Why Choose The Wonder Schoolhouse?
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Welcome to TWS
Welcome to The Wonder Schoolhouse (TWS), where we redefine early childhood education for students ages1-6. Unlike traditional childcare centers, we are a school at our core, committed to fostering intellectual and emotional growth through our unique blend of S.T.E.A.M.-based curriculum and a combination of Reggio-Emilia and Montessori methodologies.
As a year-round program, we provide continuous learning opportunities, ensuring that children grow and thrive in a consistent, nurturing environment throughout all seasons.
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What Makes TWS Different?
What sets TWS apart is our holistic approach to education. We enrich children’s learning experience with extracurricular activities taught by professionals, such as yoga, music, and science workshops. Our dedication to building a strong community shines through our monthly family events, creating meaningful connections between families and staff. Transparency is our cornerstone—we provide hourly updates through the Brightwheel app, ensuring parents feel informed and connected every step of the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Parents consistently highlight the attentive staff, impactful learning, and the thriving environment. One parent shared, “We love how much outside time our child gets and how much they’re learning every day.”
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Preschoolers participate in hands-on learning through "Kindy Prep" classes and dedicated "Practice Play/Mat Time." Their day also includes enrichment curriculum activities like science experiments, art projects, and themed lessons that foster creativity and critical thinking.
1-Year-Olds engage in small group activities where they are introduced to foundational concepts like circle time and interactive lessons. Teachers guide them in learning how to use play materials purposefully, fostering their natural curiosity and teaching them how to learn through play.
2-Year-Olds are prepared for preschool with a focus on social-emotional learning (SEL), verbal communication, and negotiation skills. We also support them through potty training and nurture early reading, language, and math skills in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Wonder Parents appreciate how our approach blends structured activities with flexibility to meet the unique needs of each child, all while fostering a love of learning and play.
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Our teacher tenure is excellent, thanks to our low student-to-teacher ratios and competitive pay. We pay our teachers 40% above market rates, ensuring a stable and dedicated team to care for and educate your children.
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We maintain low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention for each child.
1 YO Class: 1:5
2 YO Class: 1:7
Preschool: 1:9
We also don’t over enroll our classes meaning the ratios are our absolute maximums. Additionally, a dedicated floater teacher is available to provide extra support to classrooms as needed, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all children.
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Our tuition starts at $725 per month and can be up to $1,600 depending on needs. Prices vary by age group and attendance schedule.
1-year-olds: Starting at $775 for part-time schedules.
2-year-olds: Starting at $725 for part-time schedules.
3-5-year-olds: Starting at $725 for part-time schedules.
School-aged children (5+): Starting at $575 for part-time schedules.
Deposit is non-refundable and is $250. We also charge a $75 annual supply fee.
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Starting your child’s journey of wonder is easy! All of our paperwork is sent online.
We encourage a gradual transition, offering parent-and-child observation sessions and personalized support. Using our drop-off routine (SKILL: Squeeze, Kiss, "I love you," Look, Leave) has been a game-changer for many families.
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Health & Wellness: All children must have up-to-date immunizations unless exempt. Children with contagious illnesses are asked to stay home, ensuring a healthy environment for all.
Behavior Guidance: We teach empathy, social-emotional learning (SEL), and accountability through consistent corrective actions and positive reinforcement. Our teachers work closely with parents to support behavioral growth.
Safety Measures: Our facilities feature state-of-the-art security systems, including restricted access during school hours and regular playground safety checks. Additionally, all staff are trained in CPR and first aid and are background checked.
Parent Communication: The Brightwheel app is used to keep parents informed with hourly updates, photos, and messages. Parents also receive immediate alerts for any urgent updates.
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We use the Brightwheel app for hourly updates, photos, curriculum details, and immediate notifications.
We send out weekly and monthly newsletters. We also prioritize parent involvement with monthly community field trips. Many parents made incredible friendships through our program!
