A Sense of Belonging

 Wonderment Circle was created to provide social learning opportunities  for children with diverse needs. Participants are supported by a licensed teacher with a background in special education, homeschooling, and working with kids who have experienced trauma.

A Space to Explore

 
Enrichment focuses on differentiated experiences with science and literature. Children are supported in ways that let abilities and interests shine.

Inclusive Communities

Wonderment Circle aims to serve a range of leaners with unique skills, needs, and backgrounds. It's OK to be yourself at Wonderment, and children can feel confident that they will be valued and accepted in a group setting. 

Joy in Connection

Children who feel connected to nature feel happier, less stressed, and frequently experience an important emotion- the feeling of awe. This makes the outdoors a wonderful place to learn and form positive relationships with others. 

Wonderment Circle groups are held in local parks where learners can most easily access immersive time in the natural world around them and the many benefits of time spent outside. 

Fall groups meet between August 26, 2025-December 9, 2025. Groups for fall are closed at 11 learners.
 Email wondermentcircle@gmail.com to apply!

Tuesdays in Charlottesville:
The Science of Art 
10:30am-2pm 
$120/month

Designed for ages 5-14, this class will give learners the chance to explore nature based and eco-art processes while learning about their own connections to our local ecosystems. During the semester we will forage for items to create natural dyes and pigments, construct and illustrate a local field guide zine to distribute to local free libraries, make various kinds of cyanotypes, and create land art. 

Partial months are prorated to reflect only the days groups meet.

Discounts are available for siblings, learners who need an additional adult to be present for specialized care, and learners whose families are experiencing financial hardship. 

Please email wondermentcircle@gmail.com to apply, ask questions, or discuss special financial circumstances.

Wonderment Circle is organized by Colleen Cook. Colleen graduated from UVA with a  Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master of Teaching  in Early Childhood Special Education. Following graduation, Colleen taught in local public schools and became a therapeutic foster parent. 
Colleen began homeschooling her children in early 2020. Colleen is passionate about working with families and about creating and supporting spaces where children who are neurodivergent feel safe, valued, and capable. In her spare time, Colleen likes to garden, read mysteries, and hike. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband David, three or more children, Mumu the dog, and Silk Sonic and Appacado the cats. 