The Apex WILDE High School Program empowers students to discover their unique paths while developing a set of core competencies that will prepare them for success in any endeavor while fostering meaningful, balanced lives.
Introduction
AKA - The "Wayfinding Program"
The Apex Wilde High School Program (AKA - The "Wayfinding Program") empowers students to navigate their unique paths in life by fostering self-awareness, purpose, and adaptability. Through an emphasis on individuality, curiosity, and real-world connections, the program challenges the conventional "one size fits all" model of education. At its core, it prioritizes the development of core competencies—such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity—ensuring that students are equipped to innovate, explore, and succeed in any endeavour their path might lead them, from higher education to entrepreneurship and beyond. By preparing students to live meaningful, balanced lives, the program nurtures both personal and academic growth.
The standard education model employed in Canada does not support the growth of a balanced individual. Its “one size fits all” approach is reactionary, making it inherently limiting and does not honour the individuals’ unique interest, learning styles or passion. The program approaches each students’ in an individualized nature supporting the development of lifelong habits that support the achievement of a balanced life of meaning. We do not believe that our students are going to follow the established paths in life but will create their own trails following their passions to innovate, explore and lead lives of meaning.
Components
Overview
In the modern era, the promotion of hyper-specialization as the benchmark for success has allowed our society to achieve many technological marvels, however it has created generations of individuals who are unbalanced in key components of their personal makeup. This trend has unfortunately led to record high levels of mental health challenges, physical ailments and communities that are disconnected in a time when communication is the most prolific it has ever been in human history. WILDE School has developed a specific approach to support the development of well rounded individuals by specifically focusing on each aspect of the individual to achieve a balanced life.
The program is structured around four interconnected pillars, designed to develop balanced individuals who are physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially connected.
Physical
Physical Well-Being: Cultivating Vitality
Forming the habits to maintain physical health is key to feeling good and achieving your best, which can be a challenge in the modern sedentary world. Forming the habit of solid regular activity levels, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep is crucial for growth, learning, and staying focused during the day. By learning how to take care of your physical health, you’ll have more energy, get sick less often, and be able to handle physical and mental challenges better.
Key Elements:
- Fitness & Movement: Daily physical activities, from structured sports to outdoor adventures and mindfulness practices like yoga.
- Nutrition Education: Understanding food as fuel for a healthy body and mind, incorporating meal planning and cooking workshops.
- Sleep Hygiene: Teaching students the science of sleep and strategies for maintaining restorative rest.
Example Programs:
- Wilderness expeditions to promote endurance and self-reliance. (and personal responsibility / accountability / ownership.)
- Integrated fitness challenges tied to personal growth goals.
Emotional
Emotional Intelligence: Building Resilience
The ability to understand and manage your feelings is a key component to the achievement of a balanced life. Being emotionally healthy helps you feel good about yourself, build strong friendships, and deal with tough situations. Emotional health means being in tune with your feelings and knowing how to express them in positive ways. This includes recognizing your emotions, understanding why you feel a certain way, and talking about your feelings with trusted friends or adults. Learning how to manage stress, stay calm, and bounce back from setbacks is important. Activities like journaling, practicing mindfulness, and self regulation are skills that will benefit you over your entire life. When you’re emotionally healthy, you can handle ups and downs better, have more positive relationships, and feel more confident and happy.
Key Elements:
- Mindfulness Practices: Meditation, journaling, and stress management techniques to cultivate presence and focus.
- Emotional Literacy: Recognizing and articulating emotions through dedicated workshops and group discussions.
- Self-Awareness: Developing the ability to identify personal strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. Students learn to reflect on their behaviors and thought patterns to foster growth and informed decision-making.
- Conflict Resolution & Empathy Training: Cultivating understanding and managing interpersonal challenges through active listening, communication skills, and collaborative problem-solving.
Example Programs:
- Peer Mentorship Initiatives: Pairing older and younger students for emotional guidance and shared learning experiences.
- Guided Reflection Sessions: Building gratitude and purpose through structured activities, such as gratitude journaling and group storytelling.
