The Early School presented a vibrant showcase of student learning this week, as the 8th annual WOW Night welcomed families to St. Margaret’s for an inspiring celebration of play-based discovery and growth.

Reggio Emilia schools have a design of openness to community and a willingness to share ideas, which inspired the first WOW Night in 2019. WOW—short for Works of Wonder—is a cherished annual tradition that invites families into the heart of the Early School experience. Throughout the event, classrooms, the atelier (art studio), Demonstration Lab, and Outdoor Classroom were transformed into immersive environments where children’s ideas and explorations took center stage.

At St. Margaret’s Early School, learning unfolds through inquiry, play, and collaboration. WOW Night serves as a powerful reflection of this philosophy, making learning visible in meaningful and engaging ways. Carefully curated documentation throughout each space illustrated how students develop, connect, and express their understanding.

The evening was especially meaningful because the exhibit was shaped by the Early School students. They guided the experience by building, curating, and bringing their projects to life. To prepare, they practiced being docents—first with peers, then with faculty and professional guests, and finally with their families—confidently sharing their work and reflections.

Each classroom offered a unique lens into the curriculum, highlighting a range of disciplines including literacy, mathematics, engineering, and scientific thinking. Families moved from space to space alongside their children, experiencing firsthand the joy, curiosity, and depth of learning that defined the year.

St. Margaret’s Early School draws inspiration from constructivist teaching and the renowned Reggio Emilia philosophy. With its emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and openness, this approach continues to shape WOW Night—an event that beautifully reflects a shared commitment to honoring young learners.