ourinspiration
“Traditional schools, our educational system, and even our way of raising children replaces curiosity with compliance. And once you replace the curiosity with the compliance, you get an obedient factory worker, but you no longer get a creative thinker. And you need creativity, you need the ability to feed your own brain to learn whatever you want.”
- Naval Ravikant
Our journey began as parents seeking better opportunities and challenges for our children. Innovative learning designs are gaining traction across the world as fellow parents seek to better equip their children for what the future holds.
As parents ourselves - we were no different - we saw the challenges that will face our children in the future and looked for solutions that would prepare them to turn those challenges into opportunities.
We took time to research, visit, learn from and partner with schools across the country that are leading in this movement by implementing some of the most advanced learner-driven practices. Wonder is the product of that work, a coming together of the most innovative learning models across the country.
Our primary inspiration for Wonder has always been Acton Academy. Launched in Austin, Texas over a decade ago by Jeff and Laura Sandefer, Acton is now the inspiration to hundreds of schools across the country.
Since launching we have taken a greater role in working to develop the Acton Network of schools and are thankful to have Jeff and Laura as personal mentors to us on this journey.
To learn more read Our Inspiration on our blog.
view blogwho we are
Our team is made up of innovative minds each playing the role of a Socratic guide dedicated to empowering young people to take ownership over their own learning.
We are entrepreneurs, designers, Montessorians, an astrophysicist, lovers of history as well as the future. We have a few fans of Elon Musk, one of Tony Robbins, a couple of Jordan Peterson, at least one wanna-be/future astronaut.
While we all have different backgrounds, we are brought together by an unwavering belief in the capabilities of young people and our dedication to what education can and should be for each learner.
Allison
Nickname Gen Z Grandma
Super power
Asking the Dumb Questions
Current book
Metamorphosis
Passions
Baking • Silly Histories • Vintage Fashion
Background
- Classical Ed
- Organizational Leadership
- Party Planner Extraordinaire
Nic
Nickname Nicossori
Super power
Montessori
Current book
Thoughts Concerning Education - John Locke
Passions
Reason • Liberty • Education
Background
- AMI Primary Diploma
- AMI Elementary Diploma (in progress)
- Oyster and Scallop aficionado
Therese
Nickname Tess
Super power
Catching Butterflies
Current book
Leisure: The Basis of Culture
Passions
Family, Tradition, Hearing Someone’s Story
Background
- Ninth of Ten Kids
- Degree in Psychology and Philosophy
- Volunteered in Italy
Spencer
Nickname Spaceman
Super power
Game-Making
Current book
The Fifth Science
Passions
Space • Dinosaurs • Tech
Background
- Startup Founder since 16
- Masters in Innovation
- Fastest Wonder Guide
Zach W
Nickname Zacaroni
Super power
Average at Everything
Current book
The Hobbit
Passions
Science, Learning, Martial Arts
Background
- Masters in Physics
- Jiu-Jitsu Coach
- Best beard at Wonder
Bailey
Nickname Bay
Super power
Team Building
Current book
Parenting With Love & Logic
Passions
Fitness • Extreme Sports • Mindset
Background
- Studied in Europe
- Masters in Innovation
- Born without a sense of smell
Annie
Nickname Wonder Woman
Super power
Zen
Current book
Untamed
Passions
Running • Reading • Kombucha
Background
- Mother since 2012
- Vegan since 2016
- Oldest person at Wonder
Zach
Nickname Z
Super power
Vision Setting
Background
"How great the chasm that lay between us how high the mountains I could not climb In desperation I turned to heaven and spoke your name into the night. Then through the darkness, your loving-kindness tore through the shadows of my soul. The work is finished the end is written Jesus Christ my living hope."
ourcampus
location
Our campus is located in North East Wichita just off 37th and Webb Road.
tours
Due to time constraints of our team and the number of requests, we are not able to host general tours of the school however, if you are interested in enrollment you can schedule a time to talk and visit the school on our enrollment page.
daily schedule
Each day at Wonder is broken up into work sprints with a shared purpose or goal. In a normal day:
- Mornings are reserved for Core Skills
- Afternoons are for hands-on Quest projects in the shoes of a real-life hero
- 15-minute Socratic discussions bookend the work periods and provide a time to reflect, think deeply, and bond as a group
- Plenty of time is open for free play and exercise throughout the day
The flexibility of the schedule is key to the learning design. Work blocks can be shuffled around based on studio needs each session. Within each work block, learners choose from a broad range of work options based on their personal goals, passions, and commitments.
