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The Discovery School

United States, Jacksonville Beach

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $13,500 - 24,500
Ages 1 - 14 years
Pupil numbers 351
Type Co-educational
Opened 1990
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, IB (PYP)
Taught languages Spanish, Japanese
Typical class size 10
Strengths STEM, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Primary School, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

The Discovery School in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, provides a Montessori-based foundation for early learners and transitions into the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for grades K–6, with a Middle School that emphasizes decision-making and critical thinking in a low-pressure setting. Serving ages 1 to 14, the school blends Montessori philosophy with the IB framework to offer appropriate learning. Enrichments and Learning Support Services accompany core academics, and an OCEARCH partnership supports experiential science learning. The campus has grown through expansions, including Walchle Multipurpose Building (2010), I.D.R.E.A.M. building (completed 2019), and Peter and Jennifer Sleiman Building (2024), expanding upper elementary and middle school spaces. Distinctive features include hands-on STEM activities, world-language programs in Spanish and Japanese, music and theatre, and after-school options such as Summer Camp and After School Adventures. The program also integrates wellbeing through a Four Pillars of Wellbeing framework, community service, and athletic opportunities through NFISAC participation.

102 15th Street South, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250

The Essentials

The Discovery School has 351 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location
102 15th Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States.

Stages
Toddler Program; Primary Program; Elementary Program; Middle School Program. Montessori Method and International Baccalaureate (IB) Framework are used across the levels.

Additional learning support
The Discovery School provides Learning Support Services with a dedicated Learning Specialist who collaborates with identified students, teachers and families to establish a comprehensive support framework. Services include small group reading intervention, targeted skill remediation, in-class assistance and classroom accommodations. Learning Profiles are created based on psychoeducational reports, 504 plans, or IEPs to address individual learning needs; progress is monitored through curriculum-based assessments.

Country affiliation
United States

School day structure
Program Hours: Precare 7:30–8:30; Toddler Half-Day 8:40–12:30; Toddler Full Day 8:40–3:00; Primary Half-Day 8:30–12:30; Primary Full Day 8:30–2:45; Kindergarten 8:30–2:45; Foundational Elementary 8:00–3:05; Lower Elementary 8:00–3:05; Upper Elementary 8:00–3:05; Middle School 7:45–3:05; Aftercare 3:00–5:30. School Hours: Regular business hours 8:00–5:00; Summer hours 9:00–4:00; Regular teaching hours 8:15–3:10.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Extended Care is offered; Aftercare runs 3:00 pm–5:30 pm.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform bottoms are worn with designated shirts. On Spirit Days, students may wear a Discovery shirt, a Discovery athletic shirt, a Mad Dash or Dolphin Dash shirt, or a Discovery club shirt with uniform bottoms. Spirit Items are available for purchase at the Spirit Store.

Food Options
Discovery runs a daily lunch program through MyFoodDays; menus rotate every two weeks. Parents may order meals to be delivered to the classroom, and families may also pack lunch.

Governance and Ownership
The Board of Trustees governs the school; Day-to-day operations are conducted under the direction of the Head of School. Discovery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Discovery School ranges from USD 13,500 to USD 24,500 for 2026/27.

Application and Enrollment Fees

- New student application fee: USD 125.00 (one-time; must accompany the online application).
- Enrollment deposit: USD 1,000.00 (non-refundable; required with the enrollment agreement).
- New family facility fee: USD 750.00 (non-refundable; required with the enrollment agreement).
- Parent Association dues: USD 200.00 per family, yearly.

Annual Tuition by Program / Year Group (2026–2027)

- Toddler Program
- 4‑day toddler, half day (18 months–3 years; Tue–Fri, 8:40 am–12:30 pm): USD 13,500.00.
- 5‑day toddler, half day (18 months–3 years; Mon–Fri, 8:40 am–12:30 pm): USD 16,500.00.
- 5‑day toddler, full day (18 months–3 years; Mon–Fri, 8:40 am–2:45 pm): USD 20,000.00.

- Primary Program
- Primary, half day (3–4 years; Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–12:30 pm): USD 16,500.00.
- Primary, full day (3–4 years; Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–2:45 pm): USD 20,000.00.
- Kindergarten (5 years; Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–2:45 pm): USD 20,500.00.

