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning.

Learn more about our Wings program

What learning looks like here

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Each child is unique in their learning. We use play-based and interest-led approaches whenever possible, supported by structured literacy, hands-on materials, and small-group lessons for building strong foundations in reading, writing, and math.

Teachers watch for signs of readiness—such as fine motor strength, phonological awareness, or number sense—before introducing new skills. This helps children progress steadily without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Project-based learning gives them meaningful ways to practise these skills and supports broader learning in science, nature, art, and problem-solving through exploration and real experiences.

Learn more about our curriculum →

We take safety seriously while giving children room to explore and learn.

Children don’t learn to be safe by avoiding all risk. They learn it by climbing, building, moving their bodies, and testing their ideas in real environments. This helps them understand their surroundings and learn their limits. Our role is to support them safely as they practise taking these risks.

Our trained educators use active supervision, clear safety protocols and regular checks of outdoor space, while guiding children to assess risk and make thoughtful choices. Children build confidence, resilience, and the kind of sound judgement that keeps them safer in the long run.

A real example: building their own playground →

We guide behaviour through connection, modelling, and skill-building, never through punishment or shame.

We trust children to act with care and respect when they feel capable, understood, and supported. We focus on the conditions that help them succeed: strong relationships, simple routines, and time in nature. These supports give children many natural opportunities to practise skills such as flexibility, problem-solving, and self-regulation.

When conflicts or big feelings arise, teachers offer co-regulation, patience, and guidance to help children understand the moment and repair with others. Over time, this builds empathy and the confidence to handle challenges with others.

How we help children navigate the seas of emotion →