About Us
Growing and Exploring Together
Wondering Oaks is currently a part or full time secular learning program, designed to bridge the gap between home-school and private school. Students of early elementary age benefit from small class sizes, customized lessons, a family environment, plenty of play, and inquiry based learning.
Families that join Wondering Oaks become part of a larger family. Engaging in projects with family, going on field trips together and watching our children grow over the years allow for a close knit feel.
Their development, not their age, decides how long a student can benefit from attending the current program at Wondering Oaks. Students may potentially stay as long as 5 years, from Transitional Kindergarten to third, or as short as 3 years, from Kindergarten to second. Students are welcome and invited for as long as they need the support and environment of Wondering Oaks Learning.
An upper primary program is in the works for the future, so please stay tuned for our 10-12 year old learners! If you feel that your 9 or 10 year old child would benefit from the current program, please contact us to see if we would be the best fit.
Continue further to see our school calendar and general daily schedule.
Information regarding what we teach can be found under the Classes tab, and pricing can be found under Tuition. Be sure to check out our FAQ for additional questions, and you are always welcome to contact us for more questions or to schedule a visit!
Schedule
Classes run year-round, with an average of 4-6 weeks of class, followed by a week of vacation. The winter and summer break are our two longest periods away from school, which is 3 weeks. Classes run Monday through Thursday. Fridays are reserved for Free Forest School, field trips, or special family projects!
School Opens
8:45 AM
The doors open at 8:45 AM. Students may arrive between 8:45 AM and 9:00 AM. During this time, students are greeted with a warm smile or hug, unpack their belongings, say goodbye to caregivers, then get started with easy going morning work. Students are encouraged to socialize with teachers and peers during this time, to allow for a gentle beginning to the day.
Morning Recess
9:20-9:40
After a quick morning meeting, students head outside for a short morning recess! This allows our students to burn some energy and refresh their minds before getting to work.
Morning Work Block
9:45 AM - 12:15 PM
This block varies from day to day! Students will work on reading, writing, math, and science during this block.
Our program pulls inspiration from both Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies, which is most easily visible during our work blocks. The idea of a lengthy work period is from the Montessori theory that students will engage in deeper, more critical thinking and learning when allowed to 1) be "bored", 2) have a choice in their learning, and 3) be given time to fully commit to their learning.
During this time, students can be seen reading a book, working on independent projects, learning one on one with their teachers, or checking off items on their daily to-do lists!
However, we offer centers and options that more closely align with Reggio Emilia principles - students are welcome to work in partners/groups or may pursue a student-led project based on interests.
The goal of the morning work block is to give students autonomy in their learning by allowing them to freely roam the classroom in search of what they need most. Students are taught how to learn and engage their brains without the constant direction of their teacher.
During the block, students visit their teacher for one on one or small group lessons in reading and math.
See the "Classes" page for specific information on each day's morning block!
Lunch/Recess
12:30 - 1:30
Students enjoy lunch and recess as one block - friends who finish quickly may head outside early, while friends who prefer to visit and eat leisurely may do so. It is their time!
Meditation and Reflection
1:30-1:45 PM
Students look forward to this time - even though they are beyond naps, young learners need a break from the constant stimulation of the day. Teachers use this time to meditate together, do yoga, or have a calm quiet time before beginning afternoon activities.
Afternoon Block
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Our afternoon block is for practical math lessons, special projects (such as gardening or child-led passion projects), game-schooling, or wrapping up any leftover work from the morning block!
School Ends
3:00 PM
The school day ends at 3:00 PM. Parents usually opt to hang around for a few minutes after school - its wonderful for families and teachers to be able to chat about the day, share personal updates, and watch students be silly together after a day of learning!