The Outdoor Academy (OA) was dreamed up by Helen Waite (then Executive Director) in the 1960s. “At that…
ADVENTURE
The Outdoor Academy is a fully-accredited boarding semester school for 10th and 11th graders nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Built upon our four cornerstones of intellect, craft, environment, and community, our dynamic and honors-level curriculum integrates wilderness experiences, environmental education, and creative arts. At OA, your classes will be small and personal, your academic teachers will also be wood carvers and rock-climbing experts, and your new classmates will become lifelong friends.
“You all nailed it! I would tell anyone to seriously consider The Outdoor Academy. It was a fantastic experience for my daughter. OA provided amazing new perspectives to her and it was a great change from her regular school. Go for the friendships and experience alone, but the academics were incredible too!”
– Tom, Spring 2024 Parent (Bristol, VT)
“OA teaches teens how to find a home no matter where they are. It’s probably the biggest challenge of their lives so far and they relish the opportunity to discover themselves. The OA experience gives its students exactly what they need at this stage in their development and the staff is masterful at meeting them where they are and challenging them to go deeper. I believe any teen would benefit greatly from attending OA.”
– David, Fall 2023 Parent (Nashville, TN)
“OA is probably one of the best school experiences you can have in high school. You will be able to learn so much about yourself and expand your knowledge academically. The teachers here are some of the greatest teachers I have ever had, and they make school enjoyable and fun. OA also offers a great outdoor leadership program which allows you to go on incredible backpacking, canoeing, and climbing trips. You will also create so so many friendships and memories here!”
– Jill, Fall 2023 Student (Cary, NC)
The Outdoor Academy (OA) was dreamed up by Helen Waite (then Executive Director) in the 1960s. “At that…
Dear Eagle’s Nest Family, Joining a community like Eagle’s Nest is like joining a contra dance mid-step where…
We have seen the people of Western North Carolina come together in beautiful ways these past two weeks,…
When Helen Waite started the Hante program in 1972, she was running trips during the summer out of…
By Jesse Pyles, OA Director As we circle up each semester with new students and their families,…
By Julie Holt, OA Parent and former Director of Admissions The Outdoor Academy, as one of the…
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