Q: How can I find out how my child is doing?
A: Our integrated communication system, Brightwheel allows parents/guardians to write personal messages to their child’s teacher. Throughout the day parents/guardians will be provided with updates of their child’s day that include notes, videos, photos, and personal care e.g. toileting and eating. Discovery Lane conducts parent/teacher conferences throughout the school year. At any point in the year parents can request a meeting with their child’s teacher.

Lower school students are provided quarterly progress reports.

Q: How is parent-teacher communication conducted?
A: Parents/guardians may phone the school. Parents/Guardians may also request request a parent/teacher meeting. Discovery Lane has an open door policy and parents/guardians may stop by any time.

Q: How can I be involved in my child’s school experience?
A: Throughout the school year Discovery Lane host school events in partnership with parents/guardians and the community. These events include our annual book fair, wellness day, and fall festival. We encourage parents/guardians to express voluntary interests to teachers for in-school activities.

Q: Do you offer part-time schedules?
A: Yes. We currently offer a 3 day schedule (Mon, Wed, and Fri) for the Piccolo classrooms only.

Q: Does my child have to be potty trained to attend?
A: Yes. The independence of a “potty-trained” child is a prerequisite for all class levels. Independence means that the child must have the awareness to use the bathroom without reminders, be able to manage their clothing without help, and have the ability to wipe or clean themselves appropriately to maintain clean hygiene. Accomodations will be made for children who require support due to developmental and physical delays.

Q: When and how are children’s skills evaluated?
A: Discovery Lane develops a comprehensive portfolio that includes photos, note taking, artifacts, and work sampling. Teachers will complete informal assessments that outline children’s readiness skills for learning and academic milestones. These assessments help guide teachers with lesson plan development and individualize planning to meet the needs of all children. Parents/guardians who have children in our lower school will be given quarterly progress reports. The reports detail progress in mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies.

Parent teacher conferences are held in person twice a year for all students in our school.

Q: What days are Discovery Lane closed?
A: Discovery Lane is closed during all federal holidays, 4 staff development days a year, one week in December, and Spring Break. We have a summer recess for two weeks in the month of August. Parents/guardians are required to pay tuition for all school closures. During our 2 week summer recess parents do not have pay tuition. Other school closures are noted on the school calendar provided to families in May proceeding the upcoming school year.

Q: Are there a limited amount of hours my child is allowed to stay at Discovery Lane?
A: Yes, for Kindergarten-2nd grade children that attend Discovery Lane and are not enrolled in our aftercare  program. Children who are enrolled in full-time preschool and enrolled in elementary aftercare do not have limited hours.

Q: What is the educational background of Discovery Lane teachers?
A: Our teachers far surpass the basic licensing and accreditation requirements. Many of our teachers have earned Associates, Bachelors, Masters and other advanced degrees and certificates.

Q: What is the turnover rate of Discovery Lane teachers?
A: Our turnover rate is low and we have teachers that have been with us since our inaugural year.

We believe firmly that a school is only as good as its educators and we immeasurably grateful for the exceptional teachers that are eager to teach at Discovery Lane.

Q: What is the teacher to child ratio in each classroom?
A:
Piccolo (2 year old classroom)- 1:6
Medio (3 year old classroom)-1:10
Generoso (4 year old classroom)- 1-10
Lower School- 1:10

Q: Do you provide a lunch menu?
A: Yes. Discovery Lane offers organic and healthy meals at a nominal fee in addition to the tuition for preschool students. Lunch is included in the tuition for lower school students. Please visit the Program to learn more and download a menu.

Q: Can I decide day by day when I want my child to have lunch provided by Discovery Lane?
A: Parents can decide if they wish to opt out or join our lunch program with a 2 weeks notice. .

Q: What is the educational philosophy of the program?
A: Discovery Lane follows the Reggio Emilia pedagogy.

Further information can be found on our Curriculum page.

Q: How do you compare to Montessori teaching philosophy?
Our philosophy is developmentally oriented following a strong academic curriculum. We provide meaningful play to strengthen the child’s interests and natural abilities. The curriculum is curated from children’s interests and knowledge. We provide a warm environment for children where they receive the nurturing and continuous positive reinforcement they need to develop to their fullest potential.

The primary principle in progressive preschools is to promote participation in age-appropriate activities, such as hands-on activities, self-expression, and shared ideas/thoughts. Children are encouraged to learn through play and provocations. Developmental preschools have philosophies that draw from multiple educational philosophies such as Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences and Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Traditional Montessori programs are entirely child-directed with extensive observational time.

Q: How much time will my child spend outdoors?
A: Outdoor play is vital for young children, and we spend a significant amount of time outside at Discovery Lane. Weather permitting children go outside each day.

Many of the developmental tasks that children must achieve—exploring, risk-taking, fine and gross motor development and the absorption of vast amounts of basic knowledge—can be most effectively learned through outdoor play. Children need the opportunity to explore the unknown, the unpredictable, and the adventurous.

Q: What makes up a typical day at Discovery Lane?
A: Click here to see an example Flow of the Day.

Q: What is the school’s withdrawal policy?
A: Parents/guardians who desire to terminate school services before their child’s tenure may do so with a 30 day written notice.

Q: How does the school handle discipline?
A: Discovery Lane follows a positive behavior support model and conscious discipline. Both are detailed are in discipline policy that is provided to families upon enrollment.

Q: My child has difficulty separating from me. What strategies can be used to help my child transition to their classroom?
A: Prior to your child’s first day, we extend a day at Discovery Lane in which a child can spend the entire day at our program for at no additional tuition charge. This is after the enrollment fee is paid. This allows the child to become familiar with the teachers and the child’s classroom and playground.

Parents are encouraged to remain positive about their child’s new experience and be optimistic about the new transition. It is a good idea to have many conversations about school before the first day. On the first day, parents are encouraged to drop their child off and get the child situated and comfortable. After a few minutes it is important to say good-bye and assure the child that you will be returning later. If needed, during the child’s first few days, a modified schedule may be recommended to ensure a smooth transition.

Q: What time is my child expected to arrive at school each day?
A: Children must arrive to school by 8:30am.

Q: Are there any other expenses during the school year besides tuition?
A: Tuition covers most of the yearly expenses. A supply fee is submitted upon enrollment and annually. Lunch is an addition fee for our preschool program, however parents can opt out of our lunch program. Parents/guardians are obligated to pay the specials fee that includes My Gym, horticulture, interactive storytelling, and art classes. Elementary school students specials classes include music, physical education, mindfulness, yoga, and library.

Q: Are families expected to fund raise or donate to the school?
A: Absolutely not. We have one annual fundraiser a year that includes a wish list curated by the teaching team. Parents/Guardians are not obligated to donate at any time during their child’s enrollment.

Q: Do you accept school vouchers or subsidies?
A: Yes. Discovery Lane believes all children deserve quality preschool. We will work with families to align them agencies to support families with tuition assistance.

Q: Do you offer discounts for siblings?
A: Yes if one or both siblings are enrolled full-time parents the oldest child will receive a 5% discount on weekly tuition.