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 and print our clothing and gear list: Clothing and Gear List
The School Store Account
The purpose of a student’s school store account is to cover expenses such as books and related materials, art fees, instrument rental, tickets to selected events, a semester t-shirt and semester book. The account will also be used for medical or prescription co-pay amounts or any other amount for medical care that your child’s insurance will not cover. Please note that some local medical care providers will not file insurance, therefore, we will be required to pay cash from your child’s school store account. When that is the case, you will be sent the original paperwork to file with your insurance company.
Please be sure that your child has the personal care items needed when arriving at OA and plan to re-supply his/her needs during Parents Weekend and spring break. We usually have small travel size containers of shampoo, toothpaste, etc. on hand for emergencies, which can be obtained through the office and charged to your child’s school store account. If other personal care supplies, school supplies, stationery, batteries, or other personal items are needed, we will purchase the requested items locally. There will be a 35% handling fee charged for any special purchase requests made.
The best way to prevent excessive costs from being billed to your child’s school store account is to have him/her come to The Outdoor Academy prepared. When your child arrives, he/she should have all of the items listed on the Clothing and Gear List, including school supplies and cabin/dorm supplies.
