“I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.”
~Albert Einstein
our approach
RELATIONSHIP-FOCUSED
WHOLE-PERSON APPROACH
At the heart of our school is a deep commitment to relationships—between students, and between teachers and students—as the foundation for meaningful learning. We engage the whole child intellectually, socially, emotionally, personally, and ethically, creating a safe and connected environment where every student is known, supported, and challenged. Through trust, empathy, and individualized support, we empower students to grow into their fullest selves.
Learning How, Not What
Learning at our school is active, personalized, and designed with neurodivergent learners in mind. Our hands-on, mastery-based approach honors different ways of thinking and processing, encouraging students to explore ideas deeply, follow their curiosity, and build real understanding. While we offer structure and routine, we also provide flexibility for intellectual deep dives and individual pacing. Rather than focusing on memorizing content, we help students discover how they learn best—developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-advocacy skills they need to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
No Boxes to Check
We don’t subscribe to outdated, one-size-fits-all educational practices like hours of homework, stacks of fill-in-the-blank worksheets, or high-stakes standardized testing. Instead, we focus on meaningful, relevant learning experiences that honor each student’s individual path. While we offer MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Growth testing two to three times a year, participation is completely optional—available as a resource for families who find it valuable, never as a requirement or a measure of a student’s worth.
MULTI AGE CLASSES WITH 10:1 MAX Staff:STUDENT RATIO
Our multi-age classes are intentionally small, with a maximum 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio and no more than 14 students per class—even then, supported by both a lead and assistant teacher. Designed for advanced and gifted learners from sixth grade through high school, we challenge students while honoring their individual strengths and learning styles. We believe that every student contributes to the success of the class, regardless of age or grades, and collaboration is key. Younger and older students often learn alongside—and from—each other, building a community where diverse perspectives deepen understanding and peer mentorship is a natural part of the learning experience.
Multi-MODAL, EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Learning here is multi-modal and deeply experiential. We recognize that students absorb and process information in different ways, so our curriculum is designed to engage multiple senses and learning styles—through movement, discussion, visual thinking, and more traditional written work. Our mornings focus on core academics—math, humanities, and science. Every afternoon shifts to workshop-based project learning, where students apply what they’ve learned earlier in hands-on, real-world ways. Whether students are building, designing, debating, exploring, or reflecting, they’re active participants in their education. This dynamic approach not only deepens understanding but also helps students connect learning to their own lives, making it meaningful, memorable, and relevant.
Social Emotional Learning & Growth Mindset
We prioritize social-emotional growth alongside academics by fostering meaningful relationships and leveraging a growth mindset. Our community creates a safe, supportive space where students learn to recognize and manage their feelings, develop self-awareness, resilience, empathy, and healthy communication skills. These social-emotional practices are woven into daily routines, supporting teens as they navigate the unique challenges of adolescence, collaborate with peers, and develop a confident, authentic sense of self ready for life beyond school.
Outdoor Classroom
We take full advantage of North Carolina’s mild, year-round climate to offer rich outdoor learning experiences. Our students regularly explore nearby parks, green spaces, and community areas, turning the outdoors into a dynamic classroom. From measuring the angles of rails and fences around town to writing nature-inspired poetry on walking trails and conducting water quality tests in local lakes, students engage with their environment in hands-on, meaningful ways that deepen their understanding and connection to the natural world.
Maker Space Design Studio
Our maker space and creative studio are vibrant hubs where our middle and high school learners dive into hands-on design, problem-solving, and artistic expression. Students work with everything from woodworking tools, sewing materials, and craft supplies, all while fostering a confident, can-do mindset through tinkering and experimentation. The space is also stocked with tons of art supplies for every medium, and offers music opportunities including piano and ukulele. With a 3-D printer and green screen regularly integrated into humanities, science, and other projects, students experience dynamic, multidimensional learning that sparks creativity and critical thinking.
sensory-friendly environment
Our learning spaces are designed to be sensory-friendly and flexible, moving away from traditional desks and behavior charts. Instead, students learn around project-friendly whiteboard tables, active stools, bean bag chairs, and reading swings, with a dedicated calming space for sensory breaks. We honor the need for freedom of movement within reasonable boundaries and provide tools like noise-canceling headphones, soft lighting, cushions, and a variety of sensory fidgets to support focus and regulation. Outdoor spaces are also available as a peaceful retreat when students need to reset or decompress.
Therapeutic Support Animal
Each day, our students are warmly welcomed by Pip, Wonder’s six-year-old certified therapy dog and canine good citizen. Pip eagerly greets students as they arrive and offers calm companionship during independent reading time, providing comfort and a friendly presence that supports a positive and nurturing learning environment.