Welcome to The Grey School of Wizardry
I hope the day finds you in good health and high spirits. If you're reading this, you're probably curious about who we are, how we teach, and what it means to study at The Grey School of Wizardry. This page is meant to guide you through those first questions in a clear and thoughtful way. Our School has existed for more than twenty years, and during that time we have grown into a dedicated academic community with pupils, faculty and alumni around the world.
What The Grey School Is
The Grey School is a nonprofit university for adult learners who wish to study the academic and practical disciplines of wizardry. Our curriculum spans sixteen departments, covering subjects that include history, philosophy, natural studies, arts, esoteric traditions and the applied skills that support a well-rounded practice. We approach wizardry as a serious field of study built on inquiry, critical thinking and personal development. We do not offer roleplay, fictional settings or theatrical make-believe. Our work is educational in nature, supported by experienced faculty and structured programs.
Wizardry, as we teach it, is the study of how a person understands themselves, their environment and the patterns that shape human experience. It draws from many fields, yet remains practical and grounded, giving pupils tools they can use in their daily lives.
Who Our School Is For
The Grey School is designed for adults who enjoy structured learning and want a place where inquiry and discipline matter. Many of our pupils come from philosophical, spiritual, scientific or creative backgrounds. Others arrive simply because they are curious and want to learn in an environment that treats their interests with seriousness and respect.
Our community includes beginners, lifelong practitioners and working professionals. No prior experience is required. What matters most is the desire to learn, the willingness to think deeply, and the patience to work through your studies in a steady and thoughtful way.
What Study Looks Like at GSW
Text-Based Lessons
Most of your coursework happens through written lessons. You complete them at your own pace, working through readings, reflections, essays and practical exercises. This structure allows you to study in the way that suits your schedule, whether that means a few hours each week or longer focused sessions.
Live Classes and Events
In addition to written lessons, we offer live classes, workshops and discussions led by faculty. These sessions take place on our virtual campus and through other online platforms. Live instruction brings depth to your studies, helps build community, and provides a sense of shared academic life.
The Virtual Campus (vGSW)
Our virtual campus in Second Life is a fully developed academic environment with classrooms, courtyards, libraries, laboratories and specialized spaces designed for training and examination. It is used for lectures, cohort meetings, office hours, events and scenario-based learning. It is not a roleplay venue. It functions as a living campus that supports the educational mission of the School.
The Physical Campus at Highspire
Our physical campus in Whitehall, New York is an important part of who we are. Highspire hosts workshops, gatherings and seasonal events when possible. It reminds us that learning thrives in both physical and virtual spaces.
Our Academic Paths
Self-Paced Study
Many pupils choose the flexible option. They enroll, select their courses and progress through the lessons at their own pace. This path suits people with varied schedules or those who prefer independent study.
The vGSW Cohort Program
The Cohort Program is our most structured path. It is a guided 3.5-year program that takes a group of pupils through all sixteen departments with weekly live classes. Pupils work together through each level, supported by faculty instruction, scenario-based learning and group discussions. The Cohort path leads to the Journeyman Certification and offers a strong sense of academic community.
Learn More About Our Programs Here.
What You Need to Begin
To study at GSW, you must be at least eighteen years old and comfortable reading and writing in English. You will need a computer or tablet for coursework. Access to Second Life is optional, though it adds significant value to the learning experience.
Tuition is kept intentionally low so the School can remain accessible. Our standard rate is twenty-five dollars a month. Full details can be found on our tuition page, including information about financial assistance and future program offerings.
What Makes The Grey School Distinct
The Grey School combines long-standing academic traditions with modern tools and approaches. We offer:
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a twenty-year institutional history
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a comprehensive curriculum across sixteen departments
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a dedicated faculty of volunteers who teach from real experience
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a virtual campus that supports classes, examinations and training
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a physical campus that anchors the School in the material world
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a focus on personal development, responsibility and service
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scenario-based learning that puts knowledge into practice
Everything we offer is built to support the long-term growth of our pupils.
Common Questions
Q: Is this a roleplaying school?
A: No. The Grey School of Wizardry is an academic institution. Our curriculum is structured around research, applied study and the development of practical skills. Pupils complete written lessons, participate in live classes, work through scenario-based training and take part in community projects on our virtual and physical campuses.
While some of our work takes place in an online virtual environment, that space functions as a university campus rather than a roleplaying venue. Classes, examinations and events are conducted with the same seriousness and consistency you would expect in any adult learning environment.