- Elementary Program
- Foundational Elementary (Grade 1): USD 21,000.00.
- Lower Elementary (Grades 2–3): USD 21,500.00.
- Upper Elementary (Grades 4–5): USD 22,000.00.

- Middle School
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): USD 24,500.00.

Installment (Per-Payment) Amount Examples and Billing Schedule

The school offers several tuition payment plans. Per-payment amounts below are calculated by dividing the published annual tuition evenly by the number of payments in each plan.

Payment plan schedule (due months as published):
- Annual Payment — payment in full due March, June, or July.
- 2‑Payment Plan — two equal payments due June and October.
- 4‑Payment Plan — four equal payments due June, August, October, and December.
- 6‑Payment Plan — six equal payments due March–August OR June–November.
- 8‑Payment Plan — eight equal payments due May–December.
- 10‑Payment Plan — ten equal payments due March–December.
- 12‑Payment Plan — twelve equal payments due March–February.

Per-payment examples (USD):
- For Toddler 4‑day half day (annual USD 13,500.00):
- 2 payments: USD 6,750.00; 4 payments: USD 3,375.00; 6 payments: USD 2,250.00; 8 payments: USD 1,687.50; 10 payments: USD 1,350.00; 12 payments: USD 1,125.00.

- For programs at USD 16,500.00 (e.g., 5‑day toddler half day; Primary half day):
- 2 payments: USD 8,250.00; 4 payments: USD 4,125.00; 6 payments: USD 2,750.00; 8 payments: USD 2,062.50; 10 payments: USD 1,650.00; 12 payments: USD 1,375.00.

- For programs at USD 20,000.00 (e.g., 5‑day toddler full day; Primary full day):
- 2 payments: USD 10,000.00; 4 payments: USD 5,000.00; 6 payments: USD 3,333.33; 8 payments: USD 2,500.00; 10 payments: USD 2,000.00; 12 payments: USD 1,666.67.

- For Kindergarten (USD 20,500.00):
- 2 payments: USD 10,250.00; 4 payments: USD 5,125.00; 6 payments: USD 3,416.67; 8 payments: USD 2,562.50; 10 payments: USD 2,050.00; 12 payments: USD 1,708.33.

- For Grade 1 (USD 21,000.00):
- 2 payments: USD 10,500.00; 4 payments: USD 5,250.00; 6 payments: USD 3,500.00; 8 payments: USD 2,625.00; 10 payments: USD 2,100.00; 12 payments: USD 1,750.00.

- For Grades 2–3 (USD 21,500.00):
- 2 payments: USD 10,750.00; 4 payments: USD 5,375.00; 6 payments: USD 3,583.33; 8 payments: USD 2,687.50; 10 payments: USD 2,150.00; 12 payments: USD 1,791.67.

- For Grades 4–5 (USD 22,000.00):
- 2 payments: USD 11,000.00; 4 payments: USD 5,500.00; 6 payments: USD 3,666.67; 8 payments: USD 2,750.00; 10 payments: USD 2,200.00; 12 payments: USD 1,833.33.

- For Middle School (USD 24,500.00):
- 2 payments: USD 12,250.00; 4 payments: USD 6,125.00; 6 payments: USD 4,083.33; 8 payments: USD 3,062.50; 10 payments: USD 2,450.00; 12 payments: USD 2,041.67.

Payment Methods and Administrative Details

- Accepted payment methods: check, credit card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard), or preauthorized ACH debit.
- Tuition payment plan selection and due months follow the schedules listed above.
- Families choosing installment plans that extend beyond the start of the school year are required to enroll in the school's mandated tuition insurance plan. Enrollment deposit and the new‑family facility fee are non‑refundable.

