Our Mission
To provide children with excellent care, a level of care that we would show as if they were our own;
to harbor a safe haven for them to learn the way they learn and at the pace they learn;
to lead them to be compassionate, well-rounded, and confident individuals;
to inspire them to be curious lifelong learners who always chase the twinkle of wonder.
Reggio Emilia vs Montessori: Understanding the Difference
Both the Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches are rooted in child-led, hands-on learning, but they differ in structure, philosophy, and execution.
Montessori Approach
Prepared Environment: Montessori classrooms are highly structured, with carefully designed materials that support self-directed learning.
Individual Learning: Children work independently or in small groups, choosing from a variety of materials at their own pace.
Teacher’s Role: Teachers act as guides, introducing concepts through materials rather than direct instruction.
Practical Life Skills: A strong emphasis is placed on real-world skills, self-care, and independence.
Mixed-Age Classrooms: Montessori environments often group children in multi-age settings to encourage peer learning.
Reggio Emilia Approach
Emergent Curriculum: Learning is based on children’s interests, with projects evolving over time through exploration and discovery.
Collaborative Learning: Children work together in groups, fostering social development and teamwork.
Teacher as Co-Learner: Teachers observe, ask questions, and participate in learning alongside the children rather than directly instructing.
The Hundred Languages of Children: Emphasizes various forms of expression—art, movement, storytelling, and more—to support learning.
Documentation & Reflection: Learning is recorded through photos, notes, and portfolios to capture children’s thinking and progress.
Blending Reggio Emilia and Montessori at The Wonder Schoolhouse
Child-Led Exploration with a Thoughtful Structure
Like Montessori, our classrooms provide well-organized environments with hands-on materials for independent learning.
Like Reggio Emilia, children’s interests shape the curriculum, allowing flexibility in lessons and projects.
A Balance Between Individual and Group Learning
Montessori’s focus on self-paced learning supports independence.
Reggio’s emphasis on collaborative learning helps children develop social-emotional skills.
Creativity Meets Practical Skills
Children engage in real-world, practical tasks inspired by Montessori.
They also express themselves freely through art, storytelling, science, and sensory experiences inspired by Reggio Emilia.
The Role of the Teacher as a Guide & Partner
Teachers observe, document, and facilitate learning, drawing from Reggio Emilia.
They also introduce Montessori-style materials to encourage hands-on discovery.
A Deep Connection to the Environment
Montessori promotes a prepared, organized space that encourages independence.
Reggio values the classroom as a “third teacher”, where learning happens through interaction with materials, nature, and peers.
Our vast outdoor spaces provide the perfect setting to bring both of these philosophies to life, allowing children to explore freely while still engaging in structured learning.
Why This Unique Collaboration of Philosophies Work?
By merging these two approaches, The Wonder Schoolhouse provides an environment where children:
✅ Develop independence through structured, self-led exploration.
✅ Engage in meaningful, project-based learning that keeps them curious.
✅ Learn through play, social interaction, and creativity, which supports holistic development.
✅ Experience a well-rounded education that nurtures practical skills, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
This blended approach ensures that learning is child-centered, hands-on, and responsive, making it more effective, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for young learners.