The Grey School of Wizardry is an online school teaching a wide range of magical theory and practice. The sixteen Departments cover everything from Magickal Practice to Lore, Wortcunning to Beast Mastery, and more. A secular institution, the Grey School accepts students of all religions and spiritual beliefs, and strives to teach magic in a way that will fit into any worldview.
The School was established in 2004 by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, a well-respected figure in American Paganism, and is presided over by a group of around 20 senior magickal practitioners known as the Grey Council. Professor Oberon Zell-Ravenheart is the first and current headmaster of the school.
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The Grey School accepts students from the age of 11 onwards, and adults of all ages. For children, the school is designed to be completed over a 7-year period, much the same as mainstream secondary schools. The Grey School of Wizardry is a registered educational institution in the State of California, and thus provides young people with an alternative but legally recognised education.
Students progress through 7 levels. The terms 'level' and 'year' are used interchangeably, as (especially for adults) learning is self-paced and the student may complete a level in less than or more than a year. The format allows for a rate of learning which suits the individual's life and commitments. After successfully completing the seven years/levels, the student graduates and is presented with a certificate and the title of Journeyman Wizard.
To complete each year/level, the student must obtain 24 credits. Each class is worth between 1 to 3 credits, with most being worth 2. This works out at approximately 12 classes per level. The complexity and maturity of classes increases at each level. The suggested completion time for each class is listed in the class description: most range from 1 week to 6 weeks. Although, as mentioned above, learning is self-paced and there are no due dates for any work. To pass a class, the student must submit one or more assignments in the form of either an essay, multiple choice test, or practical activity.
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Being completely online, the School is location-independent. Anyone from around the world can study at the Grey School, as long as they have internet access. Some classes require students to submit photographs, videos etc., but from what I have seen so far, there are no requirements that would preclude any students with a reasonable knowledge of technology. (And for those with less internet proficiency, there are classes which teach subjects like internet safety, taking and editing photos, etc.) Students can apply for special consideration if there are any barriers to completing a class.
Socially, the school is very lively. Upon enrolling, students are sorting into one of four Houses (there are separate Houses for under 18s; the houses for over-18s are called Lodges). Sorting is based on the student's astrological sign. Students can show their House/Lodge pride with t-shirts, scarves and patches available. The School forums are a place to find out information, socialise and discuss various topics. There is also a Virtual campus on Second Life which I believe is very popular amongst the younger students.
At this stage, perhaps you may be thinking -- hmmm, 7 years, 4 houses, entering at the age of 11? Even a wise headmaster with a long beard? Doesn't that sound a bit familiar?
Well, yes! The Grey School of Wizardry is partly modelled on Hogwarts School from the world of Harry Potter. It was opened just a few years after the first Harry Potter book came out, but the idea was around long before that. As Oberon Zell-Ravenheart mentioned in this YouTube video, the idea for the school had been in his mind for a long time, but it wasn't until he saw how popular the Harry Potter books were that he believed the school could become a reality. (Of course, the advent of the Internet and increase in its uptake would certainly have helped.) The School has Departments for Divination, Beast Mastery and even Defense Against the Dark Arts! Of course, there are differences too. The Grey School teaches 'real life' magic, not 'fictional' magic. There's an important difference. Perhaps I'll write a separate post about that one day soon.
These are my impressions of the Grey School so far, from reading the website and the Student Handbook. After all, I have only been a student for one week at this stage! I'm very much looking forward to getting started with my studies, and I'm sure I'll have a lot more to share once I move further into student life.
Sources:
Grey School of Wizardry Student Handbook
Grey School of Wizardry Wikipedia Page
Grey School of Wizardry: About
Magickal: YouTube Video
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