NCOAE Announces Plans to Acquire Wilmington Outdoor Microschool, Expanding Its Commitment to Outdoor Education

The proposed acquisition brings together two organizations with a commitment to experiential education and the opportunities outdoor environmentsprovide for learning and personal development.

Wilmington-area families are invited to attend open house and orientation events on November 21 and December 5 to learn more about the school’s educational approach and upcoming programming.

WILMINGTON, NC — November 11, 2026 — The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has announced plans to acquire Wilmington Outdoor Microschool (WOM), an outdoor education school serving families in the Wilmington, North Carolina area. Grades K-5 will be open in Spring 2027; grades 6-8 will be open in Fall 2027.  The acquisition would bring WOM under NCOAE’s ownership and management while preserving the school’s identity and its commitment to learning through outdoor experiences.

Under the agreement, NCOAE would acquire the WOM name, brand, and other agreed business assets from Carolina Brick Co., LLC. The organizations anticipate completing the transaction by Dec. 31, 2026, subject to execution of a definitive asset purchase agreement and satisfaction of applicable closing conditions.

The acquisition brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to experiential education and the opportunities outdoor environments provide for learning and personal development. For WOM, the transition would provide access to NCOAE’s organizational resources, including its 17-acre Wilmington campus, as well as NCOAE’s experience in outdoor education, while creating opportunities to build on the school’s existing programming.

The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is a nationally recognized educational organization offering experiential education, outdoor adventure, leadership development, wilderness medicine, and emergency medical training programs. NCOAE holds accreditation through Cognia and the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) to provide continuing education for EMS professionals. These accreditations reflect our commitment to educational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement. Through our sister nonprofit, Education Without Walls (EWW), we further our mission by expanding access to transformative outdoor and experiential learning opportunities for students and communities.

“At NCOAE, we’ve always believed that some of the most meaningful learning happens beyond the traditional classroom, where students have the opportunity to explore, discover, and apply what they learn through real-world experiences, said Zac Adair, Co-founder and Executive Director of The National Center for Outdoor &. Adventure Education. “Bringing Wilmington Outdoor Microschool into the NCOAE family is a natural extension of that philosophy and our commitment to experiential education. Travis Adams and his wife Mandi have built something special in WOM, and we’re excited to build on that foundation, combining their vision, our experience and resources to create even more opportunities for students to learn, grow, and thrive.”

The proposed acquisition follows discussions between NCOAE and WOM founders Travis and Mandi Adams about the school’s future and how to support its continued development.  Following the anticipated closing, NCOAE would assume responsibility for WOM’ operations, staffing, financial management, and educational programming. Travis and Mandi Adams would remain involved in advisory roles, contributing their experience and familiarity with the school as NCOAE assumes operational responsibility.

The organizations anticipate working together throughout Spring 2027 to support the transition and prepare for the 2027–2028 school year.

For current WOM families, the transition is intended to maintain continuity in the school’s educational approach and community relationships. NCOAE will work with WOM educators and the Adamses to evaluate programming needs and communicate any operational changes as plans develop.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with NCOAE,” said Travis Adams, co-founder of Wilmington Outdoor Microschool. “NCOAE’s superpower is excellence. They’ve been leading adventures across the globe for kids for over 20 years, and they’ll be instrumental in taking the school to the next level. This really is a big day for our school community!”

Wilmington-area families interested in learning more about WOM are invited to attend one of two upcoming open house and orientation events on Sat., Nov. 21, or Sat., Dec. 5, 2026, at NCOAE in Wilmington. The events will provide an opportunity to learn about WOM’ approach to outdoor education, explore its educational programming, tour the NCOAE campus, and ask questions about enrollment and the school’s future under NCOAE.

Families considering WOM for Spring 2027 programming or the 2027–2028 school year are encouraged to attend. To RSVP, visit https://www.wom.school. 

NCOAE’s experience in outdoor and adventure education provides a foundation for supporting WOM as it enters its next chapter. Both organizations recognize the educational opportunities that emerge when students spend meaningful time outdoors, engage directly with their surroundings, and apply what they learn through hands-on experiences.

The proposed acquisition would allow WOM to continue developing its educational programming within NCOAE’s organizational structure while maintaining its connection to the Wilmington community.

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About the National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE)

Since launching its first courses in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest in 2009, NCOAE has grown into a global leader in outdoor education and adventure-based programming. Based in Wilmington, N.C., NCOAE is committed to creating and facilitating wilderness-based experiences that foster personal growth, professional development, and the acquisition of technical outdoor and wilderness medicine skills. Accredited by Cognia, the Association for Experiential Education (AEE), and the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), NCOAE provides courses and training across the United States and internationally, including in Patagonia and other global destinations. Learn more at www.ncoae.org.

About Wilmington Outdoor Microschool (WOM)

Wilmington Outdoor Microschool (WOM) is an outdoor-centered school serving families in the Wilmington, North Carolina, area. Founded by Travis and Mandi Adams, WOM offers an approach to elementary and middle school education that considers learning beyond the traditional classroom, encouraging students to engage with their surroundings through outdoor experiences and hands-on activities. The school emphasizes experiential learning and maintains close connections with the families and community it serves. Learn more at www.wom.school.

Media Contact: Margee Herring, (910) 233-2466 | margeeherring@gmail.com