A Day at The Wilder School
A day at The Wilder School is best characterized by creativity within constraints: large blocks of time for work and play with clear but broad guardrails, equipping young people to manage their time, set goals, and track progress. We find that the very act of trusting learners to make decisions that fit their desired goals and to hold them accountable makes the learner-driven environment we provide unique and effective in developing the character traits of young, independent leaders.
So what does a day at TWS look like?
Upon arrival, learners have unstructured free time to settle in and engage with their studiomates. Popular choices include board games, art, and outside play. After the morning group discussion our schedule is divided into large blocks of time where mornings are reserved for core skills. During this time, learners set and report on SMART goals, collaborate on difficult tasks, work independently, and use hands-on materials as well as their computers. As an independent, private school, we are exempt from the instructional hour requirements, so our learners make choices on how they learn best and progress through their individual learning plan at their own pace.
How long are learners in front of a computer screen? It ranges between 60 and 90 minutes a day.
We break for a one-hour lunch where learners eat and enjoy free time. Free time may consist of reading a book, creating a chalk mosaic, or sharing a toy brought from home. Sometimes learners create their own games that include a studio-wide story role play. This is the time when we make use of the field on our campus or take a short walk to the Middlesex Fells, a state park where we explore and play in nature.
How long are learners outside each day? An hour or more each day is spent outside.
The afternoons are for hands-on projects and outdoor play with integrated time to reflect, think deeply, and connect with peers. Our hands-on projects are a 5-7 week-long exploration of topics such as gardening, architecture, building a business, and Colonial America. Each project integrates core skills with science, history, and art in an interesting way and allows learners to practice problem solving. On alternating days this same block of time is used for art, music, and theater exploration.
The final rituals of our day are studio maintenance and closing circle. Our learners practice the responsibility of keeping the studio in order, as with it comes the freedom of working within it. Afterwards, we close our day as we began - together, discussing our challenges and celebrating achievements. In reflecting, young people understand the impact of their choices and the endless possibilities of engaging in the world around them.
As an independent, private school, The Wilder School is able to flexibly meet the learning, movement, and creative needs of our learners. Read more about our Learning Model and connect with us to learn more.