25/08/2026
Excuse the soppiness of this post, but this milestone deserves it! 💛
As the school year begins again, we’re celebrating 10 years of Wise Owls… how did that happen?!
10 years ago Wise Owls started with 3 children and me!
If someone had told me then that one little afterschool would eventually become 8 locations, I’m not sure I would have believed them!
There was never a grand plan. It started simply, and then one step led to another… and another… and somehow, here we are 10 years later.
There have definitely been ups and downs along the way—thankfully, a lot more ups! There have been plenty of long days, a few stressful ones, lots of learning as we went—and lots and lots of giggles!
And really, that’s what Wise Owls has always been about.
Children coming in after school, throwing down their bags, telling us about their day, making friends, playing, laughing and having somewhere they feel comfortable, safe and happy.
Some of the little children from those early years aren’t so little anymore, which makes 10 years feel even harder to believe! 🥹
And I have to give a very special mention to our amazing Wise Owls staff. 💛
Wise Owls could never have grown into what it is today without the people who walk through our doors every day and care so deeply for every child. Thank you for all the energy, patience, kindness, fun and heart you bring to Wise Owls. You are such an important part of our story.
To every family who has trusted us with their children over the past 10 years—thank you. It is a privilege to be part of their childhoods and to watch them grow.
And, of course, to every little person who has come through our doors—thank you for the laughs, the stories, the artwork, the games, the friendships and the countless happy memories. You are the reason Wise Owls exists. 💛
It feels especially fitting to celebrate this milestone as Marshalstown, where it all began, gets a whole new look with our new Junior Room and outdoor space—although we still have a few finishing touches to add outdoors! It marks the beginning of another exciting chapter.
I am incredibly proud of how far Wise Owls has come, but even more grateful for every person who has been part of the journey.
10 years and countless memories. 💛
Here’s to the next chapter! ✨🥰
