1. Discovery's academic program is researched based using cutting edge teaching strategies and curriculum. The combined use of differentiated instruction and developmental continuums, allows each child to progress and grow at their own rate as learners.
   
2. The curriculum is process-oriented. Discovery School's philosophy is that process skills allow children to learn at their own rate as they transfer skills from subject to subject.
3. Problem solving is used to develop sharp minds. As students become flexible and fluent in their thinking patterns, they learn that learning is fun and rewarding.
4. Learning success enhances a positive self-concept and leads to an inquisitive, probing mind. Discovery School's goal is to allow each student to find his or her learning strengths so that successes can be maximized.
5. Students learn the importance of taking responsibility for their own actions in the same manner with which they learn to read and write. Clear academic and behavioral expectations are communicated to each student.

{2nd Insect report}

The curriculum at Discovery School includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, foreign language, creative arts, music, information and technology skills and physical education. In addition, students enjoy the pleasure and personal satisfaction of enrichment activities. Numerous field trips enhance the learning opportunities, bringing topics to life. Children of all ages participate in community service projects.

Discovery School students are challenged academically while meeting each students needs. Each grade level works toward their own Core Content Competencies (skills to be mastered by the end of the year) and our curriculum exceeds and compliments the Washington State Essential Learning Requirements.

Mathematics

At Discovery we believe that math is experiential and the student’s input is not only respected but also expected. In the words of Marilyn Burns, founder of Math Solutions Professional Development, “Learning mathematics requires that children create and recreate mathematical relationships in their own minds. Children need direct and concrete interaction with mathematical ideas; ideas are not accessible solely from abstractions". Discovery’s teaching strategies employ a problem-solving curriculum, which places the emphasis on students being active learners and problem solvers rather than interacting in a teacher-directed classroom. We provide time and skills for students to grapple with problems, search for strategies and solutions and to evaluate the results. We foster the following characteristics and skills in students: “interest in finding solutions; confidence to try various strategies; willingness to risk being wrong at times; ability to accept frustrations that come from not knowing; willingness to persevere when solutions are not immediate; and understanding of the difference between not knowing the answer and not having found it yet”.  Marilyn Burns (About Teaching Mathematics)

{Writing in Kindergarten} Reading & Writing

In order for each child to view themselves as readers and to have success, Discovery uses a literature based reading and writing program working towards “genuine literacy”. Genuine literacy is defined as “reading, writing, thinking, and speaking daily in the real world, with opinions, appreciation and meaningful purposes in various settings and with other people.”  Reggie Routman

Our literacy program is student-generated, encompassing a whole language approach. In order to meet the goal of providing children with a variety of opportunities to becoming literate, instructional time is divided among: guided reading, self-selected reading, and writing workshops. Our teachers work toward skill development in each grade level knowing that each individual child will succeed in reading if given time, high expectations, and a literature rich environment. All children learn how to read in school; however, our goal is for every child to develop a desire for lifelong reading, writing, thinking, listening and evaluating in real situations.

{owl pellets} Science

At Discovery, science is taught using the four traits of science inquiry to encourage and develop scientific thinkers. Students are asked to think as scientists – to ask questions about the world they are experiencing, to generate quality data, to evaluate this data and use it to answer questions they have posed. Topics are generated by students, with teachers guidance, and includes life, earth and physical science for each year.

{Greek Hero}

Social Studies

Discovery School uses historical fiction and non-fiction as the guiding force of our social studies program. Through the use of historical fiction and non-fiction we integrate the social studies program into reading and writing, while the students are learning about the customs, relationships and issues that influenced the past, present and future citizens of the world. Teachers work closely with our library/technology teacher, for resources and guidance.