Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Smith.
Hi Brandi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Willow & Wonder Academy was born from a mother’s love and a teacher’s passion. One of the most unforgettable chapters of my education journey was teaching English to primary students in Italy, an experience that stretched me and deepened my belief that children thrive when learning feels relational and alive. My first formal teaching experience began 14 years ago, and since then my path as an educator has spanned one-on-one support, small groups, and full classrooms across a variety of ability levels.
When I became a mother, my priorities sharpened. After finishing out my current school year, I stepped away from my position as a special education teacher in public education to put my son first. Shortly after he was born, he was diagnosed with a rare disease. I knew I needed to create a learning environment that allowed me to be present for him while still honoring my calling to teach.
What began as a deeply personal decision slowly blossomed into something bigger. From hosting online classes, to a small preschool program, and eventually evolving into a part-time microschool and homeschool enrichment community, the program grew alongside my oldest son. As it evolved, I began inviting other families who were craving something different. A place where children are nurtured as whole individuals, encouraged to take ownership of their learning, and given the freedom to explore through hands-on discovery. A place where childhood is protected and a deep love of learning is cultivated.
Over time, it became clear that this was not just about education. It was about community. That heart for community has shaped so much of what we do. From multi-age collaboration to family-centered events, Willow & Wonder has become more than just an alternative to traditional education. It is a gathering place. It has even extended into one of my personal passions: baking. What started as a hobby rooted in my Italian heritage and love for slow, intentional food has become a sweet rhythm in our community through Porch Bakery Thursdays, where I share small-batch, homemade breads and treats with families. It is simple, but meaningful. It turns pickup time into connection time.
Looking ahead, I have big dreams for the future. Not simply growth in size, but growth in depth and impact. My hope is to continue cultivating a close-knit community of lifelong learners who embrace curiosity, resilience, and the joy of discovery. I want Willow & Wonder to remain a place where children feel deeply loved, safe, and known, where their cognitive, social, emotional, communicative, adaptive, and physical development are nurtured with equal care.
I envision expanding thoughtfully in ways that protect childhood while strengthening foundational skills. Like the willow tree, I want our students to grow strong roots in character, kindness, and confidence, while remaining flexible, adaptable, and prepared to contribute positively to the world around them. No matter how Willow & Wonder evolves, the heart will remain the same: connection, belonging, and a shared commitment to raising children who love learning and carry that wonder with them for life. It started because of my firstborn son. It has evolved alongside my now three children, and it continues because the vision is still unfolding.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, but every challenge has clarified the mission. One of the biggest hurdles has been building something that doesn’t fit into a traditional box. A microschool is not a conventional private school, homeschool co-op, or daycare. That means educating families about what we are and what we are not. It requires clear communication and strong boundaries.
Another challenge has been protecting intimacy while growing. As interest increases, I have to make careful decisions about enrollment numbers, age groupings, and expansion. It would be easy to grow quickly, but my priority is depth over scale. The moment we lose connection, we lose what makes this special.
There’s also the unseen work of entrepreneurship. Policies. Insurance. Application vetting. Tuition structuring. Building scope and sequence that is playful yet academically accountable. Balancing warmth with professionalism has stretched me in ways teaching alone never did.
Each of these obstacles have strengthened the foundation. It has forced refinement, resilience, and leadership growth in me personally.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Willow & Wonder Academy?
At its core, Willow & Wonder Academy is a part-time microschool built around whole-child, academically intentional learning. We serve Pre-K through upper elementary in small, multi-age cohorts. Our structure allows children to collaborate across developmental levels while still receiving targeted instruction. What sets us apart is that our learning feels joyful on the surface, but is deeply intentional underneath.
We use hands-on math rooted in conceptual understanding rather than worksheets. Our literacy instruction aligns with the Science of Reading while remaining developmentally appropriate. We integrate project-based learning, unit studies, and real-world application so students see purpose in what they are learning.
We specialize in enrichment experiences that strengthen the mind and character:
• Innovation and building through Thinkers & Tinkers
• Logic and strategic thinking through Brain Games
• Clean-ingredient culinary science through Cooking Chemistry
• Multi-age collaboration and leadership opportunities through it all
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that families say they feel the difference. The environment is calm, but vibrant. Structured, but not rigid. Purposeful, but not pressured. We are building confident learners who think critically, collaborate well, and retain their natural curiosity.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Peoria is that it still feels rooted in family life. There are so many parents here who are deeply invested in their children and open to educational alternatives. That openness has allowed Willow & Wonder to grow organically through trust and relationships. I also appreciate the balance Peoria offers. It has grown significantly, but it still holds pockets of neighborhood connection and small-business support, which matters to me as both an educator and entrepreneur.
The rapid growth can feel fast-paced at times. Traffic increases. Schedules get busier. The culture can lean toward hustle. Personally, I value slow, intentional rhythms, so I am always mindful about protecting that within my home and within my program. In many ways, Willow & Wonder exists as a response to that pace, a place where children can breathe, think, and grow without constant pressure.
Pricing:
- Flexible enrollment options available. Visit our website for current offerings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.willowandwonderacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowandwonderacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17gmqM4ZeV/