Tuition Insurance and Refunds

- The school requires families on installment plans extending beyond the start of the school year to enroll in the tuition insurance/Tuition Refund Plan; this plan is designed to protect the family's and the school's financial obligations in the event of withdrawal, dismissal, or extended medical absence.
- The Tuition Refund Plan provides benefits to the school for unused insured tuition under specific conditions (for example, it may pay 75% of unused fees for medical withdrawals and 60% for voluntary withdrawals after specified attendance thresholds); the plan's coverage definitions, exclusions, effective dates, claim procedures, and premium timing are set by the plan documentation.
- The school's Enrollment Agreement establishes the family's obligation for the full annual tuition; the Enrollment Deposit and the Facility Fee are non‑refundable.

Extended Care (Precare & Aftercare) — 2026–2027

- Precare annual rate (all levels listed): USD 800.00 per student (times/age groups vary by program).
- Toddler aftercare (monthly rates): 3 days/week 3:00–4:00 pm USD 120.00; 3 days/week 3:00–5:00 pm USD 240.00; 3 days/week 3:00–5:30 pm USD 300.00; 5 days/week 3:00–4:00 pm USD 200.00; 5 days/week 3:00–5:00 pm USD 400.00; 5 days/week 3:00–5:30 pm USD 500.00.
- Primary aftercare (monthly rates): 3 days/week 3:00–4:00 pm USD 110.00; 3 days/week 3:00–5:00 pm USD 220.00; 3 days/week 3:00–5:30 pm USD 275.00; 5 days/week 3:00–4:00 pm USD 185.00; 5 days/week 3:00–5:00 pm USD 370.00; 5 days/week 3:00–5:30 pm USD 460.00.
- Elementary & Middle School aftercare (monthly rates): 3 days/week 3:00–4:00 pm USD 105.00; 3 days/week 3:00–5:00 pm USD 210.00; 3 days/week 3:00–5:30 pm USD 260.00; 5 days/week 3:00–4:00 pm USD 175.00; 5 days/week 3:00–5:00 pm USD 350.00; 5 days/week 3:00–5:30 pm USD 440.00.

Uniforms and Other Routine Costs

- Primary, Elementary, and Middle School students are required to wear uniforms. Logoed uniform items may be purchased through Lands' End (preferred school number provided for ordering); non‑logo bottoms may be purchased elsewhere if they meet the dress code. Specific uniform item prices are not published here.

Boarding

- The Discovery School is an independent day school for students aged 18 months through Grade 8; boarding is not applicable.

Financial Aid and Application Costs for Aid

- Need‑based financial assistance is available through a third‑party process (Smart Aid). The cost to submit a Smart Aid application is USD 35.00 starting January 1, 2026.
Academics

The Discovery School teaches Montessori Curriculum, IB (PYP) for students aged 1 to 14.

Curriculum
The Discovery School provides a progressive program that begins with the Montessori philosophy for our youngest learners. The Montessori Method is implemented through Toddler Montessori Program and Primary Montessori Program. In elementary years, the program transitions to an IB framework via the Primary Years Programme for grades K-6. The Middle School Program emphasizes thoughtful decision-making and critical thinking in a high-expectations, low-pressure setting. Enrichments and Learning Support Services complement core academics, and the school maintains an OCEARCH Partnership to support experiential learning.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Discovery School provides a School Counseling Program that meets social, emotional, and academic needs through a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate approach, delivered by the school counselor in collaboration with parents, teachers, learning specialists, and administration. The program's curriculum fosters self‑awareness, personal growth, mindfulness, responsibility, and respect for others and themselves. In the Lower School, there is a schoolwide wellness program called The Four Pillars of Wellbeing and a Kindergarten abuse‑prevention program called Safer, Smarter Kids, along with small‑group counseling to build social skills and coping abilities. In the Upper School, the program also uses The Four Pillars of Wellbeing, provides short‑term individual and small‑group counseling, leads classroom lessons on social and emotional topics, and offers support to students in crisis. Parents can access consultations and referrals to community resources through the counseling program.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support Services empower students with unique learning needs. A Learning Specialist collaborates with identified students, teachers, and families to establish a comprehensive support framework, fostering academic success and enabling students to reach their maximum potential. Services include small‑group reading intervention, targeted skill remediation, in‑class assistance, and close coordination with teachers to implement classroom accommodations. Progress is regularly monitored through curriculum‑based assessments, and Learning Profiles are developed based on psychoeducational reports, 504 plans, or IEPs to outline tailored accommodations. The school is deeply committed to providing support for students diagnosed with learning disabilities within the classroom environment.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a school‑wide wellness program called The Four Pillars of Wellbeing, implemented in both the Lower and Upper Schools. The Counseling Program provides short‑term individual and small‑group counseling to support students' social and emotional wellbeing, leads classroom lessons on various mental health topics, and offers crisis support as needed. The counseling team works as part of the Student Services Team and collaborates with teachers, parents, and the Academic Support Coordinator to foster well‑being. The program includes parental consultations to support their child's emotional development and access to community referrals when appropriate.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is integrated through the School Counseling Program and Student Support Services, including an Academic Support Coordinator and classroom accommodations to address student needs. The Lower School establishes a wellness program (The Four Pillars of Wellbeing) and a Kindergarten abuse‑prevention program (Safer, Smarter Kids) with ongoing small‑group counseling. The Upper School also implements The Four Pillars of Wellbeing, provides short‑term and small‑group counseling, classroom lessons on social and emotional topics, and crisis support; Parents can receive consultations and referrals for resources. Health and safety measures include emergency contact forms, health form and immunization requirements, and allergy management with appropriate signage when applicable. The campus operates a secure fence and gate system to regulate access during transitions, and weather/emergency notifications are distributed via Finalsite messaging.
Parent Experience

