Business Details
Your Trusted Preschool in Portland, OR
Small Wonders School is dedicated to providing high-quality preschool programs that blend structured learning with creative exploration. Our Reggio-inspired environments foster child-directed themes, allowing children to develop at their own pace while engaging with hands-on projects and open-ended materials. With low student-teacher ratios and experienced educators, we prioritize individualized learning, social-emotional growth, and foundational academic skills.Our curriculum integrates art, science, and literacy, preparing children for kindergarten through play, collaboration, and inquiry-based activities. We maintain a strong focus on community, partnering with families to create a nurturing space where curiosity and creativity thrive.
Services
Preschool Programs
Reggio-Inspired Curriculum
Kindergarten Preparation
Summer Camp
Child-Directed Learning
Art Integration
Social-Emotional Development
Outdoor Exploration
Flexible Scheduling
Nut-Free Environment
Highlights and features
- We offer Reggio-inspired, child-directed learning environments with low student-teacher ratios.
- Our team consists of experienced educators specializing in early childhood development.
- We prioritize individualized learning plans aligned with kindergarten readiness standards.
- Our curriculum integrates art, science, and literacy through hands-on projects.
- We provide flexible full-day childcare hours and summer camp programs.
Services
Preschool Programs
Our preschool programs serve children aged 2 to kindergarten readiness through Reggio-inspired, play-based learning. With low student-teacher ratios, we emphasize individualized development, social-emotional growth, and foundational academic skills. Children engage in hands-on projects, art integration, and outdoor exploration to foster curiosity and creativity.
Kindergarten Preparation
Designed to bridge preschool and kindergarten, our program combines structured academic instruction with creative exploration. Using a curriculum aligned with public school standards, we focus on literacy, math, and critical thinking through teacher-directed lessons and student-led projects, ensuring confidence for future academic transitions.
Summer Camp
Our summer camp offers full-day enrichment for children aged 5-6, featuring weekly themes, art projects, and outdoor activities. With flexible scheduling options and alumni priority, the program emphasizes independence, creativity, and hands-on learning in a playful, collaborative environment.
Reggio-Inspired Curriculum
Rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our curriculum emphasizes child-led exploration and project-based learning. Teachers observe interests during freeplay to develop thematic units, integrating multiple intelligences and fostering creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative discovery through open-ended materials and guided inquiry.
Social-Emotional Development
We prioritize social-emotional learning as a core component of early education. Through structured activities and daily interactions, children develop self-regulation, empathy, and communication skills. Our educators use mindfulness practices, group planning, and conflict-resolution strategies to build emotional resilience and peer collaboration.
People
Natalie
Co-Owner and Hollywood Director
Natalie oversees programming continuity and teacher development at the Hollywood site. She ensures quality care, manages enrollment, and actively engages in classroom activities like process art and teacher onboarding.
Molly
Program Administrator
Molly supports operations across both campuses, handling logistics, facilities, and program coordination. She bridges schools through supply management, troubleshooting, and collaborative theme planning with teaching teams.
Tahlia
Grant Park Director
Tahlia leads teacher support and classroom management at Grant Park. With experience since the school's founding, she focuses on educational leadership, classroom organization, and maintaining program standards.
Allison
Founder
Allison founded Small Wonders School from her home, growing it into a thriving school. She established its philosophy centered on play-based learning, which continues to inspire the program's approach to creativity and child development.
Questions
What is the age cutoff for kindergarten enrollment?
Children must turn 5 by September 30 of the enrollment year, though we consider individual readiness.
What are the program hours?
Full-day care runs Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with instructional hours from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
How does the enrollment process work?
Families must attend a group tour, submit an application, and participate in a selection process considering age, preschool experience, and classroom balance.
What curriculum is used?
Our curriculum blends Reggio-inspired themes, literacy/math workshops, and social-emotional learning aligned with public school standards.
Are meals provided?
Two vegetarian, nut-free snacks are provided daily. Parents supply sack lunches for all programs.
What happens after graduation?
Graduates transition to neighborhood schools, specialty programs, or private institutions, with skills preparing them for first grade or advanced tracks.
