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

Availability Not shared by this school

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.

www.thediscoveryschool.org

102 15th Street South, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250

Gallery

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Vibes and Culture

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The Essentials

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

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Fees

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

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

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Parent Experience

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Facilities

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Extra-Curricular Activities

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Languages

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Reputation

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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

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FAQs

What grades does The Discovery School serve?

The Discovery School serves ages 1 through 14, spanning Toddler, Primary, Elementary, and Middle School. Programs include Toddler Montessori, Primary Montessori, the IB Primary Years Programme for K–6, and a Middle School program, all in a co‑educational, nonprofit setting.

Where is The Discovery School located?

The campus is at 102 15th Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States. It operates as a day school serving students from toddler age up to Grade 8, led by Head of School Petra Obritzberger.

What is the overall curriculum approach at The Discovery School?

The school starts with Montessori methods for the youngest learners and transitions to the IB Primary Years Programme in the elementary years. The Middle School focuses on thoughtful decision‑making in a high‑expectation, low‑pressure setting, with enrichment and Learning Support Services.

What is the tuition range for 2026–2027, and how is it billed?

Annual tuition ranges from USD 13,500 for Toddler 4‑day half‑day to USD 24,500 for the Middle School program. The school offers multiple installment plans (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 payments) with payments due on set months, and per‑payment amounts vary by program.

What fees should I expect during admissions?

A new student application fee is USD 125 per child, an enrollment deposit of USD 1,000 is required with the enrollment agreement, a new family facility fee of USD 750 is due with the enrollment agreement, and Parent Association dues are USD 200 per family per year.

Is financial aid available, and how do families apply?

Yes. Need‑based financial aid is offered through Smart Aid, and FTC/FES programs are accepted. SmartAid requires its own assessment, and starting January 1, 2026 there is a USD 35 application fee for SmartAid.

How are Montessori and IB integrated across the grades?

The youngest learners follow Montessori methods in the Toddler and Primary programs. Beginning in elementary, the IB Primary Years Programme governs the curriculum for K–6, ensuring a continuity from hands‑on Montessori to inquiry‑based IB learning.

What kinds of enrichment and support services exist?

Enrichments and Learning Support Services supplement core academics, with a dedicated Learning Specialist coordinating with families and teachers. Students may receive small‑group reading intervention, targeted skill remediation, in‑class accommodations, and Learning Profiles created from psychoeducational reports or 504/IEP documents.

Are there experiential learning or well‑being components tied to academics?

Yes. The school maintains an OCEARCH partnership to support experiential learning, and well‑being is integrated through The Four Pillars of Wellbeing and a comprehensive school counseling program.

What campus facilities and spaces does The Discovery School offer?

The campus provides Montessori‑based classrooms for toddlers and primary students, with spaces designed for exploration and inquiry. The school has expanded facilities in recent years (I.D.R.E.A.M. building for the Middle School and The Peter and Jennifer Sleiman Building) to accommodate upper elementary and middle school spaces, and offers enrichment facilities connected to After School Adventures.

Are there athletic facilities and NFISAC participation?

Yes. The school participates in NFISAC for select sports, with offerings in basketball, volleyball, flag football, and soccer depending on student interest, coached by the school's staff.

What about aftercare and meals?

Precare runs from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.; aftercare is available with multiple time blocks and monthly rates across Toddler through Middle School. The campus runs a MyFoodDays lunch program, with options to order meals or pack lunch.

What clubs and after‑school programs are available?

After School Adventures offers athletic, academic, and art‑focused options; Summer Camp runs for ages 3–14 with activities like art, sports, and STEM; Music, theatre, and art enrichment occur through partners such as Roar Music Academy and Jax Little Art Lab.

Are there leadership or parent involvement opportunities?

The Discovery School PTO provides leadership committees and executive roles (e.g., Welcome Committee, Teacher Appreciation, Fall Festival) and coordinates on‑ and off‑campus activities. Participation is automatic for families and teachers, with meeting details published on the school calendar.

What language and cultural activities are included beyond the classroom?

Spanish is taught to all students from Toddler through Middle School, with immersive language use and cultural celebrations; Japanese is taught at Foundational Elementary and Lower Elementary, adding cultural context to language learning.

How does the school support students' wellbeing and mental health?

The school has a School Counseling Program addressing social, emotional, and academic needs, guided by The Four Pillars of Wellbeing and offering individual and small‑group counseling, classroom lessons, and crisis support.

What support is available for students with learning differences?

The Learning Support Services provide a Learning Specialist who designs Learning Profiles, offers small‑group reading interventions, targeted skill remediation, and classroom accommodations, with progress monitored through curriculum‑based assessments.

How is safeguarding and safety managed on campus?

Safeguarding is integrated through the counseling program and Student Services, including health forms, immunization requirements, allergy management, and a secure fence and gate system for campus access. Emergency notifications are distributed via Finalsite.

Is The Discovery School a boarding school?

No. It is a day school for students from 18 months through Grade 8, with extended care and aftercare options to support families.

Are uniforms required and what do they look like?

Yes, uniforms are required for Primary through Middle School, with logoed items available through Lands' End. Non‑logo bottoms are acceptable if they meet the dress code, and Spirit Days allow Discovery shirts with uniform bottoms.

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