Mental
Mental Sharpness: Inspiring Curiosity
The ability to think clearly, learn new things, and solve problems are the skills that are essential for the unknown future. Keeping your mind sharp helps you do well in school, be creative, and make good decisions. Mental well-being involves using your brain to think, learn, and create. It means staying curious and always wanting to learn new things, whether that’s through reading, discussion with teachers/peers, respectfully debating ideas and theories, creates a rich and rewarding inner environment.. It’s also about knowing how to focus, manage stress, and stay motivated. There is no “one size fits all” approach to achieving a balanced Mental Environment, it is through a critical exploration of what really works for the individual that this can be achieved. Keeping your mind active by trying new hobbies, playing strategy games, or even learning a musical instrument can help. Mental health also involves knowing when to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. When your mind is in good shape, you’re better at solving problems, making smart choices, and handling whatever comes your way.
Key Elements:
- Critical Thinking: Tackling real-world problems through project-based learning.
- Creative Exploration: Opportunities to explore personal passions, such as art, coding, or music.
- Growth Mindset: Encouraging students to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks.
- Initiative
Example Programs:
- Capstone projects allowing students to pursue individual interests.
- Regular debates, Socratic seminars, and guest lectures from thought leaders.
Connectivity
Interconnectiveness: Deepening Relationships and Purpose
In a time when instantaneous global communication is at your fingertips it can be shocking to realize that people are experiencing a profound lack of connectivity in their lives. While communication is easy, the depth and value of that connection is at an all time low. We approach teaching students about how they connect to their community by promoting strong, positive relationships with the people around them and appreciating their place in the infinite wonder of the natural world.
Our programs also include connecting with your family, friends, classmates, and even people in your neighbourhood or community. Building these relationships means spending time together, talking, listening, and supporting each other. Being involved in group activities, clubs, or sports teams can help you make new friends and feel like you belong. Helping others, whether through volunteering or just being there for a friend, can give you a sense of purpose and make you feel good. Staying connected with others gives you a support system and makes life more fun and meaningful.
Key Elements:
- Community Engagement: Volunteering and partnerships with local organizations.
- Nature Immersion: Cultivating a connection to the environment through conservation projects.
- Global Citizenship: Exploring cultural diversity and fostering an appreciation for interconnectedness.
Example Programs:
- Outdoor retreats focusing on team-building and self-discovery.
- "Connection Circles," where students share and reflect on personal experiences.
Structure & Curriculum
- Customized Pathways: Each student begins their journey with a "Wayfinding Map" — a personalized growth plan co-created with mentors and parents, updated annually.
- Flexible Schedules: The program allows for individualized pacing, integrating Apex Learning’s digital tools for academic subjects.
- Interdisciplinary Learning: Combining traditional subjects with experiential activities, such as:
- Science and Nature: Field studies in local ecosystems.
- History and Storytelling: Exploring personal and collective histories to inspire future ambitions.
Signature Features
1. "Expeditions"
Each semester, students participate in immersive Wilderness Integrated Leadership Development Education (WILDE) Expeditions. These outdoor adventures are designed to build skills in orienteering, leadership, teamwork, and resilience, while deepening students' connection to nature and themselves.
2. "Passion Projects"
Self-directed initiatives where students explore their personal interests and passions. These projects could include launching a community event, creating art, developing a business idea, or engaging in meaningful research.
3. "Wayfinding Workshops"
Monthly workshops featuring guest speakers and activities on topics such as financial literacy, self-advocacy, goal setting, and personal growth strategies.
4. "Balance Labs"
Spaces dedicated to experimenting with strategies for maintaining physical, emotional, and mental equilibrium. Activities may include tech detox days, mindfulness exercises, or gratitude campaigns.
Assessment & Growth Metrics
- Holistic Portfolios: Students document achievements across all pillars in a digital portfolio that evolves throughout high school.
- Mentor Reviews: Monthly check-ins with mentors to assess progress, challenges, and recalibrate goals.
- Peer Feedback: Encouraging students to provide constructive feedback to one another, fostering collaborative growth.
Professional Development for Educators
To ensure the program's success, teachers will receive specialized training in:
- Coaching techniques for personalized student mentorship.
- Integrating social-emotional learning into daily practices.
- Outdoor and experiential education strategies.
Outcomes & Legacy
Graduates of the Wayfinding Program will leave Wilde School with:
- A clear sense of identity and purpose.
- The resilience to navigate life’s challenges.
- A lifelong love of learning and exploration.
- A strong connection to their community and the natural world.
- A robust foundation in core competencies that will enable them to succeed in any path they choose, whether it leads to employment, entrepreneurship, or further education.
- Academic strength and a well-rounded skill set that make them highly appealing to universities, colleges, and future employers.
By equipping students to forge their own paths, the Wayfinding program inspires a new generation of innovators, leaders, and changemakers.
