ROOTED IN WONDER
A place to WONDER, Discover, and Learn
Our Story
The WONDER School is the realization of a long-held dream by educators Mitch and Renee Foster. Mitch and Renee both hold bachelor's degrees in education and combined have specializations in early education, educational psychology, and physical education. They are a husband and wife duo and are raising three beautiful children of their own. Together, they have brought The WONDER School to life by creating an inspired space where children’s natural curiosity is celebrated, learning feels magical, and a connection to nature matters. With over two decades of combined classroom experience, they believe childhood is not a phase to rush through, but a sacred time to be honoured, nurtured, and inspired..
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Mitch and Renee are proud to serve families in Hinton, offering a special space where curiosity grows, early learning thrives, and children feel truly at home.
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Our Mission
At The WONDER School, our mission is to nurture inspired minds and kind hearts through inquiry-based learning that honors children's natural sense of wonder. Guided by the questions and interests of the children we serve, we strive to create an environment that fosters creativity, exploration, and a deep connection to land and community by taking learning outdoors on a daily basis. We are committed to providing high-quality child care by innovating and staying relevant, valuing our youngest citizens, engaging our team, partnering with families, and strengthening our community.
The Power of Play
"At play, children are empowered to learn on their own terms, in their own ways, and in their own time; this freedom is what distinguishes play from other activities." - Flight, Alberta's Early Learning and Care Framework
Our Approach
​Our key principles are in line with the Reggio Emilia approach to Early Childhood Education. The indoor environment at The WONDER School is inquiry-based and child-centred, rooted in the belief that children are capable, creative thinkers with rich ideas that are worth exploring. The outdoor environment and exploration in nature is another venue for curiosity and learning that is valued at WONDER. Outdoor play and daily connection with the natural world - in all seasons - is something The WONDER School is committed to.​​