What if middle school could include a trip to Costa Rica — not as a reward, but as part of the curriculum?
That’s part of the vision behind Wander Through Wonder Academy, a new private Chicago microschool for grades 6-8 opening in 2025. Students explore big questions through hands-on projects, travel experiences and personalized learning.
“We are all here for the kids to make their education during adolescence the best experience,” says founder and lead educator Melissa Feiger, PhD.
The school enrolls a maximum of 28 students, with two teachers and flexible scheduling. It’s also solely dedicated to middle school students. “That sets us apart from other schools in Chicago,” Feiger says.
Academics built around passions, projects and personal growth
Wander Through Wonder incorporates STEAM subjects and global citizenship into project-based, cross-curricular lessons.
“Students understand the connections between subject areas while learning about their interests and passions,” Feiger explains.
Each student receives a personalized plan, with weekly one-on-one meetings to set goals and track progress. Rather than letter grades, students build portfolios, self-assess and co-assess with their teachers.
“With the flexibility and personalization of the program, if a student misses school days for any reason, they are not ‘falling behind,’” Feiger adds.
Constant communication and flexibility for families
This microschool’s small size makes space for deep relationships between teachers, students and families, says Feiger.
Daily check-ins are built into the structure — as are options that allow for nontraditional schedules. Homeschooling families can opt into the membership program, for instance, which offers part-time access to classes and fieldwork.
The school partners with local tutoring companies, as well, to support students as they prepare for high school transitions, Feiger notes.
A school culture of belonging, creativity and ‘organized chaos’
This isn’t a rigid, rules-first environment — it’s a space where kids help shape how learning happens. “The school culture is filled with acceptance, affirmation and belonging,” says Feiger. “It’s organized chaos with students driving their learning.”
That’s especially valuable for neurodiverse students, she adds, or anyone who struggles in a traditional classroom. The structure helps middle schoolers feel seen, supported and in control of their day.
Even the layout contributes to this. There’s one big, flexible room with makerspace energy.
Smaller breakout rooms allow for quiet time, group check-ins or even recording sessions.
“The space is decorated with student work they hang themselves — plus a LEGO wall, a chalk wall, and a ‘wonder wall’ for questions and thoughts,” Feiger says. “We’re even growing our own veggies with an indoor gardening system.”
Hands-on enrichment through travel, fieldwork and more
Expanding borders is a concept Wander Through Wonder takes literally.
“Each year, we will travel to a different country to practice our global citizenship skills and participate in STEAM-focused activities while immersed in a new culture,” says Feiger. This year’s destination is Costa Rica.
Locally, students work with partners like Movement Gym and The Paintbrush. These programs are built into the school day or held after school — and are designed specifically for students.
What to know before enrolling in Wander Through Wonder
“This school is embedded in the community, both local and global,” Feiger says.
For parents looking for a middle school experience that treats travel, curiosity and connection as core parts of learning, Wander Through Wonder offers a new option in Lincoln Park.
This content is sponsored by Wander Through Wonder Academy. To learn more, visit the Wander Through Wonder Academy website — and discover more Chicago schools in the Best Schools Guide.