History
The Discovery School, Inc. was founded in 1990 as Discovery Elementary School, Inc., a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to providing children a Montessori-based elementary education. The Toddler Community was added in 1992, and the school was renamed Discovery Montessori School, Inc. The Primary level was added in 1994, and a satellite Hudson-Lane campus began offering upper grades in 1995. The Walchle Multipurpose Building was completed in 2010 as part of campus expansions, and in 2016 the school changed its name to The Discovery School to reflect program growth. A capital campaign launched in 2018 funded the I.D.R.E.A.M. building for the Middle School, completed in 2019, and a 2022 campaign funded The Peter and Jennifer Sleiman Building, completed in 2024, expanding upper elementary and middle school spaces.

Community
The Discovery School's community is organized around families and school events. Family Information, News, Calendar, Let's Connect, PTO, and the Parent Handbook are community resources. The PTO coordinates on- and off-campus activities to foster community and school spirit, with meeting dates published on the school calendar and communicated through the Discovery Update email.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Discovery School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is a volunteer group dedicated to supporting the school and enhancing the educational experience for all students. Every parent or guardian of a Discovery student, as well as every teacher, is automatically a member. The PTO's key goal is to host on- and off-campus extracurricular activities that build community and school spirit. Members are encouraged to join meetings; meeting dates are posted on the school calendar and communicated through the Discovery Update email. The PTO is led by Executive Committees, including roles such as Welcome Committee Chair, Teacher Appreciation Chairs, and Fall Festival Committee Chairs, and maintains a calendar of events such as Fall Festival, Deck the Chair, and Around the World. For questions, email pto@thediscoveryschool.org.
Facilities

Academic Facilities
The Montessori Method offers students a warm, dynamic learning environment created for the child, with the classroom becoming a haven that encourages exploration, questioning, and connections. Toddler Montessori Program and Primary Montessori Program are offered. The Discovery School uses International Baccalaureate Framework with the Primary Years Programme in elementary, and the Middle School Program emphasizes thoughtful decision-making and critical thinking in a high-expectation, low-pressure setting. Enrichments and Learning Support Services are included, and the school has an OCEARCH Partnership.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Summer Camp, After School Adventures, Athletics, and Extended Care are offered as activities. Athletics is part of the North Florida Independent School Athletic Conference (NFISAC), which provides athletic programs for students in grades three through six. The school's NFISAC involvement is per sport and depends on student interest. NFISAC members compete in basketball, volleyball, flag football, and soccer; for questions, contact Coach Chad Bishop.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) is offered across Kindergarten through Middle School as part of the enrichment program. Hands-on learning uses Microsoft Hacking STEM kits, Ozobot EVOs, and LEGO WeDo 2.0 to tackle real-world challenges. The Middle School Global Perspectives course uses Out of Eden Walk and National Geographic resources for learning journeys. The wellbeing framework supports social-emotional learning with the Four Pillars of Wellbeing: Mindfulness, Community, Self-Curiosity, and Contentment and Balance.

