HOOD RIVER — After many years in downtown Hood River, Wildwood Academy’s new administration is now holding classes at the historic Mt. Hood Town Hall in Mt. Hood-Parkdale along Highway 35. The community center is complete with playground, cafeteria, and gymnasium.
Wildwood Academy is a private school that uses place-based learning to prepare students to function as adults in the real world. From communication to emotional well-being, the school is equipped to meet most educational needs and takes a flexible view on education and behavioral issues.
Described as a “blend of Waldorf and Montessori” style schooling by owners Ross Donaldson and Jessalyn Fey, the new administration will continue prioritizing individualized learning, low teacher-student ratios, blended classrooms, and sustainability. Both wear many hats at the school, with Donaldson as head of school and Fey as head administrator. The couple has two children enrolled at Wildwood and after seeing the positive impact of the school, they decided to get more involved in May 2024, they said.
Ownership transferred from the original founders last August. “We’re on excellent terms with the old owners, who are still very involved with the school. Transitions are hard but things are going really well,” said Donaldson.
Though they are now teaching at the Mt. Hood Town Hall this school year, they said the previous space under The Ruins event venue was “wonderful.” Changing the school location was in motion before Fey and Donaldson took over, considering proximity to the railroad, asphalt, and wedding parties that made for an “odd mix” when educating young students.
The Wlidwood Academy shuttle van sits out front of the new school space, Mt. Hood Town Hall.
Photo by Laurel Brown
“It has really felt like coming home,” Donaldson said of the community center, originally built to be a schoolhouse. Now, they have access to a large outdoor lawn, a cafeteria, and a gym for rainy days or theater programs.
Since the town hall building is actively used by the community, Donaldson and Fey said they are still figuring out how to best merge the space. “It’s been both time-consuming and thrilling because we want the kids to be a part of the community. We love getting them involved with volunteering for education’s sake,” said Fey.
The schedule includes “Adventure Mondays,” which are immersive, hands-on field trip days. Students go into the world to experience museums, art exhibits, hiking, mountain biking, volunteering, and more.
The gymnasium inside Mt. Hood Town Hall opens up space and possibilities for the academy.
Photo by Laurel Brown
Next school year, there are plans to expand Adventure Mondays to be more accessible and diverse for the wider community, bolstering socialization and community involvement for participants. Watch for the Missoula Children’s Theater this May, which Wildwood also hosted last year.
As educators, Fey and Donaldson understand that tech literacy is important, but they strive to strike a balance and remain unplugged for much of their coursework, including Adventure Mondays. “I’d say we are more hands on more of the time than using tech. We’re not fearful of technology but want it to be mindful usage,” Donaldson said.
The cafeteria space at the community center is also used for community dinners and meetings.
Photo by Laurel Brown
“The main thing we want to let people know is that we’re still here, we’re not closed! And we’re proud to be a diverse schooling option for the community,” Fey said.
Wildwood offers after-school care programs and shuttles from The Dalles to Stevenson. They currently have 11 students, one teacher for the classroom, and one teacher for Adventure Mondays. The academy offers open enrollment and has begun enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year for students in grades 5-8.
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