Sun staff
Students at Days of Wonder School in Batavia have found a unique learning environment thanks to Cynthia Day, a former public school teacher.
Day founded the school that started with 21 students and has grown to more than 70 students.
“Last year we moved into the building in Batavia,” Day said. “This year we have more than 70 kids.”
Day said she has always loved teaching and learning. She said she began her career at public schools but later quit and began home-schooling her children.
“While I was home-schooling my children I really started to see what learning is all about,” Day said. “I came up with an idea of how I could structure a school that was exciting and fun but each child could have their needs met.”
Day said she is committed to providing an environment where students take learning into their own hands.
“We don’t give children the answers to questions, we propose the questions and they proceed to find the answers,” Day said.
She said the school is also a great place for students who may have special needs or feel like they don’t fit in at a public school.
“Most parents who call me, their kids are bored, lost or bullied,” Day said.
She said they don’t allow bullying at her school.
“We have a bully-free environment,” Day said. “We focus on how we are alike and different. We work really hard at that. There is no teasing or bullying at the school.”
Liz Woodmansee said she has seen a dramatic difference in her daughter, Addison, since she began attending the school.
“The difference is she’s happy and she’s gained so much confidence,” Liz Woodmansee said.
Addison Woodmansee said she had problems with reading when she attended public school.
“They helped me believe in what I can do and made me braver,” Addison Woodmansee said about Days of Wonder School.
She said she is reading big books now.
Isaiah Dicristoforo said he was home-schooled before coming to Days of Wonder.
“This has helped me meet new friends,” Dicristoforo said about the school.
Dicristoforo said everyone feels accepted when they come to the school and other students always try to include new students.
Day said Days of Wonder School is not an accredited school, but rather a school for home-schooled students, according to Day.
“Their parents apply as home-schoolers,” Day said. “The state knows they’re home-schooling and as an option they send them to our school.”
Day said they charge around $180 per month in tuition, which she said is less than private school but is enough to offset costs.
She said if individuals are interested in the school they can contact her to learn more.
“The school serves people who need another option,” Day said.
Day said they are looking to partner with businesses and looking for ways to raise funds for the school so that they can accept more students.
For more information visit www.thewowschool.org or call (513) 732-2111.