About Us
Meet our founders and get to know more about us.
Who we are.
At Wildwood Independent School, we believe that middle school is an adventure—one shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to self and the natural world. Learning here isn’t limited to textbooks and classrooms. It happens under the canopy of trees, around the fire circle, and through hands-on projects that bring ideas to life.
Of course, we follow the BC curriculum, but we do more than just cover subjects—we weave them together into cross-curricular projects that spark curiosity, inspire deep learning, and encourage critical thinking.
Middle school is a time of exploration and self-discovery—not just in academics, but in relationships, social dynamics, and understanding your place in the world. It’s a time of awakening—of discovering who you are, how you connect with others, and how you can make an impact. That’s why we emphasize strong connections—with peers, teachers, and the environment. We cultivate open communication, empathy, and respect, creating a space where your voice is heard, your ideas are valued, and your growth is supported.
At Wildwood, learning extends beyond academics—it’s about developing confidence, leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility for yourself and the world around you. Whether you're problem-solving on a team challenge, journaling in the forest, or investigating real-world issues through inquiry-based projects, your learning will feel meaningful, relevant, and engaging.
Our goal is to help build resilience, independence, and a lifelong love of learning, while equipping our students with the tools to navigate the world with curiosity, kindness, and a spirit of adventure.
At Wildwood, every day is an opportunity to explore, grow, and create unforgettable experiences.
Abbie Crompton (she/her)
Founding Principal
Abbie Crompton is an experienced and dynamic educator passionate about fostering curiosity, creativity, and resilience in students. She holds a Certificate of Qualification and has taught in the Burnaby, Sunshine Coast, and Qathet/Powell River School Districts. Abbie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Creative and Critical Thinking from UBC and completed her Education Degree at Simon Fraser University in 2019, where she was trained on the new BC Curriculum and First People’s Principals.
Abbie brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique teaching style that blends experiential learning with academic excellence. She is a maker, connector, and explorer, driven by a deep curiosity for how things work and a love of the outdoors.
Abbie works closely with middle schoolers to help them discover their strengths, take ownership of their learning, and develop the confidence to tackle challenges with creativity and resilience. She creates a dynamic and supportive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and think critically.
As Founding Teaching Principal of Wildwood Independent School, Abbie is excited to shape an innovative learning community that integrates outdoor education, project-based learning, and student-driven exploration. Her leadership will be instrumental in developing a school culture where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Katie Shindler (she/her)
Founder.
Katie Shindler has always been drawn to big ideas, hands-on learning, and outdoor adventures. From an early age, she found ways to blend business with her love of nature, training and selling horses, running a trail riding business, and even launching a horse-drawn sleigh company in Whistler. Whether working with animals, building businesses, or exploring the outdoors, she has always been happiest when bringing people together to create something meaningful.
Her career took an unexpected turn into the tech world, where she became an early member of a startup, working with government agencies and global corporations on social media strategy and security. While the fast-paced industry was exciting, Katie knew her heart was still in the dirt, the trees, and the kind of learning that happens outside four walls.
After moving to the Sunshine Coast, she found herself reconnecting with the things she loved most—gardening, raising chickens and horses, and exploring the forest with her kids. But something else was growing, too: a vision for a different kind of school experience for her children… One where learning is active, curiosity is celebrated, and students build confidence by tackling real-world challenges in nature.
After years of providing nature-based learning for elementary-aged children in Upper Roberts Creek, Katie has shifted her focus to creating an outdoor leadership program designed specifically for middle and junior high school students.
Inspired by the Trek Outdoor Education Program she attended in high school—a transformative experience that shaped her perspective on learning—Katie, along with Abbie, is dedicated to building a program that challenges, inspires, and empowers students. Their goal is to create an immersive, hands-on learning experience that helps students develop resilience, confidence, and a deep connection to their community and the natural world.
Wildwood Independent School is the result of this vision—a place where middle schoolers can thrive, learning in a way that feels real, relevant, and deeply engaging.
“My hope is that through a connection to nature, we will set our children up to heal our planet and communities.”
Where we learn.
Our New Home: Camp Douglas, Roberts Creek
Starting in September 2025, we will be moving into a new location at Camp Douglas in Roberts Creek. Nestled in the forest, close to the beach, and directly on the bus route between Gibsons and Sechelt, this location offers an ideal learning environment. The site’s large, naturally lit learning spaces and access to trails, forests, and beaches align perfectly with our outdoor-focused, experiential learning model.
