Our Preschools – Wise Preschool

THE HEART BEHIND OUR PRESCHOOLS

Our Story

Wise Preschool grew from a vision to provide nurturing, high quality early childhood education for children and families in our community.

Our founder, Lisa Mackenzie, drew on her experience as an early childhood educator and her perspective as a parent to create a preschool that goes beyond standard care. She recognised that the early years are critical for a child’s development—not just academically, but socially, emotionally and personally.

Since opening our first preschool in Carine in 2017, Wise has grown to Duncraig in 2020, with a third location planned to open in Dianella in early 2026. Each preschool is dedicated to providing an environment where children thrive and parents have peace of mind knowing their child is nurtured and happy.

We have three locations situated north of the river

Carine

Opened in 2017 as our inaugural service, Wise Preschool Carine is a hidden gem amongst the beautiful residential homes of Carine, creating a sense of home away from home. The service features extra-large classrooms, along with a beautiful outdoor play area set amongst the trees.

With space to explore, learn, and grow, Carine offers children a nurturing environment that feels both homely and full of opportunity.

Duncraig

Purpose-built with carefully considered architectural design, our Wise Preschool Duncraig centre features open, bright classrooms and a dedicated Kindy room with unique outdoor balcony play spaces.

With thoughtfully designed learning environments, Duncraig offers children a sense of belonging while inspiring curiosity and connection every day.

Dianella

Our newest Wise Preschool is located in the heart of the Dianella community, surrounded by family homes and leafy local parks.

Purpose-built to reflect our commitment to high-quality early education, the service features open, light-filled classrooms and thoughtfully designed outdoor play spaces that invite curiosity and exploration in a nurturing environment for local families.

We believe in combining warmth and community with exceptional educational practice.

Learn more about our Philosophy

Learn more about the
‘Wise Difference’

FAQS

Answering your Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take mid-year enrolments?

Our preschools are generally fully booked from the start of each year in January, so we’re unable to offer mid-year enrolments. Occasionally, additional days may become available throughout the year, and these are usually offered first to existing families seeking extra days.

Do you offer half days?

Our fees are based on full-day enrolments. However, particularly at the start of the year while children are settling in, some families choose for their child to attend for part of the day.

Can we receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) on our fees?

Yes, Wise Preschool is an approved provider for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).

Do you offer tours?

We don’t offer tours during operational hours, as we prioritise the safety and comfort of the children in our care. However, we host Open Afternoons twice a year—in February and June—where families are welcome to visit our spaces and meet our team. You can register your interest via the Visit Us page on our website.

Do you provide meals?

We provide a nutritious morning tea of fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers. Families are asked to pack a lunchbox with food for lunch and afternoon tea.

What room will my child be in?

Children are placed in rooms based on their age.

The Preschool Room caters for children aged 2.5 to 3.5 years.
The Kindy Room caters for children aged 3.5 to 5 years.
If your child is close to 3.5 years at the start of the year, we’ll discuss with you which room will best support their experience and individual needs.

Are you open during school holidays?

Yes, we remain open during the April, July, and September/October school holiday periods. We close for four weeks from mid-December to mid-January each year.

When will I find out if my child has a placement?

Our first round of enrolment offers is sent in late July for the following January start. Any remaining vacancies are confirmed through August and September.

How do I enrol my child?

Simply complete our Waitlist Form on the website. We’ll contact you when a placement becomes available for your child.

What if my child has food allergies?

We are a nut- and egg-free preschool. Our team works closely with families to accommodate food allergies and dietary requirements, ensuring every child’s safety and wellbeing.

Honest Words

"My child (Finn) started last year aged 3 having come from another daycare. He settled in quickly under the guidance and care at Wise. He loves Wise so much on the days he is not due in, he asks can he go. As a parent I love to see the tables all set up with free play activities, the kids can choose to do at drop off and all of the educators are wonderful with the kids in their care."

The best advice given to us as first time parents was to ensure we put our daughter’s name down for enrolment at Wise. Our daughter attended Pre-Kindy and is currently in her final months of Kindy at Wise. It has 100% been the best decision we have made to ensure she had the best early childhood learning opportunities. Wise has provided our daughter with a strong foundation stepping into Pre-School which has been evident through daily updates of her class activities and participation, through the relationships she’s built with fellow class mates and her wonderful educators, and her excitement to attend class each day. She really does love it. So we too pass on our recommendation to any parents out there who are seeking the best learning environment and learning opportunities for their child. Choose Wise!

"Wise Preschool is a beautifully presented, wonderfully warm space that is equally as calm as it is as fun and engaging. I love that the educators are focused on developing the whole-child, and fostering their sense of community. My son loves “pria-school” and regularly asks if he can go on weekends instead of staying home!"

"I’ve had two children go through Wise and it’s been absolutely phenomenal for both of them! The preschool is bursting with warmth and care, with educators who go above and beyond every single day. The programs are excellent and really set kids up for a confident transition to school. It’s been the best possible start to their learning, and I honestly can’t recommend Wise enough.”

"Both my children have been coming to Wise over the past few years and firstly I have been blown away at the inclusive, nurturing and play based approach of this centre. My children have absolutely loved coming here and some of the highlights was the outstanding communication between the educators and parents/guardians, the close knit family type environment and just the care they provide the children. We have absolutely loved it and couldn't recommend it more highly”

Join our Wise family

Add your name to the Waitlist

Be the first to know when a place becomes available at Wise Preschool. Add your name to our waitlist today and take the first step toward becoming part of our nurturing community.