OUTDOOR ACADEMY ADMISSIONS

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR A TRANSFORMATIVE SEMESTER AWAY. 

We seek applicants who are enthusiastic learners looking to step out of their comfort zone and embrace their independence in an outdoor classroom. Admissions is need-blind and need-based scholarships are prioritized, so you can apply knowing that we want to make OA possible for you.

 

APPLY TODAY! LEARN ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS

Admissions Timeline

Applications are available for the Spring 2025 semester!

There are still a few spaces available in the upcoming Spring 2025 semester. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, i.e. first-come, first-served. So, go ahead and open your application, and then let us know how we can help.

View the application Here 

Financial assistance is currently available.

Applications for tuition discount awards are reviewed in the order that we receive them. We cannot process financial information before receiving an application for admission. So, aim to complete the two parts at the same time in order to expedite your review and enrollment process.

Applications for the 2025-26 school year will open in October.

If you’d like to be notified when next year’s applications are live, email admissions@enf.org. The Priority Deadline for Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 will be on February 15, 2025.

Puede descargar una copia en español de la solicitud y el cuestionario para padres/tutores aquí. Póngase en contacto con nosotros si también necesita una traducción de material adicional. 

INFORMACIÓN Y COPIA DE LA SOLICITUD EN ESPAÑOL

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Semester School in NC Mountains - Outdoor Academy Admissions

OA is possible for you.

We aim to make our community supportive and inclusive to all interested students, and we encourage applicants from all socioeconomic circumstances to apply. Admissions is always need-blind, and need-based scholarships are awarded to over half of our students through our robust financial aid program. Additionally, no matter if your school has worked with a semester school before or if you are on a semester, block, trimester, homeschool, or other schedule, there is a way for you to attend OA. We are committed to doing all we can to make it possible for any qualified student to attend.

EXPLORE SCHOLARSHIPS AT OA

No wilderness experience necessary.

Over 1300 students from around the country and the world have attended OA since we first opened our doors to Semester 1 in the fall of 1995. Successful OA alumni have ranged from students who had previously planned their own trek on the Appalachian Trail to those who had never before spent a night out camping. All that we require in an application to OA is a genuine interest in our school and a willingness to engage deeply in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

LEARN ABOUT OUR OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING

Semester School in NC Mountains Instructor Trek through the Blue Ridge Mountains

APPLY TODAY

Applications can be submitted through SchoolDoc. Completed applications will have information from you, your parents or legal guardians, and your school.

Questions about your application or having trouble getting started? Check out our FAQ or get in touch with the Admissions Office. You can email us at admissions@enf.org or text us at 828-808-3501.

START MY APPLICATION

OR, EXPLORE OA’s FOUR CORNERSTONES