FAQs

What makes Willow & Wonder Academy different from other supplemental or microschool programs? 

Willow & Wonder Academy is a play-based microschool and homeschool hybrid designed for families seeking a more thoughtful, relationship-centered approach to education. Rather than replicating a traditional classroom, we create a learning community where childhood is honored, curiosity is encouraged, and meaningful experiences inspire learning.

Through small group sizes, mixed-age learning, hands-on exploration, and responsive teaching, children are supported according to their unique strengths, interests, and developmental readiness. Learning unfolds through play, inquiry, collaboration, creativity, and real-world experiences that encourage children to ask questions, solve problems, and develop confidence in themselves as learners.

Drawing from my background in both elementary and special education, Willow & Wonder was intentionally designed to nurture the whole child while fostering resilience, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

What qualifications and training do your educators have? 

At Willow & Wonder Academy, our educators are experienced, qualified, and rooted in child development and play-based learning. We prioritize a whole-child approach, blending strong academic foundations with social-emotional development and wellness-informed practices.

As the founder and lead educator, I hold a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Special Education, along with an ESL endorsement, and maintain current teaching certifications for the subjects and age groups offered within the program. My background in both elementary and special education has significantly shaped the philosophy of Willow & Wonder, reinforcing the importance of strong relationships, responsive teaching, and meeting children where they are.

Beyond formal credentials, I am committed to ongoing learning and growth. I regularly engage with current research in learning science, child development, mental health, and wellness, and continually seek out new knowledge, trainings, and perspectives to better support the children and families we serve. This commitment to lifelong learning is woven into the heart of Willow & Wonder.

As our program grows, all educators will be thoughtfully selected and aligned with the values, philosophy, and approach that define Willow & Wonder. Every educator is chosen with care to ensure children continue to feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to love learning.

What is your class size? 

We maintain a small class size to ensure that each child receives the individualized attention they need. Our multi-age groups are capped at 16 students. Our adult-to-student ratio will never exceed 1:10, which allows for personalized care and instruction in a supportive, intimate setting. Please note, the actual class size may vary from year to year based on factors such as enrollment, the age group being served, and the unique needs of the children. For instance, younger age groups or classes requiring more individualized support may have fewer children to ensure a quality experience. Please reach out directly if you'd like to know the current class size for this school year. 

What is your approach to learning and development? 

We believe children learn best when they feel safe, connected, and actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences. Our play-based, inquiry-driven approach encourages children to explore, create, ask questions, solve problems, and develop a genuine sense of ownership over their learning.

Rather than separating learning into isolated subjects, we weave literacy, math, science, social studies, art, nature study, and social-emotional learning into rich, hands-on experiences that reflect children's interests and developmental needs. Our goal is to nurture curious, capable learners while supporting growth across the academic, social, emotional, physical, and creative domains.

Is Willow & Wonder a faith-based program? 

While Willow & Wonder is not affiliated with any specific denomination or church, our program is built around values deeply rooted in Christ-like principles: kindness, integrity, compassion, and being a light in the world. I strive to create a nurturing, inclusive environment where all children, regardless of faith background or belief, feel loved, valued, and encouraged to grow into their fullest potential. Our focus is on building a community where every child is supported and empowered to explore, learn, and thrive in a safe and welcoming space. 

Do you incorporate field trips into the program? 

Yes! Field trips are an exciting part of our curriculum, thoughtfully woven into our unit studies to enhance learning. Some are offered at no cost, while others are available at a discounted field trip rate. These hands-on experiences provide real-world connections to academic topics and foster exploration, teamwork, and curiosity.

Are there pets at Willow & Wonder Academy?

Yes! Willow & Wonder Academy is a pet-friendly learning environment. As part of our cozy, home-based setting, friendly animals (such as cats or a dog) may be present from time to time.

If your child has a known allergy, please be sure to let us know. Should you choose to enroll, we will do our best to limit direct exposure and make reasonable accommodations to support your child’s comfort and safety, while understanding that we cannot guarantee a completely animal-free environment.

What age groups or grade levels do you serve? 

Our program currently serves children ages 4–10, with thoughtful flexibility on either end. Families of children just under age 4 may be invited to complete a readiness screener to help ensure a smooth transition. Our hands-on, play-based approach supports whole-child development and builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning. As we grow, we plan to expand one year at a time into upper elementary grades.

How do you group students in your program?

At Willow & Wonder Academy, we take a unique approach to grouping that honors the whole child. Instead of following strict grade levels, we thoughtfully combine mixed-age groupings with ability-based learning. This means students are grouped based on where they are developmentally and academically, not just by their birth year.

Research shows that mixed-age learning supports stronger collaboration, leadership, and peer modeling. Older students build confidence and empathy, while younger learners benefit from rich language exposure and scaffolding. We also take care to consider emotional maturity and social compatibility, especially during play and group projects, so each child feels supported and at ease.

This intentional grouping structure helps us meet each child right where they are, fostering a more personalized, connected, and meaningful learning experience.

How do you ensure my child’s needs are met? 

We take a personalized approach to learning, recognizing each child’s unique strengths and challenges. Through close observation and a flexible curriculum, we provide support and encouragement so every child can thrive at their own pace in an environment where they feel valued and empowered.

At this stage, we may not have the resources to fully support moderate to severe needs requiring intensive or one-on-one interventions. However, we work closely with families during admissions to understand each child’s learning profile and determine whether our current program is the best fit.

Is there a graduation ceremony at Willow & Wonder Academy?

Our program is deeply rooted in a child-centered, purposeful, and intentional approach to learning and growth. Instead of a traditional graduation ceremony, which often feels more focused on parents and can sometimes bring up unnecessary nerves or anxiety for children, we host a moving up celebration during our end-of-the-year party.

This celebration includes every student, no matter their age or stage of growth. It honors each child’s unique journey, giving all students the chance to reflect on their accomplishments, share memories, and feel proud of their progress in a joyful and relaxed environment alongside their families. Everyone moves forward together, celebrated for exactly where they are.

What is the schedule like for your program? 

Our program follows a consistent daily rhythm while allowing flexibility to meet the needs of each year's learning community. Students are thoughtfully grouped into developmentally appropriate cohorts, with schedules determined based on enrollment, ages, and group composition.

Because schedules may evolve from year to year, we encourage families to visit our Schedule page for the most current information regarding program offerings, cohort times, and enrollment options.

How do your enrichment and core programs differ? 

Our Enrichment Club is a once-weekly enrichment experience designed to provide children with opportunities for creativity, exploration, collaboration, and hands-on learning beyond our core microschool program. Meeting on Mondays, Enrichment Club offers engaging experiences that may include STEM challenges, cooking, art, literacy, games, maker projects, nature-based learning, and other interest-driven explorations. Specific offerings may evolve throughout the year based on student interests, seasonal themes, and quarterly programming.

In contrast, our microschool program provides a consistent learning community rooted in meaningful relationships, playful exploration, and whole-child development. Through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experiences, students build strong academic foundations while developing confidence, creativity, collaboration skills, and a lifelong love of learning.

While each program can stand on its own, they naturally complement one another. Families who participate in both enjoy additional opportunities for connection, discovery, creativitand meaningful learning experiences throughout the week.

How can I enroll my child at Willow & Wonder Academy? 

To begin the application process for your child, please head over to the application & enrollment page [here] and follow the steps to apply!