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Weekly yoga, music, dance, and science events foster well-rounded development.
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We prioritize outdoor play whenever weather permits (twice a day!), with guidelines to ensure safety and comfort.
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We collaborate closely with parents, supporting milestones and addressing regressions with care. We use the “Oh, Crap! Potty Training Method” to ensure success.
Testimonials from our Monthly Surveys
"We love Miss Lily! She is so kind and calming!"
"We love how much outside time he gets and love our teachers, especially Hannah!"
"We love Miss Lily! She is so kind and calming!" "We love how much outside time he gets and love our teachers, especially Hannah!"
"The learning and growth we’ve seen in the last year is magical! The whole team is incredible, and we’re so thankful for the care Max receives every day."
"We are so thrilled and grateful to have such a thriving and stimulating environment at TWS. The thought that goes into planning each week makes it such a special place!"
"The learning and growth we’ve seen in the last year is magical! The whole team is incredible, and we’re so thankful for the care Max receives every day." "We are so thrilled and grateful to have such a thriving and stimulating environment at TWS. The thought that goes into planning each week makes it such a special place!"
"We love all the notes Alyssa sends about our child’s day! The lessons they work on at school are clearly reflected at home."
"Miss Lily sending me messages during my workday to honestly let me know how Freya is doing has allowed me to focus on work peacefully. I’m so grateful!"
"We love all the notes Alyssa sends about our child’s day! The lessons they work on at school are clearly reflected at home." "Miss Lily sending me messages during my workday to honestly let me know how Freya is doing has allowed me to focus on work peacefully. I’m so grateful!"
"Our kid loves coming to school and is always talking about how Miss Maddie helps her. Thank you so much for taking such good care of my little princess!"
"We were a part of the Montessori school transition, and I can’t tell you how pleased we have been with the whole process. Selva and Maddie truly care about the quality of care these children receive."
"Our kid loves coming to school and is always talking about how Miss Maddie helps her. Thank you so much for taking such good care of my little princess!" "We were a part of the Montessori school transition, and I can’t tell you how pleased we have been with the whole process. Selva and Maddie truly care about the quality of care these children receive."
"Our daughter’s language has exploded recently. Thanks to the Little Wonder teachers!"
"The Brightwheel app and the staff communication are amazing. I always know what our child is doing and the kind of day he is having. If there are any issues, we know about it immediately and can respond appropriately."
"Our daughter’s language has exploded recently. Thanks to the Little Wonder teachers!" "The Brightwheel app and the staff communication are amazing. I always know what our child is doing and the kind of day he is having. If there are any issues, we know about it immediately and can respond appropriately."
The Wonder Schoolhouse Center | Ages 1-6 | 181 E 8960 S
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A Sanctuary for Learning
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STEAM Curriculum
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Montessori Meets Reggio
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Individual Expression
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Small Ratios
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Play Based Learning
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Child Led, Teacher Guided.
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Small Groups and Teacher to Child Ratios
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Cozy Classrooms
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Vast Outdoor Space
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Explore & Play
Preschool - 202 E 8800 S, Sandy UT
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Entrance
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Art Studio
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Quiet Room
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Story Nook
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Science & Cooking Lab
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Common Area
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Inside Out Room
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Classroom
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Outside Play Area
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Outside Play Area
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Sand Pit
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Homemade Food
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Over 400 Books
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Parent Satisfaction
Every month we ask our parents to rate us on a scale of 1-10. Here are the results of our parent satisfaction surveys. (Graph is adjusted for 5 stars.)
☆Parent Satisfaction☆
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.
Our Team
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Selva Strickland - Founder
An attorney by trade, Selva found her own path to teaching. With extensive experience in childcare and dedication to Early Childhood Education, Selva quit her legal career to pursue her true passion. She taught English to children between the ages of 2 and 12 in Istanbul, Turkey where she was born. She moved to the United States in 2015 and had the opportunity to open her own preschool daycare after a career in marketing. She is excited to get back into what she was always meant to do, creating a safe and nurturing environment for littles.
