Summer Semester
High School Summer Semester – 10/11th Grade Oregon
Adventure First
Prepare for a summer unlike any other, set in the stunning and diverse landscapes of Oregon. From the towering peaks of the Cascade Mountains to the tranquil beauty of the high desert and lush forests, Oregon becomes your ultimate classroom. The NCOAE High School Summer Semester offers rising 10th and 11th graders the unique opportunity to earn high school credits while diving into an unforgettable, 32-day outdoor adventure. This program is a seamless mix of outdoor exploration and academic challenge, designed to push your limits, inspire growth, and empower you for life’s next steps.
EDUCATION ALWAYS
Academic Excellence Meets Outdoor Adventure
Academic Excellence Paired with Outdoor AdventureIn the Oregon Summer Semester, your education takes on new meaning. Through hands-on learning and field-based research, you’ll engage in an Honors Natural Science, gaining firsthand experience with the environment and its ecosystems. Designed to meet high school credit requirements, this course integrates academic rigor with practical outdoor applications, propelling you forward in your academic journey.
You’ll also dive into a required elective in Outdoor Leadership, where you’ll hone key leadership skills such as problem-solving, effective communication, and team-building. These skills are vital for success in both college and future careers. As part of your experience, you’ll earn certifications in Outdoor Leadership, Wilderness Medicine, and Leave No Trace (LNT), preparing you to lead responsibly in wilderness environments and to become an advocate for environmental stewardship.
Certifications Earned
- Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification (valid for 3 years)
- Leave No Trace certification
- Outdoor Leadership certification
Course Details
- Outdoor Leadership: Master expedition planning, risk management, and decision-making in diverse outdoor environments.
- Wilderness Skills: Gain practical skills in navigation, shelter building, first aid, and Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.
- Teamwork and Communication: Develop collaboration and problem-solving abilities through group challenges and leadership rotations.
- Scientific Inquiry: Apply hands-on learning in natural sciences, focusing on ecological systems and environmental stewardship.
- Cultural Competency: Build understanding and adaptability through immersive experiences in diverse settings like Ecuador or other program locations.
- Leave No Trace Certification: Receive recognition for expertise in environmental ethics and sustainability practices.
- Interdisciplinary Learning Integration: Gain transferrable skills applicable to science, geography, and personal development coursework.
- Global and Local Perspectives: Engage in comparative cultural and environmental studies to satisfy global studies requirements.
- Honors Natural Science: Advanced Topic in Anthropogenic Effects Credit (0.5): Fulfill advanced coursework requirements with a focus
on ecology and field studies. - Outdoor Leadership Elective Credit (0.5): Earn credit for in-depth training in leadership and experiential education.
Highlights
Explore, Learn, Lead: The Ultimate Outdoor Classroom in Oregon
Welcome to the high desert plains of the Pacific Northwest, where life on campus at NCOAE Oregon is shaped by the spirit of exploration and experiential education. Here, students immerse themselves in a curriculum that blends rigorous academics with hands-on learning in the wild landscapes once traversed by Lewis and Clark. Days are spent preparing for fieldwork and research in the Natural Sciences, whether it’s studying river ecology on the banks of wild and scenic rivers or practicing leadership skills in rugged terrain. The vibrant campus community thrives on collaboration and shared adventure, fostering strong bonds among students as they grow into confident, capable leaders in both outdoor and academic settings.
On the Map
- NCOAE Tygh Valley, Oregon
Talk to Us
Have any further questions about the course location, what you'll learn, or what else to expect? Contact us, we're here to help!
DATES
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Oregon High School Semester – Summer Block?
This is a 32-day accredited program for 10th and 11th-grade students, combining academic learning, environmental immersion, and outdoor leadership experiences in Oregon. Students earn credits in Honors Natural Science: Advanced Topic in Anthropogenic Effects and Outdoor Leadership, with opportunities for certifications such as Leave No Trace (LNT).
Is NCOAE an accredited school?
Yes. NCOAE is accredited by Cognia (formerly SACS) and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. We are also accredited by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) and the Commission on Accreditation for PreHospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).
Who is eligible to participate?
The program is open to rising 10th and 11th-grade students from the U.S. and around the world, seeking an academically challenging experience combined with outdoor adventure in the unique landscapes of Oregon.
What academic credits can I earn?
Students earn 0.5 official high school credits in Honors Natural Science: Advanced Topics in Anthropogenic Effects and 0.5 credits as an elective credit in Outdoor Leadership. These credits can be transferred back to your home school.
What kind of outdoor activities are involved?
The course includes a wide range of outdoor activities such as backpacking, camping, rafting, and leadership training. Students will also engage in hands-on environmental science projects that explore Oregon’s diverse ecosystems.
Do I need prior outdoor experience?
No prior outdoor experience is required. The program is designed to teach students all necessary outdoor skills throughout the course, including navigation, risk management and leadership.
Where does the program take place?
This semester begins and ends at NCOAE’s base in Wasco County Oregon, combing both traditional classroom learning with various wilderness areas of Oregon, including the Cascade Range, Deschutes River and the Columbia River Gorge.
Will I receive certifications?
Yes, students can earn certifications in Wilderness Medicine, Outdoor Leadership, and Leave No Trace (LNT) upon successful completion of the program.
How are the academic classes taught in the wilderness?
The academic curriculum is fully integrated into Oregon’s natural environment. Natural Science lessons are tied to the ecosystems students explore, and the hands-on approach helps students
What safety measures are in place?
Safety is our top priority. All instructors arecertified in wilderness first aid, and the program follows strict safety protocols. Students also receive comprehensive training in wilderness safety and emergency procedures throughout the course.
How much does the program cost?
Please contact NCOAE directly for the most up-to-date tuition information. Financial aid and scholarships may be available for eligible students.
What is the student-to-instructor ratio?
We maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio to ensure personalized attention and instruction. There is one instructor for every six students.
How do I apply?
Interested students can apply through the NCOAE website. The application includes a form, a short essay, and a recommendation from a teacher or mentor. Early applications are encouraged as spots are limited.
