Happy families

‘Both my children attended Wise Owl Pre-Primary for two years each between 2010 and 2014. It had been highly recommended to me when my son was a baby, and I had been told by many parents living in Kirstenhof to put his name on the waiting list as soon as possible to secure a very coveted place. That was one of the best schooling decisions that I made for my children. From the time they started at Wise Owl, they were warmly welcomed by owner, Karen Steinhofel, and her committed, enthusiastic, warm, loving and innovative team. The school was a nurturing, safe and secure environment and my children loved going to school. They spent two very happy years at Wise Owl, and it was their home away from home. At Wise Owl they gained all the building blocks they needed for successful learning – learning through play was encouraged and facilitated by both indoor and outdoor play. Besides all the important things like gross- and fine-motor skills, basic mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills, my children learned very important social and communication skills and many of the friends they made have lasted into Primary and High school. The school turned 30 while we were there, and the high attendance by past pupils and parents at the reunion that was held was a fabulous testament to how central and significant Wise Owl and the teachers were to our children’s formative years. Enrol your children now – it will be the best decision you make!’

Both my children adored Wise Owl, and both blossomed in the nurturing environment. I really appreciated the way that the teachers worked with the parents to provide the best learning opportunities for each individual child, while still giving the kids the freedom to play, get dirty, be silly and just generally have fun. Wise Owl was the only pre-school in the area that I trusted to be able to adequately manage the needs of my daughter who has severe food allergies, and they were fantastic – they were always prepared to adjust plans to cater for her and she was never left out. I always got the feeling that my children were loved at school just as much as they were at home, and that really showed in the growth of their confidence and self-worth over the time they were there.’

‘Both of my children attended Wise Owl and we spent 3 years at this wonderful school. What I, and my children, enjoyed so much was that they spent a lot of time learning through playing and moving. We had 3 different teachers and each one was lovely, nurturing and best of all, fun and full of life! Karen, the principal, is very much involved with the children and takes the time to get to know you and your family. They have been exceptional and very accommodating during this uncertain time of Covid-19. I would highly recommend this lovely school for your child.’

‘Wise Owl has been a home away from home for both our two older children. We have felt blessed to have had our children loved, nurtured and taught there. We look forward to round three in a few years. We would highly recommend this special gem of a school!’

‘Both my children had a wonderful experience at Wise Owl. Not only did I see them both grow into such confident children, but I could see how emotionally they grew into little people. I could not recommend this little school enough, the learn-through-play programme suited my children and helped ground their foundation for the years that have come. My children still talk about teacher Paula and how they want to go and visit her. This school is just so special to my heart and I’m so privileged that my children got to go there. What a gem we have in the heart of Kirstenhof.’

‘Wise Owl is the most wonderful pre-primary school, where our two daughters were fortunate enough to spend their pre-grade R and Grade R years. Karen and the teachers created a fun, nurturing environment with an exciting week to look forward to – filled with activities, crafts, games, dress-up days, music, baking, outings, and so much more, which made learning fun. My girls were academically, emotionally and socially well prepared for primary school. Many memories and lifelong friendships were made at Wise Owl.’

‘We initially chose Wise Owl for our daughters because of its long-standing reputation in the community and the smaller, more intimate classroom environment. How wonderful to have had every expectation exceeded. Our girls thrived with the individual attention made possible through the smaller class sizes, as well as the high quality of education and care that came with it. Celebrated for their own uniqueness, both our children grew in confidence over their time there. With the challenge of surrounding schools having limited intake for Grade R, we were so fortunate to have Wise Owl provide that option. The high-quality foundation teaching they received in Grade R at Wise Owl, meant that the girls were more than ready when they integrated into Sweet Valley Grade 1. Wise Owl went over and above to provide extra mural options, family-centred school events, school outings and exposure opportunities for our girls. As a full-time working parent, I especially valued their organization and impeccable admin that made the daily juggle of happily busy children so much easier to manage. To date, we consider our girls’ time at Wise Owl one of the greatest investments we have made in their futures.’

‘All 4 of my children went to Wise Owl. They still say it was one of the best times of their lives. They each chose to stay at Wise Owl for Grade R rather than go to Grade R at a primary school, as they loved Wise Owl so much. They are still friends with some of their fellow Wise Owls.
Wise Owl is so warm and nurturing. The children felt safe and secure. My children loved their teachers who understood them and grew their self-esteem. The teachers put in so much time and effort to each individual child. Even though Wise Owl has a soft, caring environment, the school had a structured day with lots of learning, working in groups, art, creativity and fun play. Every day had something different and exciting for the children. Wise Owl also helped my children learn social skills, sharing and how to work in groups. My children were well prepared for primary school and I know the primary school teachers find Wise Owl children very school-ready.’

‘Wise Owl provides such a supportive and nurturing environment for play-based learning. Our son loved his time there and had the most amazing teachers! They were also incredibly supportive of us as parents. I think that any child who starts their learning journey at Wise Owl leaves with many happy memories and a great foundation in place.’