The Polk County School Board unanimously approved a two-year pilot program to bring the WonderHere education model to Philip O’Brien Elementary School. This public-private partnership aims to introduce project-based, curiosity-driven learning into the public school system while maintaining district oversight.
The Pilot Overview
The program is designed as a “school within a school,” specifically targeting students in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade. The pilot is scheduled to run from March 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
- Curriculum Style: The model blends elements from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Finnish educational practices. It emphasizes “Wonder Studios”—dedicated spaces for hands-on, real-world learning projects—and individualized learning plans.
- Operational Control: Unlike a charter school, the district retains full authority over staffing, campus operations, and the curriculum. WonderHere serves in an advisory and coaching capacity rather than managing the school independently.
- Budget & Funding: The district will pay Lakeland-based WonderHere up to $135,000 per year. This covers curriculum licensing, teacher training, instructional coaching, and the support of an on-site program director.
Why Philip O’Brien Elementary?
The choice of location is deeply personal for WonderHere co-founder Tiffany Thenor, who began her eight-year teaching career at Philip O’Brien. Superintendent Frederick Heid noted that the partnership allows the district to offer unique “school choice” options within the traditional public system, helping to retain families who might otherwise seek private or charter alternatives.
Key Features of the WonderHere Model
| Feature | Description |
| Project Time | Long work cycles where students explore topics through hands-on creation. |
| Wonder Studios | Shared learning spaces designed for collaborative and creative exploration. |
| Assessment | A focus on narrative reports and benchmark checklists over traditional letter grades. |
| Parent Engagement | Uses a “Parents at Work” system to encourage active family participation on campus. |
The district plans to evaluate the pilot’s success based on teacher feedback, student instructional impact, and the potential to scale the model to other schools in Polk County.
WonderHere is a popular educational resource and community space located in Lakeland, Florida, specifically in the downtown area. It has gained significant attention for its modern, creative approach to learning that bridges the gap between traditional schooling and homeschooling.
If you are looking into it for your family or simply following local business developments, here is a breakdown of what they offer:
Core Services
- The Learn & Play Studio: A hands-on space designed for children to engage in interest-led exploration. It’s often used for workshops, “play-school” sessions, and creative extracurriculars.
- Homeschool Enrichment: They provide a “hybrid” model where students can attend classes a few days a week to receive professional instruction and social interaction while remaining registered as homeschoolers.
- Curriculum & Resources: Beyond their physical location, they produce their own unit-study style curriculum used by parents across the country.
- Summer Camps & Events: They are a staple for local parents during school breaks, offering themed camps that focus on things like “Forest School,” STEAM, and culinary arts.
Why It’s Notable in Lakeland
WonderHere is frequently discussed in local circles because it represents a shift toward alternative education. It was founded by two former public school teachers (Tiffany and Jessica) who wanted to create a more personalized, “one-room schoolhouse” feel for the modern era.
They recently expanded their footprint in the community, moving into a larger, beautifully renovated historic building that has become a bit of a landmark for the “North Lake Mirror” area of downtown.