Rooted in nature

empowered in mind

& true to yourself

Wildwood Academy is a small, independent school serving grades 3–8, with two mixed-age learning groups: grades 3–5 and grades 6–8.

Located in beautiful Mt Hood Parkdale, Wildwood serves families throughout the Gorge, offering transportation support that helps make our program accessible to students from surrounding communities.

We offer a student-centered, place-based, tech-lite education where children learn through hands-on projects, outdoor experiences, and strong relationships. We believe students thrive when they are known, challenged, and connected to the world around them. 

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Explore our Program
  • Line drawing of three people sitting at a table with thought clouds above their heads.

    Small By Design

    Our small class sizes mean students are truly known. Teachers have the flexibility to respond to individual needs, strengths, and interests — academically and socially.

  • Line drawing of a person hiking on a trail, with the sun and birds in the sky.

    Hands-On & Student-Centered

    Learning at Wildwood is active. Students solve problems, create projects, ask questions, and reflect on their thinking every day.

  • Line drawing of a sunny outdoor scene with two tall pine trees, a sun at the top center, and simple ground and water elements.

    Place-Based Learning

    The Columbia River Gorge is an extension of our classroom. Students learn through outdoor exploration, field studies, and community connection.

  • Four puzzle pieces interconnected with four hands reaching in to put each piece together.

    Tech-Lite, Human-Focused

    Technology is used intentionally to support learning goals, not to replace human interaction. We prioritize discussion, collaboration, creativity, and real-world engagement.

Learning at Wildwood is active, meaningful, and connected. We use research-based curriculum as a foundation, then bring learning to life through real-world application, creativity, and exploration.

a community that knows your child

Wildwood Academy is a learning community where students feel safe to take risks, try new things, and grow into confident, capable learners. Students leave Wildwood with: Strong academic foundations, confidence as thinkers and problem-solvers, collaboration and communication skills, and a deep connection to place and community.

Five middle school students on an outdoor trip in winter clothing standing on snow in a mountainous landscape during sunset, with snow-covered mountains and trees in the background. One student is sitting on a purple sled.

Adventure mondays

At Wildwood, every week kicks off with an adventure. Whether we're exploring ice caves, kayaking, cross-country skiing, volunteering, hiking, or learning survival skills, each Monday is an opportunity to step outside and embrace the unknown. We work together, take exciting risks, challenge ourselves, and learn in ways that are as fun as they are meaningful—building memories and skills that last a lifetime

Three students at after school program climbing and sitting on the branches of a large tree with green leaves outside the school.

After school program

The Wildwood After School Program provides a relaxed, creative space where students can unwind, connect with friends, and have fun. With a focus on creativity, community, and play, it's the perfect place for kids to grow in a more laid-back environment. This is just one of the many ways we nurture active, joyful, and responsible young adults—helping them thrive socially and emotionally as they explore their world.

A group of goats gathered around a yellow flowering bush in a grassy yard. In the background, there is a blue van with the words 'Wildwood Academy' on its side, and a wooden fence with trees beyond.

the school shuttle

Our school is in the Mt. Hood Town Hall, a charming historic schoolhouse just 14 miles south of Hood River in picturesque Mt. Hood Parkdale. To make daily life easier for families in the Gorge, we offer convenient before and after-school shuttles to and from Hood River and Cascade Locks.

Three children crouch and sit around a large blank canvas on the forest ground during daytime, smiling and waving at the camera.

homeschool hybrid program

In addition to offering our full time Wildwood program, we welcome local homeschool students who are interested in joining us for one or more days each week. Coming to Wildwood can be a fun way to try new things, make new friends, and expand your learning opportunities beyond core subjects. Homeschool students can opt to join us for Adventure Mondays and/or join us Tuesday-Friday afternoons for art, sportsmanship, science, guest workshops and more!

Learning That Is Deep, Connected, and Human-Scale

  • Child sitting on a rock by a creek in a wooded area, reading a book with a backpack and wearing a cap, surrounded by green trees and bushes.

    Grades 3-5

    Mixed-age learning

    Foundations skills + curiosity

    Hands-on, supportive environment

  • Two children wearing green safety goggles conduct a science experiment in a classroom. One child is using a magnet on a magnetic board, with various containers and supplies on the table.

    Grades 6-8

    Deeper academics

    Leadership + independence

    Preparation for high school pathways

  • Group of children and adults sitting in a circle around a campfire outdoors in a grassy, wooded area.

    All Grades

    Hands-on, project-based learning

    Discussion-driven classrooms that value student voice

    Outdoor and place-based learning woven into the week

    A balance of academic rigor and social-emotional growth

Learn More About Our Academics

visit wildwood academy

The best way to understand Wildwood is to experience it — see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and feel what learning is like in our small, connected community.

Schedule a Visit