In this Founder to Founder episode, Felicia Wright interviews Tiffany Thenor, co-founder of WonderHere, a unique microschool located in Lakeland, Florida. Tiffany shares her journey from public school educator to microschool innovator, emphasizing how WonderHere provides a learning environment that embraces play-based and project-based learning on a beautiful 10-acre farm. Through flexible learning programs and a focus on creating a joyful and engaging educational experience, WonderHere offers a refreshing alternative to traditional schooling.
The Birth of WonderHere
Tiffany’s path to founding WonderHere began during her years as a public school teacher, where she and her business partner, Jessica, began envisioning a different kind of learning environment. Frustrated by the growing mandates and rigidity of the traditional education system, they sought to create a space where learning could be joyful, flexible, and rooted in creativity. In 2016, they launched WonderHere as a “learn and play” studio, offering fun, hands-on educational programs for homeschoolers and summer camps for children.
Starting with just seven students, WonderHere quickly grew to over 70 students, and the demand for their unique approach to learning led them to expand into a full-time, private microschool. Their vision? To make learning fun and meaningful, while offering families flexibility and choice.
A Focus on Play-Based and Project-Based Learning
WonderHere’s educational model emphasizes play-based and project-based learning, where students spend equal time on academics, free play, and hands-on projects. The school’s flexible schedule allows students to attend full-time or part-time, and for those who prefer a hybrid approach, there are à la carte classes and a popular farm day on Fridays.
“We don't do whole group instruction,” Tiffany explains. “Everything is personalized and done individually.” Students learn in small, personalized groups, allowing teachers to tailor lessons to each child’s unique learning needs. The 10-acre farm provides an incredible outdoor classroom where children can engage with nature, garden, and play in open spaces, fostering not only academic growth but also social and emotional development.
Transitioning to a Nature-Based Campus
One of the key shifts for WonderHere was transitioning from their original downtown location to a nature-filled farm property. After two years of anticipation and overcoming zoning hurdles, WonderHere opened its new campus, much to the delight of students and parents. The benefits of having access to outdoor spaces were immediately felt. “When we moved here, the kids were ecstatic,” Tiffany recalls. “We saw a huge shift in their behavior and well-being.”
The connection to nature became especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, when research highlighted the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor learning. Today, WonderHere students have the freedom to explore the farm, engage in outdoor projects, and learn in a relaxed, natural environment.
Navigating School Choice and the Step Up for Students Program
In Florida, school choice programs such as the Step Up for Students scholarship allow families to access funding for alternative education options. While these programs are beneficial for families, Tiffany acknowledges the challenges they pose for microschool owners. “It's great for families, but it's been tough for businesses like ours,” she explains.
To mitigate delays in funding, WonderHere implemented safeguards, requiring parents to self-pay the first two months of tuition before scholarships kick in. By establishing clear policies around payment timelines, they ensure that staff are paid on time and that the school remains financially stable.
Expanding WonderHere’s Reach
WonderHere’s model has proven so successful that they’ve expanded beyond Florida. In addition to their Lakeland location, they’ve opened a second location in Anderson, South Carolina, run by a dynamic team of educators. WonderHere is also preparing to launch more campuses in Davenport, Florida, and Georgia.
“We believe in equipping educators to create something different,” Tiffany says. The goal is to mentor other educators who want to break free from traditional models and start their own microschools under the WonderHere banner, offering them the training and support they need to succeed.
The Future of WonderHere
Looking ahead, Tiffany envisions WonderHere expanding to offer high school programs. While they currently serve students through eighth grade, the team is developing a high school curriculum that maintains their core values of play-based and project-based learning. “We want to prove that high school can still be serious while incorporating play,” Tiffany says.
The long-term vision includes more educational research, international collaboration, and the development of a comprehensive educational methodology that challenges the status quo of conventional schooling.
Final Thoughts
WonderHere is a testament to the power of reimagining education. By creating a joyful, flexible, and nature-based learning environment, Tiffany Thenor and her team have built a thriving microschool that serves as an inspiring model for educators and families alike. As WonderHere continues to grow and expand, it offers a glimpse into the future of education, where play and project-based learning create a foundation for lifelong success.
For more information about WonderHere, visit wonderhere.com.
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