The Outdoor Academy is a fully-accredited semester boarding school that brings motivated 10th and 11th graders from across the country to our campus in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Built upon four cornerstones of Intellect, Craft, Environment, and Community, OA’s honors-level curriculum integrates wilderness experiences, environmental education, and creative arts.
At The Outdoor Academy, your classes will be small and personalized, your academic teachers will also be wood carvers and whitewater paddlers, and your new classmates will become lifelong friends as you navigate every challenge and joy that the semester brings your way.
Read on to learn more, or click to Explore OA’s Four Cornerstones
“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 from VT
“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 from NC
Hands-on classes for high school credit (no matter your school schedule)
Student to faculty ratio
Days developing leadership skills on outdoor adventures
Days living in a supportive, intentional community
Acres of campus forest, trails, and streams to explore
New best friends from across the country and around the world!
Virtual information sessions offer an overview presentation by a member of OA’s Admissions Office. This casual setting lets you learn how a semester school works, discover why The Outdoor Academy may be the perfect school for you, and walk through each step of the admissions process from application to enrollment.
Drop in for part of it or stay the whole time. Sit back and relax or ask all of your burning questions. It’s up to you!
Fill out this quick form and you’ll receive more information as well as other ways of connecting with our school and staff.
Use this link to find a time to meet with OA Admissions Director Katie Rowlett. She will be happy to tell you more about our school, answer questions, or walk you through the admissions process. We can also use this time for a virtual tour of campus if you are interested in that!
If you are interested in an in-person meeting or campus tour, you can also email Katie directly at admissions@enf.org.
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