Wonder Learning & Discovery in Leesburg: A Haven for Joyful Play
Written by Lia Hobel | Photos by Gracie Savage
In the historic heart of Leesburg, a unique and vibrant space has emerged, capturing the essence of childhood curiosity and the joy of learning. Wonder Learning & Discovery, owned by Ashley Brush and Reagan Shaffer, is a mom-owned venture that offers a curated educational experience for children 6 and under.
Brush and Shaffer first met in the parking lot of a daycare where their daughters were classmates. Both women had full-time jobs — Brush in government contracting and Shaffer in consulting. Their casual conversations about career aspirations over coffee sparked the idea for Wonder. Brush had her eye on commercial real estate in Leesburg, and as Shaffer recalls, “The idea just didn’t stop” until the business launched.
With a name like “Wonder,” one can presume this isn’t your cookie-cutter play area. In fact, the owners strive to be the opposite of an ordinary play center. “It’s about creating an experience that’s unique and exciting every time you walk through the door,” Brush explains. Shaffer credits their children’s Montessori upbringing for the design concept. “We saw how much value came from that. We wanted to find something that gives us [parents] intentional, mindful quality time with our kiddos.”
Since opening in October 2024, Wonder has attracted repeat customers by frequently switching up the play stations. The owners have also invested in an advisory board to ensure that every aspect of the experience is carefully considered. “Ashley and I know our strengths and know where we want to lean on other people,” Shaffer shares. Their advisory board offers expertise in Montessori, occupational therapy, sensory development, and early education.
The facility itself is a historic building located on 16 W. Market Street in Leesburg. Each of its three floors offers a unique and engaging environment. Montessori-style toys and educational tools are tactfully arranged at stations and are designed to be both fun and high-quality. There are also themes to play spaces, such as a candy shop with a conveyor belt inspired by the classic “I Love Lucy” episode. “We’ve created an environment where the aesthetic is inviting but not overstimulating,” Brush says. “We brought in color, but at the same time, it’s not like the chaotic colors that you’ll see at a lot of play places. Everything is designed intentionally to be a calm, open-ended, and inviting experience.”
“It’s about creating an experience that’s unique and exciting every time you walk through the door.” – Brush
Wonder’s outdoor space is equally impressive, offering a safe and creative space for children to explore. The area includes age-appropriate swings, diggers, and plans for sensory activities like a water table. The outdoor space is designed to be green and organic, emphasizing the importance of outdoor play for children’s development. “Kids need to be outside, and we see that children who get to be outside at least one to three hours a day benefit in so many ways, including developmental progression and problem-solving,” Brush explains.
In addition to their advisory board, the owners also rave about their team, who make the business thrive. “We have some former educators or active teachers in the school district,” Brush says. “We really pride ourselves in being able to support moms. We have a couple of moms with little ones who have found ways to make a career and be independent outside of the home.” Another key factor is Wonder’s collaboration with local high schools’ DECA programs, providing students with valuable business and marketing experience. This commitment to community involvement is a cornerstone of Wonder’s mission.
“We really pride ourselves in being able to support moms. We have a couple of moms with little ones who have found ways to make a career and be independent outside of the home.” – Brush
Pop-up classes for children are part of the model too. The classes include Zumbini, a 45-minute music and movement class for babies to 4-year-olds. There are also ongoing Spanish language and music events. Though children are Wonder’s primary focus, parents and caregivers are also top of mind. Mom’s Night Out events are periodically held, such as a recent Galentine’s evening. On the weekends, local coffee from Shake & Bops Botanical Cafe is complimentary for parents, an example of Wonder’s dedication to supporting local businesses as well. They’ve also teamed up with Blueberry and Third of Ashburn, a maker of Montessori-inspired children’s play furniture and toys. “It’s really important to us to make sure that we are embedding in the community in an organic way,” Brush shares.
Wonder offers various membership options, promotions, and special events. Memberships and multi-admission passes provide additional value for frequent visitors. The facility also hosts birthday parties, playdates, and corporate events, fostering the sense of community and connection at the core of Wonder’s mission. ML
Wonder Learning & Discovery
16 W. Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
wonderleesburg.com
Published in the March 2025 issue of Middleburg Life.