Outdoor Adventure & Academic Excellence in the PNW
For many, the Pacific Northwest is synonymous with adventure. Its rugged coastlines, snow-capped peaks, and dense forests have long called to those with a spirit of exploration. For students at Annie Wright Schools in Tacoma, Washington, this landscape isn’t just a backdrop — it’s an essential part of their education. Through the Great Outdoor Adventure Team (GOAT) program, students in Grades 9-12 experience a unique blend of academic rigor and outdoor adventure.
A Classroom Without Walls
At Annie Wright, students aren’t confined to the walls of a classroom. The GOAT program integrates the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma with hands-on learning experiences in some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic settings. From kayaking alongside porpoises in Commencement Bay to summiting the glaciers of Mt. Baker, the program offers a diverse range of outdoor challenges designed to build resilience, leadership, and a lifelong love for the outdoors.
Each year, the journey deepens. Ninth graders start by mastering basic skills like land navigation, campcraft, and environmental stewardship. By senior year, they’re climbing Mt. St. Helens and learning glacier travel techniques, all while reflecting on their growth over four years of adventure.
These experiences aren’t just about physical challenges; they’re a key part of Annie Wright’s holistic approach to education. Each trip encourages students to push beyond their limits, gain new perspectives, and discover the strength that comes from facing the unknown.
Building Skills for Life — Not Just for the Outdoors
“What I love about the outdoors is that it often pushes people outside of their comfort zone,” says Betta Hanson, GOAT Co-Director and Residential Faculty at Annie Wright Schools. “And then — when students are ‘comfortably uncomfortable’ — that is when the learning happens. It’s about equipping students with life skills and confidence that will serve them well beyond their time here.”
The GOAT program’s focus on leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving aligns with the values of the International Baccalaureate curriculum, which emphasizes critical thinking and global citizenship. The result is students who are not only academically prepared but also equipped to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence.
A Community of Adventurers
The community at Annie Wright is another cornerstone of the GOAT experience. As a boarding school, Annie Wright brings together students from around the world, creating a tight-knit environment where friendships are formed around campfires and on mountain trails. This sense of camaraderie extends beyond graduation, as GOAT alumni carry with them memories of shared adventures and the lessons learned along the way.
Embrace the Wild, Elevate Your Education
For those who see the world as their classroom and believe that true growth happens outside of comfort zones, Annie Wright Schools’ GOAT program offers a high school experience like no other. Here, adventure isn’t an extracurricular — it’s an integral part of a journey that prepares students for whatever challenges lie ahead. To learn more about the GOAT program and how it shapes future leaders, visit aw.org/GOAT.
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