Wonder

In fall 2018, a private K-12 STEM school, called Wonder, opened on the Wichita State campus. Below is a Q&A with information requested by a member of the media.

How exactly is Wonder School connected to WSU?

The university’s involvement with Wonder grew from a desire to have Innovation Campus as a site of experimentation and innovation in K-12 STEM education. University President Bardo’s first effort was for Wichita Public Schools (USD 259) to locate a STEM-focused middle school on campus. That is still a goal. When there weren’t USD 259 resources or interest to build that school, the university was open to Wonder’s proposal because experimental or lab schools have been associated with American higher education for decades. Wichita State University has many points of collaboration with public schools and is committed to continuing those. Being the site for Wonder doesn’t lessen that commitment in any fashion.

Most research universities have an associated research park where university faculty, students and researchers come together with industry, non-profits, government and individuals to create and advance knowledge. Some of our models include North Carolina State University, Purdue University and Arizona State University.

If Wichita State is doing something that hasn’t been done elsewhere, that’s a plus. The very nature of innovation is that it is something that hasn’t been done before, or it improves on an existing model. Innovation sometimes takes unexpected paths, and it may or may not result in something of lasting value.

Wonder leased and paid to renovate the former printing building on the east side of campus. Wonder pays market rent. The building and improvements will revert to WSU at the end of the lease. Wonder’s location at WSU, and the mutual desire to explore innovative methods of educational delivery, has provided a platform for opportunities to work together through applied learning, research, sponsored events, innovation and entrepreneurship projects and partnerships. Wonder is still in its first school year, so it is way too soon to draw conclusions about the value to either Wonder or the university. During this “start-up” phase, WSU and Wonder are working to identify longer-term opportunities.

What does the contract / agreement stipulate?

Wonder leased a 9,000-square-foot vacant building for 24 months, with two 12-month renewal options. Wonder’s net rental rate of $10 a square foot includes a credit for tenant improvements and adjacent parking. Wonder is responsible for all utilities, security and janitorial services.

Wonder has an agreement to lease approximately 3.8 acres of ground on Innovation Campus with the intent to build a more permanent school.

Who approved it?

WSU leased the building and ground to its affiliated corporation, Wichita State Innovation Alliance (WSIA). WSIA then sub-leased to Wonder. WSU President John Bardo signed the master lease in both instances. John Tomblin, vice president of the Office of Research and Technology Transfer, signed on behalf of WSIA after approval by President Bardo.

Do the Kansas Board of Regents have to sign off on any of the public / private partnerships on the Innovation Campus?

The Regents are kept informed and involved with major actions. This lease conforms to all laws and policies. Wonder occupies a 1953 building used in recent years for storage and temporary housing of departments whose spaces were being renovated. It was constructed before Wichita was a state university. It was completely renovated by Wonder with private funds. The use of the building, including improvements, will revert back to the university at the conclusion of the lease.

Does Wonder School simply rent space on campus?

Yes.

If so, is the amount of rent available to share?

The rental rate for the building lease is $90,000 per year.
The rental rate for the ground lease of a new building will be $.50 s/f of the building. The larger the building Wonder constructs, the more rental income the WSIA university affiliate will receive.

How is the relationship with Wonder School similar or dissimilar to the other public/private partnerships on campus?

This lease conforms to all laws and policies. It is similar to other lease arrangements for space within a university building, or land under a building on university property. Because the tenant performed substantial improvements that will be retained by the university, a rent credit was provided.

Do our education students help teach classes? If so, how many?

WSU graduate students and alumni, including one graduate of the School of Education, are Wonder teachers, known as guides. Any WSU students would have the opportunity to engage in applied learning situations at Wonder, but there aren’t education class credits for working there. The current students who are employed as guides are enrolled in the Master of Innovation Design (MID) degree program.

The following information was published in September 2018:

In 2017, we were approached by creators of a new private school about leasing space on campus for their startup school.

But why locate at WSU?

The goal for Wonder is to challenge children to use critical thinking, creation, collaboration and innovation in their education. This concept for an experience-based learning environment is consistent with what we are creating all across the university.

Wonder leased and renovated the former Printing Building on the east side of campus and opened for the first class in September 2018. The first-year student body will include about 35 pre-K through sixth grade students, with three WSU alumni as teachers / coaches / guides.

During Wonder's occupancy of the university facility, it will pay monthly rent to the university. There are no WSU student tuition or fees, or other state funds, being used for the renovation of the building or the operation of the school.

Wonder is expecting to double its student body in fall 2019.

If things proceed according to plan, Wonder will construct a new building on the WSU campus to open for the 2020 school year. At that point, the former Printing Building will be returned to university purposes with about $1 million in privately funded improvements in place.

Why a private school on the WSU campus? Wonder's learner-driven, innovative philosophy makes it a good match for WSU. It further supports the mission and vision to be a leader and model in applied learning and research, as well as an educational, cultural and economic driver for Kansas.

See Wonder FAQs

The information on this page is accurate as of May 23, 2019.  Comment on this topic.