Drop-off / Free Time
Daily Launch (Socratic Discussion)
Core Skills
Goal setting, math, Writers' Workshop, reading, civilization discussion, "Brain Breaks" throughoutLunch / Free Time
Quest Launch (Socratic Discussion)
Quest
Hands-on work, team-based challenges, sciences, coding, entrepreneurship, art & music, historyStudio Maintenance / Report on Goals
Closing Group (Socratic Discussion)
Pick-up
faq
Need some answers? You’re not alone.
Check out these frequently answered questions.
- I recognize Wonder is different than my current school. How do I know if it's the right fit for us?
Each family is unique, though there are some similarities we've seen between the families who are happiest and most successful in this model.
We encourage families to be intentional about their decision to apply to Wonder. Please read our site, suggest materials in our blog, and books like Courage to Grow, Unschooling Rules,
- What grades do you offer?
For the 2021-22 year, Wonder will have our preschool through high school studios open. We enroll young people ages 3 through 12. Our high school however is primarily enrolled with learners that have been with us in the middle school studio as it can be difficult to transition into Wonder at older ages given the high amount of freedom in our studios.
- What is your calendar and daily schedule?
Wonder begins at 9:00 am each day (drop-off starting at 8:30 am) and finishes at 3:30 pm.
We operate on a 10-month calendar, but our flexible program allows families to travel together during the year, without sacrificing learning.
The school calendar is based on a series of 5- to 6-week project sprints called "Quests", each with a theme – like Rockets, Robots, Medical Biology, or Detective Chemistry. Each Quest is a grand adventure, culminating in a high-stakes public Exhibition for family and friends.
Seven 4 to 6 week sessions, followed by 1 to 2 weeks off to refuel and for holidays, make up the school year.
- What do you mean by “a hero’s journey”?
We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.
- Will children be grouped together by grades?
We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, all ages of learners work together in groups.
- What kind of learner thrives at Wonder?
Kids who love to learn, are curious, self-motivated, and respectful. Our environment is an accelerator for the independent learner who can tackle challenging questions, follow instructions, and solve problems.
- What resources do you have for kids with special learning needs?
We take our commitment seriously when we promise to deliver a transformative education experience for young people at Wonder. Since we are a small school, we make sure that we have the resources necessary to keep this promise for each family that joins us. Currently we have had success with young people who experience ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, and some minor forms of autism. We are not currently equipped to serve young people with other specific learning needs.
- Is Wonder a Montessori school?
While our Wonder One studio is an authentic AMI Montessori environment, Wonder as a whole is not a Montessori school. We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy in other studios while still using the latest interactive and adaptive technologies, hands-on projects and the Socratic Method for discussions.
- What do you mean by "every child can change the world"?
We believe each of our learners will find a passion — something they love and have a gift to do. They will use this gift to serve others and fulfill a need they are passionate about in the world. This may be by becoming a shoe-shiner who tells stories and makes people's day better just by doing his job with love and vigor; it may be by becoming a coach who sees the light in a child’s eyes and guides her to pursue a dream; it may be by becoming a father or mother who leads a family on a Hero's Journey; it may be becoming an entrepreneur or business leader guided by compassion and integrity; or it may be by becoming an artist or writer who brings beauty to people's lives.
- Will Wonder prepare my child for college?
Our promise at Wonder is to have your child well prepared for any selective university where they can score high enough on a standardized test to gain admittance.
Universities are changing so rapidly that it’s difficult to imagine what a college education will look like in ten years. Unfortunately, many colleges still place a great deal of importance on standardized tests, which are little more than IQ tests, and are difficult to improve on once your child understands basic test taking tricks.
Once your child gets over the test taking barrier at the university of their choice, their portfolio and critical thinking skills will be a big boost during the application and interviewing process.
Most importantly, they’ll be well prepared to shine in the real world, whether they choose to go to college full time, part time or not at all.- What is your tuition?
Tuition for the school year is $10,000 per year, payable in ten monthly installments of $1,000 from September through June. A small number of scholarship opportunities are available. These scholarships are awarded to young people most committed to contributing to Wonder’s community. If you are interested in a scholarship, please let us know. (Tuition is adjusted for inflation annually.)
- Where are you located?
Wonder is located in North East Wichita at 9323 E 37th St N, Wichita, KS 67226.