Frequently Asked Questions
More questions? Contact us and let's chat!
What does WonderWild cost?
Tuition is $375/mo for 2 day/wk enrollment and $200/mo for 1 day/wk enrollment. There is a one-time $50 enrollment fee per family. See our Tuition & Fees page for more pricing information.
What ages can enroll? Do you separate children by grade level?
Our program is for children ages 5-9 or approximately 1st-3rd grade. Some exceptions may be made – reach out if you have a child of a different age you’d like to talk about enrolling. We embrace mixed-age learning, encouraging interaction and collaboration among learners of all ages.
Are you open year round?
Yes, we are in session year round, every Monday and Wednesday from 10am-3pm. There are a handful of holidays that fall on WonderWild days. See our calendar page for more scheduling information.
Are you associated with any church or religion?
No, we are a secular program. We respect individual beliefs and do not incorporate religious teachings in our program. We foster a respectful and inclusive environment where learners can engage in open-minded exploration of many ideas.
Are you a homeschool co-op? Do parents have to volunteer or stay with their children?
No. WonderWild is a drop-off program in our own dedicated space with full-time professional staff. Parents are a valued part of our community but not part of class days.
Are you a private school? Are you an umbrella school?
No, neither. Children who attend WonderWild are homeschoolers, and their families are responsible for following TN homeschooling laws. You can be enrolled with an umbrella school or register with your school district as independent homeschoolers.
Do you emphasize any subjects? Do you follow a curriculum?
We encourage children to pursue their own interests and engage in projects that meet their own goals. This means that learning is not always linear and doesn’t progress in the traditional way. However, amongst the many options children have every day at WonderWild, it would be hard to find any subjects we don’t explore! Our options include language arts, math, science, engineering, social studies, music, art, nature, and more. We use the language arts and math programs from Critical Thinking Co. We follow Tennessee Academic Standards for science and social studies. Read more here about learning in a self-directed environment.
Can my child enroll if they have Autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory needs, cognitive challenges, developmental delays, emotional disorders, physical disabilities, or language impairments?
Probably. We hope so! As a small, highly flexible program designed to meet individual children wherever they are on their learning path, WonderWild can be a great choice for children who have trouble learning in other environments. Our program and space have been designed with both sensory-seeking and sensory-avoidant learners in mind. Our staff have experience with children with a variety of needs. On the other hand, as a small program we may not have the resources necessary to best serve your child. Be as up front with us as you can about your child’s needs, and we will be up front with you about whether we are able to meet those needs.
Can my child attend if we do more traditional, structured homeschooling at home? Is WonderWild compatible with unschooling families?
Yes and yes. WonderWild fits seamlessly with your at-home program. Unschooling families will appreciate our commitment to open-ended, self-directed play and learning. For traditional homeschooling families, WonderWild is an opportunity for your kids to build relationships, collaboration skills, and discover new passions.