W.I.L.D. High School Course FAQ
Here you’ll find answers to common questions about the W.I.L.D. High School course. If you’re wondering whether this is a good fit for your teen or your family, start here.
What is W.I.L.D. High School?
W.I.L.D. is designed with homeschool families in mind and can be used as part of a high schooler’s coursework. The course includes regular in-person meetings, guided field experiences, and suggested at-home extensions that support deeper learning and reflection. Families are welcome to adapt the material to fit their teen’s needs and existing curriculum.
What is the schedule like?
The W.I.L.D. High School course meets in person throughout the season for guided outdoor sessions that combine skill-building, ecological awareness, and community connection.
Are parents required to attend?
Yes. If your student is ages 13–15, we ask that a parent or guardian remain on-site or nearby during in-person sessions. For older teens, parental presence may be more flexible, but we still encourage caregivers to stay engaged with what their teen is learning so the experience can be supported at home.
Can younger siblings come too?
Yes. Younger siblings are welcome to accompany families to most W.I.L.D. High School course meetups, as long as their presence supports a safe and focused learning environment. We ask caregivers to remain responsible for younger children and to honor any specific guidelines shared for particular locations or activities.
Will there be required homework?
Yes, but it is designed to be purposeful and manageable. At-home invitations may include simple nature observation, journaling, reading, or projects that deepen your teen’s connection to place and community. Families are welcome to tailor the workload to fit their homeschool rhythm and any existing academic requirements.
How do I know if this course is a good fit for my teen?
W.I.L.D. may be a good fit if your teen is curious about the natural world, open to learning in community, and able to participate respectfully in outdoor group settings. If you have questions about readiness, accessibility, or specific needs, please reach out so we can talk it through together.
How do I register or learn more?
To explore current dates, pricing, and enrollment details for the W.I.L.D. High School course, visit our Programs page. We will also be hosting a WanderWild Nature Collective Information session May 20, 2026 where you can get registration information and course details.
What kinds of activities will my teen be doing?
Students will engage in hands-on, outdoor learning through exploration, skill-building, seasonal projects, and group discussions. They will practice wilderness and nature skills, participate in stewardship and community projects, and develop confidence, leadership, and real-world problem-solving abilities.
What should my teen bring to each session?
A detailed packing list is shared before the course begins, but in general we recommend weather-appropriate layers, closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, notebook and pen, and any personal items needed for comfort. For some sessions, we may also suggest a small daypack, snack, or simple field tools.
Is this course a good fit for neurodivergent teens?
Many neurodivergent teens thrive in nature-based learning environments. We are committed to creating spacious, respectful group culture and welcome you to share anything that will help us support your teen well. While we are not a clinical program, we are happy to discuss needs, accommodations, and fit before you register.
Do you offer payment plans or financial assistance?
Yes. We use a sliding scale model and may offer limited payment plans or scholarships when possible. Our goal is to make this experience as accessible as we can while also sustaining our guides and program costs. If cost is a barrier, please reach out so we can explore options together.
What is expected of students?
Students are expected to arrive on time, come prepared for the weather, participate respectfully in group activities, and stay curious and engaged. We invite teens to bring their honest questions, reflections, and ideas, and to help us tend a culture of kindness, accountability, and care for one another and the land.
What is expected of parents?
We ask parents and caregivers to support their teen in arriving prepared, to read course emails, and to stay in communication about any needs, concerns, or schedule changes. For younger teens, we may ask a parent or guardian to remain on-site or nearby. Most of all, we invite parents into partnership, trusting that we’re working together to support your teen’s growth.
Can my high schooler receive high school credit for this class?
Many homeschool families are able to count this course toward high school credit in areas such as science, environmental studies, or electives. Because requirements vary, families are responsible for determining how W.I.L.D. fits into their teen’s transcript or portfolio. We are happy to provide a general course overview and participation summary upon request.
How do families communicate with instructors?
After registration, families receive contact information and communication guidelines for their W.I.L.D. instructors. Most updates are shared by email, and we may also use a secure messaging platform for time-sensitive announcements. You are always welcome to reach out with questions, concerns, or celebrations about your teen’s experience.
What is a 'capstone project'?
A capstone project is a simple culminating project that allows your teen to integrate and share what they’ve been learning. This might look like a field journal, creative piece, small research project, presentation, or land-based service offering. We provide guidance and options, and families are welcome to help shape a project that fits their teen’s interests and capacity. Students will complete one capstone project per semester.
Will there be field trips?
Many W.I.L.D. sessions function like field trips, taking place in local parks, nature areas, or partner sites. When we plan special outings, we’ll share details well in advance, including location, timing, transportation expectations, and any additional waivers needed. Our goal is to explore a variety of local places while staying grounded in safety and relationship.
What does a home study day look like?
Home study days are designed to be flexible and doable. They may include nature observations close to home, reading or listening assignments, journaling prompts, creative responses, or small research projects that extend what we’re exploring in the field. Families can adapt home study invitations to fit their weekly rhythm and academic goals.
For more questions, please email us at info@wanderwildnatureco.com.