NCOAE to Welcome Wilmington Outdoor Microschool Into Its Family

NCOAE to Welcome Wilmington Outdoor Microschool Into Its Family

By By Zac Adair, MA, W-EMT, Co-founder & Executive Director

We have some exciting news to share with our community and families throughout Wilmington, North Carolina. The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has announced plans to acquire Wilmington Outdoor Microschool (WOM), an outdoor-centered school founded by Travis and Mandi Adams that shares our belief in educational opportunities available beyond the traditional classroom.

For our leadership team, this acquisition represents an opportunity to bring NCOAE’s experience in outdoor and experiential education to elementary and middle school students in our hometown. It also offers an opportunity to support the educational approach that Travis and Mandi developed while introducing Wilmington-area families to the benefits of outdoor and experiential education.

The acquisition is expected to close by year’s end, after which WOM would become part of NCOAE, with plans to open Grades K-5 in the spring of 2027 and Grades 6-8 in the fall of 2027.

Bringing Outdoor Education Into the School Day

Since launching our first courses in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest in 2009, we’ve built NCOAE around the belief that direct experience plays an important role in education. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of watching students develop new skills while navigating unfamiliar environments, working with cohorts of varies ages and sizes to overcome challenges, and applying what they’ve learned to situations outside the classroom.

Those experiences have helped shape our approach to education, which can found in our Educational Framework. They also explain why we’re interested in supporting a school where spending time outdoors forms an important part of the educational experience, especially at such a young age.

For elementary and middle school students, outdoor experiential learning creates opportunities to explore familiar academic subjects in new ways. For example, a science lesson might involve examining the plants, insects, and wildlife found in a wooded area, while a mathematics exercise could involve measuring distances or comparing natural objects while seeking to determine the age of a fallen tree. Along the way, students learn and practice communication skills and cooperation as they participate in group activities.

We believe these experiences complement classroom instruction and help students develop a deeper understanding of what they’re learning. Travis and Mandi Adams founded Wilmington Outdoor Microschool in 2024 with similar beliefs. They also share our interest in expanding these educational opportunities for students throughout Wilmington and the greater Cape Fear region.

Building on the Work of Travis and Mandi Adams

Wilmington Outdoor Microschool grew from Travis and Mandi Adams’ interest in creating an educational experience centered on outdoor learning. They established a foundation for a school that encourages children to engage with their surroundings through hands-on activities and direct experiences.

As we began discussing WOM’s future with Travis and Mandi, we recognized similarities between their educational approach and the philosophy that has guided NCOAE for nearly two decades. We also saw opportunities to contribute our organizational experience and resources to the school’s continued development.

Under our agreement, NCOAE would acquire the WOM name, brand, and other agreed-upon business assets from the Adames company. Following the anticipated closing at the end of the year, we would assume responsibility for the school’s operations, staffing, financial management, and educational programming.

Travis and Mandi will continue participating in advisory roles, contributing their familiarity with WOM and the families it serves. We appreciate their willingness to remain involved,  and we look forward to drawing on their experience as we work through the transition.

Our intention is to preserve WOM’s identity and its commitment to outdoor-centered education while evaluating opportunities to further develop its curriculum and programming. We recognize that families have already formed relationships with the school, and we will respect those connections as plans move forward.

Opportunities at NCOAE’s 17-Acre Wilmington Campus

One aspect that particularly interests NCOAE and Travis and Mandy is the opportunity to support WOM through our 17-acre Wilmington campus. The property provides an outdoor setting where students can explore their surroundings and participate in hands-on educational activities that connect academic concepts to direct experience.

Our experience developing outdoor education programs also provides a foundation for supporting WOM’s educational programming. Over the years, we’ve worked with students of different ages and backgrounds, along with countless private, independent, and public school, developing activities that encourage hands-on and experiential learning while accounting for their abilities, educational, and curricular needs.

While WOM prepares for its upcoming semester, we’ll be working in tandem with the Adams’s and a team of its educators to evaluate the best way NCOAE can use its resources in support the school. That process will include preparing for the anticipated Spring 2027 opening of grades K-5 and the addition of grades 6-8 in Fall 2027.

We anticipate working together in support of the transition and prepare for the 2027-2028 school year. As plans develop, we’ll be in constant contact with WOM families about programming and any operational changes that may affect their children’s educational experience.

An Invitation to Wilmington-Area Families

Choosing a school involves questions that extend well beyond its educational philosophy. Families need to understand what their children’s days will look like and how teachers approach instruction, as well as whether a school’s learning environment fits their children’s needs.

We welcome those questions and look forward to introducing families to WOM’s approach to education through the use of outdoor experiences and spaces. To help families learn more, we’re hosting two upcoming open house and orientation events at NCOAE’s Wilmington campus.

The events are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026. Families will have an opportunity to tour our campus, explore WOM’s programming, and ask questions about enrollment and the school’s future as part of NCOAE.

Parents considering WOM for Spring 2027 or the 2027-2028 school year are encouraged to attend. To RSVP for either event, please visit the WOM website.

Continuing Our Commitment to Experiential Education

Over the years, NCOAE has expanded from its first wilderness courses into an organization offering accredited outdoor education, world-class adventure programming, award-winning leadership development, and wilderness medicine training. Throughout that growth, we’ve remained committed to helping students learn through experiences that connect them directly with the world around them.

The acquisition of Wilmington Outdoor Microschool gives us an opportunity to bring that educational philosophy into a school setting for younger students. We’re excited about the possibilities, appreciative of the work Travis and Mandi have already done, and eager to meet the Wilmington-area families interested in learning more about WOM.

We hope you’ll join us at one of the upcoming open houses to see our campus and learn about the school’s plans. We look forward to answering your questions and sharing more about what we’re preparing for Spring 2027.

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About The Author: Zac Adair MA, W-EMT is the co-founder and executive director of The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education.