Arts & Creative
The Music program fosters a wide appreciation of music and helps students reach musical goals. Students learn singing, rhythm, and instrument work, including the ukulele. The enrichment includes visual and performing arts through After School Adventures, such as Jax Little Art Lab and Theatre Club. Roar Music Academy provides music lessons on Mondays.

Cultural & Language
Spanish is taught to all students from the Toddler program through Middle School. Japanese is taught at Foundational Elementary and Lower Elementary levels. Spanish language instruction emphasizes immersive language use and cultural celebrations in Spanish-speaking countries. The Middle School Global Perspectives course uses Out of Eden Walk and National Geographic Atlas to explore geography, politics, climates, and demographics.

Social & Hobbies
After School Adventures offers after-school enrichment with athletic, academic, and art-focused classes for all ages. Summer Camp provides creative, athletic, and educational options for children ages 3 through 14, including art, crafting, soccer, chess, STEM, dance, literacy, cooking, and baking. Arts-focused sessions include Tiny Dancers, Jax Little Art Lab, Roar Music Academy, Theatre Club, and the Knight School Chess Academy.

Community & Service
The Discovery School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is a volunteer group dedicated to supporting the school and enhancing the educational experience for all students. Every parent or guardian and every teacher is automatically a member. The PTO's key goal is to host on- and off-campus extracurricular activities that build community and school spirit.

Leadership & Professional
The PTO has leadership committees and executive committees, with chairs and roles such as Welcome Committee, Teacher Appreciation, Dolphin Social Club, Fall Festival, Deck the Chair, and Around the World. These roles provide opportunities for parents to contribute to school events and develop organizational and event-planning skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical Education is a vital part of education and supports movement, fitness, and healthy lifestyle choices across Kindergarten through Middle School. The Middle School Wellness program promotes social-emotional learning through the Four Pillars of Wellbeing: Mindfulness, Community, Self-Curiosity, and Contentment and Balance, focusing on habit formation and mental health to build a supportive community.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
FCIS accreditation; affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS); International Baccalaureate (IBO) World School for the Primary Years Programme; member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), AMS, and Non-Profit Center of Northeast Florida.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1. Tours: Tours are open to families learning about The Discovery School; no application is required before scheduling. To arrange a tour, contact admissions@thediscoveryschool.org. Step 2. Application and Fees: An application for admission and a one-time non-refundable fee of $125 per child must be submitted. Submitting an application does not guarantee admission. Step 3. Student Visit and Assessment: An interview and/or an assessment with a teacher may be requested for children in the Primary, Elementary, and Middle School programs. Applicants for Elementary must show evidence of current standardized test scores (FSA, ERBs, MAP, Stanford/SAT10, IOWA Assessments, CPTs); Applicants for Middle School must share results of the ISEE (school code 571379); If test dates are inconvenient, Prometric testing is available. Step 4. Recommendations and School Records: Current school records, including report cards, standardized test scores, and performance evaluations, are required for students entering Kindergarten through eighth grade. Step 5. Admissions Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but it is encouraged to complete the process by January 31 as applications will be reviewed based on availability. Kindergarten students must be 5 years old by September 1 in the year they wish to attend. Step 6. Admission Decision: Siblings of students already enrolled, children of employees, and Montessori/IB transfer students are given preference in enrollment. Final acceptance and level placement are determined by the Director of Enrollment Management and the Head of School based on interviews, academic and social progress, and the balance of ages and genders within the classrooms. Step 7. Financial Aid: Financial aid is available as partial scholarships based on need; SmartAid provides an objective financial needs assessment. Step 8. Notification: Enrollment is official once the enrollment agreement is signed and returned with the tuition deposit and associated fees; the school requires emergency contact information, health forms, immunization records, birth certificate, and a release agreement.

Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are available; SmartAid provides an objective needs assessment. The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC), Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO), and Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) are accepted. Discovery can accommodate students who qualify for FES's Unique Abilities Scholarships in accordance with applicable laws.
School Events
The school has not added events
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