The Outdoor Academy is a fully-accredited semester boarding school that brings motivated 10th and 11th graders (usually ages 15-17) 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.
We welcome both Americans living abroad and international students, and OA can support the application for a student visa for any non-US citizen who is successfully accepted into a semester. In the past 5 years, we have had students attend OA from 40 different US states and 6 countries!
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 Vermont
“OA is probably one of the best school experiences you can have. You will become part of a great community that always has your back, from the students to the staff. I really loved was all of the time we spent outdoors, from backpacking trips to classes. You will go on so many cool adventures and discover you’re way more capable than you think!”
– Charlotte, Spring 2024 Student from New Zealand
Hands-on classes for high school credit
Student to faculty ratio
Days developing leadership skills on outdoor expeditions
Days living in a supportive, intentional community
Acres of campus forest, trails, and streams to explore
New best friends from across the US 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!
Can’t make it to a scheduled event? 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.
If you are interested in an in-person meeting or campus tour, or if you can’t find a time on the calendar that works for you, please email Katie directly at admissions@enf.org.
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