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Education PlanDiscovery offers a unique and exciting Education Plan to help meet all students where they are and grow their individual talents and interests. Using an exciting, student-driven STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) curriculum, Discovery aims to grow student creativity, curiosity, and collaboration during the formative middle school years.
Discovery offers all students a unique Passion Learning Time where students engage in learning what they want to learn while collaborating with peers with similar interests. All students will receive a laptop and learn to use a variety of technology including 3D printers and virtual reality equipment. Whereas schools have historically educated students out of their inherent creativity (see this awesome and inspiring TED Talk by Sir Ken Robinson), Discovery will promote creativity and teach all students how to think critically, creatively problem-solve, and effectively communicate and express ideas. Real-world experiences are central to Discovery's Education Plan, and students will be exposed to a variety of exciting guest speakers and hands-on field trips. Discovery's teachers use an inclusion model of teaching that ensures all students, including AIG and EC students, are reached and challenged at an appropriate level. Teachers will be well-trained on differentiation methods, and students will be provided with a variety of resources at different skill levels to ensure each child is actively engaged in their learning. For more information, please read our Education Plan beginning on page 14 of our charter application. |
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Facilities
In August 2021, Discovery move into a brand new state-of-the-art five-building campus on 60 acres of land just north of Durham in Bahama. Discovery's new buildings feature a unique design that allows for collaboration between classrooms, a virtual reality lab / YouTube creator studio, a performing arts space, and many other amenities that support Discovery's mission. Transportation is provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
> What grade levels does Discovery offer?
Discovery offers 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Starting in the 2022-23 school year, Discovery will add 9th grade and grow to add a high school over the next four years. We also have partnership agreements with other area charter schools that give our students priority enrollment into their high school programs. At this time, those schools include Research Triangle High School and Excelsior Classical Academy.
> Is Discovery a traditional or year-round school?
Discovery is on a traditional school calendar. We follow generally the same calendar as the local public school district to lessen the burden on parents with children in multiple schools.
> What are Discovery's hours?
School hours are from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Before and after school care opportunities are available.
> Where is Discovery located?
Discovery moved to a beautiful new, 5 building, 60 acre campus in August 2021. The new campus is located at 501 Orange Factory Rd. in northern Durham County.
> Who is eligible to attend Discovery?
Any student who resides in North Carolina is eligible to attend Discovery regardless of what county the student resides.
> What are the class sizes?
Class sizes at Discovery are planned to ultimately be no more than 22 students.
> Does Discovery offer athletics?
YES! Discovery offers soccer, basketball, baseball, and more. Check out our athletics page.
> Is free and reduced lunch provided?
YES! Discovery will offer free lunch to all students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
> Are technology devices provided?
YES! Discovery is a STEAM school and as such technology is central to our mission. All students receive a laptop. Students are taught how to use devices safely and effectively to enhance learning.
> Is transportation provided?
Yes, Discovery will offer at least two bus routes for the 2021-22 school year. Additional routes are planned for future years.
> Are services provided for EC and/or AIG students?
YES! Discovery uses an inclusion model of teaching that ensures every student is reached and challenged at an appropriate level. Teachers are well-trained on differentiation methods, and students will be provided with a variety of resources at different skill levels to ensure each child is actively engaged in their learning. For more information, please read our Education Plan beginning on page 14 of our charter application.
> What is Passion Learning Time?
Passion Learning Time (PLT) is akin to Google's Genius Hour. It is a dedicated time for all students to explore their passions. Teachers serve as facilitators of learning, and students will move between grade levels to work with others who share similar passions. Learning will be hands-on, real-world, and collaborative. For more information, please read our Education Plan beginning on page 14 of our charter application. Current PLTs include cooking/baking, First LEGO League, gardening, outdoor exploration, eSports, chorus, acting, Science Olympiad, language learning, debate, instrument playing, and more.
> What is the dress code?
Discovery students wear uniforms from Lands End. Research shows that uniforms minimize classroom disruptions, are overall less expensive, and create an equal playing field for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Our uniforms offer choice, are stylish, and allow for creative expression. We offer a Uniform Assistance Program for those who may need help purchasing uniforms.
Discovery offers 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Starting in the 2022-23 school year, Discovery will add 9th grade and grow to add a high school over the next four years. We also have partnership agreements with other area charter schools that give our students priority enrollment into their high school programs. At this time, those schools include Research Triangle High School and Excelsior Classical Academy.
> Is Discovery a traditional or year-round school?
Discovery is on a traditional school calendar. We follow generally the same calendar as the local public school district to lessen the burden on parents with children in multiple schools.
> What are Discovery's hours?
School hours are from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Before and after school care opportunities are available.
> Where is Discovery located?
Discovery moved to a beautiful new, 5 building, 60 acre campus in August 2021. The new campus is located at 501 Orange Factory Rd. in northern Durham County.
> Who is eligible to attend Discovery?
Any student who resides in North Carolina is eligible to attend Discovery regardless of what county the student resides.
> What are the class sizes?
Class sizes at Discovery are planned to ultimately be no more than 22 students.
> Does Discovery offer athletics?
YES! Discovery offers soccer, basketball, baseball, and more. Check out our athletics page.
> Is free and reduced lunch provided?
YES! Discovery will offer free lunch to all students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
> Are technology devices provided?
YES! Discovery is a STEAM school and as such technology is central to our mission. All students receive a laptop. Students are taught how to use devices safely and effectively to enhance learning.
> Is transportation provided?
Yes, Discovery will offer at least two bus routes for the 2021-22 school year. Additional routes are planned for future years.
> Are services provided for EC and/or AIG students?
YES! Discovery uses an inclusion model of teaching that ensures every student is reached and challenged at an appropriate level. Teachers are well-trained on differentiation methods, and students will be provided with a variety of resources at different skill levels to ensure each child is actively engaged in their learning. For more information, please read our Education Plan beginning on page 14 of our charter application.
> What is Passion Learning Time?
Passion Learning Time (PLT) is akin to Google's Genius Hour. It is a dedicated time for all students to explore their passions. Teachers serve as facilitators of learning, and students will move between grade levels to work with others who share similar passions. Learning will be hands-on, real-world, and collaborative. For more information, please read our Education Plan beginning on page 14 of our charter application. Current PLTs include cooking/baking, First LEGO League, gardening, outdoor exploration, eSports, chorus, acting, Science Olympiad, language learning, debate, instrument playing, and more.
> What is the dress code?
Discovery students wear uniforms from Lands End. Research shows that uniforms minimize classroom disruptions, are overall less expensive, and create an equal playing field for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Our uniforms offer choice, are stylish, and allow for creative expression. We offer a Uniform Assistance Program for those who may need help purchasing uniforms.
Accountability
Discovery's inaugural year was the 2019-20 school year. Due to COVID, there is no testing data available for the 2019-20 school year.