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Hannah Skiba - Assistant Director
Hannah serves as the Assistant Director at The Wonder Schoolhouse Preschool. Originally from Arizona, she initially pursued studies in Digital Marketing and Content Creation. However, her true passion was discovered in the realm of early childhood education. Hannah is renowned for her exceptional capacity for love, care, and empathy towards her young students. She particularly enjoys engaging in collaborative art projects, fostering creativity and teamwork among the children.
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Maddie Beckstead - Assistant Director
Miss Maddie is the Assistant Director at The Wonder Schoolhouse 181. She is a natural leader in the classroom and loves teaching! She also takes part in local theaters and brings her love for entertaining to the classroom. Maddie is a mom herself and she is known for her communication skills and her empathy for parents. She loves sending photos and videos through the Brightwheel app and is always communicating with families throughout the day. Maddie has spent years working with children in various capacities, finding true fulfillment in nurturing young minds. Her deep love for kids stems from her belief that she was born to nurture little minds. She is passionate about the power of positive affirmations, using them daily to inspire and uplift both herself and those around her.
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Yury Murcia - Lead Teacher
Yury Murcia is a passionate teacher with eight years of experience educating children aged 3 to 9. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, she holds a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and English Language and has specialized training in Montessori psychopedagogy, sensory development, and language and math education. Her teaching philosophy focuses on positive reinforcement to create strong connections and a supportive learning environment. Outside the classroom, Yury enjoys hiking with her two dogs and values fostering curiosity and a love for nature in her students. She is excited to welcome her first child and continue inspiring young learners.
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Saryssa Herrera - Teacher
Originally from California, with a degree in Educational Studies from an Arizona college, Saryssa finds joy both in the classroom and outdoors. Passionate about teaching, she loves watching children express themselves, grow into their unique personalities, and thrive through learning and creativity.
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Alyssa Powell - Twos Lead Teacher
With a background in Physiology & Neuroscience from UC San Diego, Alyssa has dedicated over 7 years to childcare, including 3 years as a certified Montessori teacher specializing in Infants, Toddlers, and Twos. She holds First Aid/CPR certification and am currently working towards her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Utah and discovering fun activities for her sweet daughter!
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Cecilia Merino - Twos Teacher
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Lily Fielding - Lead Teacher
Lily is a lead teacher for our Little Wonders Classroom and is a dynamic and dedicated educator. Her passion for working with children began in middle school as a babysitter, inspired by caring for her nieces and nephew. Lily has been working professionally in childcare since June 2023. Known for their leadership, patience, problem-solving skills, and team-oriented attitude, they excel in nurturing young minds. Outside of work, they enjoy camping, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
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Bhuvaneswari SivaSubramanian - Teacher
Bhuvana recently moved to the USA, in July 2023. Originally from India, she began her career as a kindergarten teacher in 2006 after completing her graduation. In 2009, she got married and soon became a mother to two wonderful children, a boy and a girl. After taking a 10-year break to focus on her family, Bhuvana returned to teaching in 2021, where she skillfully handled 2nd and 5th-grade students.
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Lydia Belle - Floater
Lydia is a creative and active individual with a passion for crafting, painting, and staying fit. She enjoys spending time outdoors, whether hiking, exploring nature, or simply savoring the fresh air. Her journey into childcare began with classes in high school, followed by experience as a nanny for multiple families and work at several daycares, where she discovered her true love for teaching children. As a mom of two, Lydia is deeply committed to fostering a nurturing and fun environment where kids can learn, grow, and thrive.
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Josie Richardson - Teacher
Josie works at The Wonder Schoolhouse Preschool and Tinies location and is currently pursuing a degree in Special Education with a focus on Autism Studies at UVU. Her future plans include attending law school to become a family lawyer. Josie loves working with children, watching them grow, and creating fun art projects and activities that inspire their creativity and development.
