Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide a play-based community program that will inspire wonder and exploration, and encourage connection to the natural world and those within it.

Vision Statement

Youth that feel connected…to nature, to others, and within the community.

Definition

Our definition of Discovery School: A school where children will discover new things through play and hands-on exploration.

Our Values

Our program is inspired and influenced by characteristics of the Reggio and Montessori styles of education.

Reggio

Like Reggio Emilio, we view children as researchers and children have opportunities to explore, observe, hypothesize, question, and discover. Our approach is child-centered and process-focused, with an intentionally constructed environment to provoke self-directed exploration. Additionally, our program utilizes open-ended materials (loose parts) to spark creativity and develop higher order thinking skills. We also love incorporating natural elements within the classroom and view our teachers as partners and guides.

Montessori

Like the Montessori method, our classroom environments include natural lighting, soft colors, and uncluttered, prepared spaces where children have access to materials to promote natural learning and growth. We provide opportunities outdoors for mixed age groupings. We know that children are naturally curious learners and full of potential!

We’re Environmentally Friendly

As much as possible, we try to eliminate the amount of waste we produce and our overall footprint on the environment. We use re-usable dishes and utensils, recyclable materials for art projects, and washcloths instead of paper towels. We also recycle, plant fruits and vegetables, digitize our documents and processes, and limit using food for art projects or sensory play.

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

— Fred Rogers