Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I lose ground at my high school if I choose to spend a semester at
The Outdoor Academy?
The core curriculum at The Outdoor Academy is very similar
to what you find at many challenging private and public schools across
the country. Because our classes are small, teachers are able to tailor
course syllabi to meet the curricular needs of each student. All incoming
students are assessed for appropriate placement in math and foreign language
classes, and we communicate directly with faculty from your home school.
Spending a semester at OA will not interrupt your academic progress. We are committed to working with each sending school and student to ensure a smooth transition back to your school at the end of your OA semester.
What if my school is on a block schedule?
OA is on a semester schedule, and our course credits are appropriate to half of a year-long course. We are able to provide full block schedule credit for English, Natural Science, History, PE, and Art. But, since math and foreign languages are so subject matter-specific, we have a policy of devoting twice the "seat time" to those subject areas here. We ask that students who hope to get block credit for their courses choose EITHER math OR a language. Students would be spending two class periods, then, in either math or a foreign language, depending on what the sending school, student, and family decide is best.
How will OA affect my academic future?
After our students spend a semester with us, they are better
equipped to set their post-high school goals and to find the
college or university that meets their needs. Our graduates have enjoyed
enormous success after their experiences here – attending schools such as
Princeton, Yale, Duke, Emory and Vanderbilt.
As sophomores in high school and beyond, students must make new and challenging decisions regarding their future plans. OA is a chance for students to mature and develop self-understanding as young adults, and to make more informed, personally rewarding decisions.
Who teaches at The Outdoor Academy?
The effectiveness of OA and its high academic standards are
a testament to our faculty. Our teachers are some of the most
passionate and well-versed educators you will find anywhere.
They are trained to teach
the core subjects and are experienced in fields ranging from
ethnomusicology to chemical engineering. Our leaders have
received degrees from Wesleyan University, Appalachian State
University, the University of Virginia, North Carolina School
of the Arts and other highly respected colleges and universities.
They are all dedicated professionals who enjoy the outdoors, and love working closely with students in a small classroom setting.
What will classes be like?
On a typical day, students will divide their time between a
traditional classroom setting and learning on and around our
wooded campus in the natural world. Natural Science classes,
for example, are frequently
taught by streams and ponds located on OA’s campus. In addition,
our Appalachian History course and Independent Appalachian
Studies Project take students out of the classroom and into
the surrounding communities to learn from the people and places
that are a
living part of the region’s
history.
What can I do when I am not in class?
Students have time every day to participate in a number of
activities aside from classes, allowing them to further develop
personal skills or interests, or take advantage of OA’s natural
resources. Popular options include swimming and paddling on the lake,
playing tennis,
practicing skills on the climbing wall and playing group games
such as Ultimate Frisbee. Our surrounding cities, Brevard and Asheville,
provide
cultural opportunities for students to enjoy, such as art festivals.
During free time, students often organize their own music gatherings
and performances.
Who takes care of our campus and our living quarters?
OA students and staff are responsible for maintaining the good condition of living
quarters and the campus as a whole. Students begin each day with a daily chore
such as sweeping the cabin or picking up the school laundry. Time is dedicated
each week to larger projects, such as splitting firewood.
Where do students live?
The Outdoor Academy houses students in winterized, wood-heated
cabins, all with indoor plumbing and hot showers. Each student has a
bed and several book storage
shelves. A resident lives in each dorm and is responsible for students
during the nighttime and on weekends.
What supplies do you need to attend The Outdoor Academy?
You can download our clothing and gear list by using the link below.
