Discovery School provides preschool children with a nurturing environment in which a positive attitude toward education can develop. Emphasis is placed on laying a firm foundation upon which children can develop their full potential as sensitive, caring, and creative human beings. Discovery School believes children should be active, involved learners, who deal with real experiences and concrete materials, in order to explore and manipulate in the process of learning. Close interaction between the family and school is an essential part of the educational process and the program is designed to provide children and their families with additional experience in which to grow together.
To facilitate the child’s emotional, physical, intellectual, and social growth, the following goals have been defined:
- To assist the child and his/her family in the important transition from home to school by providing an atmosphere of warmth, security, and trust in which positive relationships with teachers and classmates develop. A positive self-image, a concern and respect for others, a joy of learning, and a sense of humor are important goals.
- To provide a wide variety of experiences designated to develop the child’s self-confidence and mastery of their environment. The child has opportunities to initiate activities, make decisions, explore their world, make new discoveries, manipulate materials, experience success, and take pride in their accomplishments.
- To provide a curriculum which reflects an orderly progression of skill development that is age appropriate, and yet flexible enough to address the various levels of readiness within the class. Children are encouraged to be curious, to wonder and to seek answers to questions. Special attention is given to the preparation skills important for future success in school. The child’s listening, comprehension, fine and gross motor skills are developed. Reading, writing and math readiness evolve from the mastery of these basic tools.
- To provide learning experiences which foster the value of our immediate culture, and the diversity of the cultures within our world. To provide the guidance necessary to help students live effectively with other children and adults, and to value their own rights and the rights of others.
Discovery School considers that attention to these specific developmental needs will significantly contribute to the development of happy, enthusiastic, and flexible youngsters who can become active and purposeful members of society.