Learn More about our School Here.
Q: Do I need any background in wizardry or esoteric studies?
A: No. Many people join the School without prior experience. Our first-year courses are designed to provide a foundation that supports all later study. Pupils are introduced to essential concepts, encouraged to think critically and guided through their work in a clear and steady progression.
Those with existing experience will find plenty of room to deepen their practice, while beginners will find an environment that gives them the structure and context they need.
Learn More About Our Departments Here.
Q: Can I study without accessing Second Life?
A: Yes. All text-based lessons may be completed without Second Life. Many pupils choose to engage entirely through our online classroom, and that is perfectly acceptable.
However, Second Life expands the educational experience in important ways. The virtual campus contains classrooms, laboratories, libraries and specialized training environments that support our programs, especially the Cohort structure and scenario-based learning. Pupils who participate in live classes and events often report a stronger sense of academic community and a deeper connection to the School.
Q: Is the School accredited?
A: We are not yet an accredited college. Accreditation remains one of our long-term goals, and the School has taken steps in that direction by formalizing its curriculum, strengthening its leadership structure and expanding its faculty offerings.
In the meantime, we operate as a nonprofit educational institution with a comprehensive curriculum, structured programs, and a commitment to academic integrity. Pupils can expect clear standards for progression, meaningful coursework and the opportunity to earn certifications such as the Journeyman level.
Q: How fast can I complete lessons?
A: Pupils progress at their own pace. Some prefer a steady rhythm and complete a few lessons each month, while others work more quickly. Our system is designed to support both approaches. The goal is not speed. The goal is mastery, reflection and the development of practical skill.
Faculty give thoughtful feedback on written work 1-3 days after submission, and scenario-based training allows pupils to demonstrate what they have learned in a practical live setting. Cohort pupils follow a guided weekly schedule, while self-paced pupils may chart their own study times.
Q: Do I need to follow a specific religion or belief system?
A: Not at all. The Grey School welcomes adults from many backgrounds. Our community includes naturalists, animists, pagans, polytheists, secular humanists, scientific skeptics and those who simply appreciate philosophical inquiry.
Wizardry, as we teach it, is not a religion. It is an academic and practical discipline focused on understanding the self, the natural world and the skills that support meaningful action. Pupils are encouraged to think for themselves, engage with ideas critically and explore their studies with curiosity and integrity.
Q: Is wizardry real?
A: Wizardry, as we teach it here, is a discipline rooted in study, practice, observation and personal growth. It draws from philosophy, psychology, natural sciences, mythic studies and applied arts. It is not about fantasy powers or fictional magic. It is about understanding yourself, engaging thoughtfully with the world around you, and using knowledge to act with purpose and clarity.
Many pupils find that their studies bring practical benefits to their everyday lives, including better decision-making, stronger personal discipline and a deeper sense of meaning.
Learn More About Modern Wizardry Here.
Q: Where does live teaching take place?
A: Live instruction is offered primarily through our virtual campus in Second Life, using classrooms and meeting halls designed for lectures, discussions and demonstrations. Faculty also host office hours, study groups and occasional workshops through other online platforms when appropriate.
Our physical campus at Highspire in New York hosts events and gatherings when circumstances allow, providing a place for pupils and faculty to meet, learn and work together in person.
Learn More About Highspire Here.
Q: What does tuition cover?
A:Tuition supports the ongoing costs of operating both the virtual and physical campuses. This includes server expenses, region upkeep, faculty tools, academic development and community programs. The School keeps tuition at a modest twenty-five dollars a month so that adults from many backgrounds can participate.
Additional programs, such as the Cohort structure, may have separate fees which are detailed on the tuition page. Scholarships are being expanded as part of the School’s long-term plan to support accessibility.
View Our Tuition Options Here.
Q: How do I enroll?
A: Enrollment is simple. You complete the registration form, review the welcome materials and begin selecting your first lessons. Faculty and prefects are available to answer questions along the way. You may begin at any time of year, and you may study at your own pace or join the Cohort program during its designated enrollment periods.
Ready to Begin?
If you feel that this School speaks to your interests or ambitions, we welcome you to take the next step.​
Whether you join us for a month or two, or commit to a full program, we are glad to have you here. The work of the School continues because people like you choose to walk through the door and take part in our academic life. And with all that said, I look forward to seeing you in class soon!
Wizardly Regards,
Headmaster Kingsley ᛞ
