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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. |
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At Discovery Charter School, we have a deep commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. We are proud that our student population reflects the diversity of our region. We strive to create a welcoming school community where all students are appreciated, seen, and valued.
We work to ensure students feel affirmed in their race, gender, and heritage. We offer a curriculum that elevates the voices and histories of people of color and promotes unity and inclusivity. We have worked to create staff diversity that is representative of our student diversity and continue to grow in this area.
We strive to treat every student with respect, dignity, and kindness. At Discovery, we value open, frank, and frequent communication with families and have a culture where our families feel comfortable reaching out to teachers and school administrators.
We see our diverse student body as a strength, as students benefit from learning and collaborating with peers from different races, backgrounds, and experiences. We don’t shy away from difficult conversations. We lean into the discomfort because we are preparing our students to become lifelong learners who can thrive in an increasingly diverse world.
We work to ensure students feel affirmed in their race, gender, and heritage. We offer a curriculum that elevates the voices and histories of people of color and promotes unity and inclusivity. We have worked to create staff diversity that is representative of our student diversity and continue to grow in this area.
We strive to treat every student with respect, dignity, and kindness. At Discovery, we value open, frank, and frequent communication with families and have a culture where our families feel comfortable reaching out to teachers and school administrators.
We see our diverse student body as a strength, as students benefit from learning and collaborating with peers from different races, backgrounds, and experiences. We don’t shy away from difficult conversations. We lean into the discomfort because we are preparing our students to become lifelong learners who can thrive in an increasingly diverse world.
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Frequently Asked Questions
> What grade levels does Discovery offer?
Discovery currently offers 6th through 11th grades. Discovery will expand to add a grade level each year until we are a 6th through 12th grade school. 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 generally follow 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. Discovery has a hot lunch program with vendors including food trucks, Chick-fil-A, Pizza Inn, and more.
> 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 four bus routes for the 2024-25 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 with a lot of flexibility and choices including t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, athletic shorts/pants, collared shirts, athletic attire, Discovery hats, and more. 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, comfort, and allow for creative expression. We offer a Uniform Assistance Program for those who may need help purchasing uniforms.
Discovery currently offers 6th through 11th grades. Discovery will expand to add a grade level each year until we are a 6th through 12th grade school. 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 generally follow 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. Discovery has a hot lunch program with vendors including food trucks, Chick-fil-A, Pizza Inn, and more.
> 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 four bus routes for the 2024-25 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 with a lot of flexibility and choices including t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, athletic shorts/pants, collared shirts, athletic attire, Discovery hats, and more. 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, comfort, and allow for creative expression. We offer a Uniform Assistance Program for those who may need help purchasing uniforms.
Accountability
School Year2022-2023
2021-2022
2020-2021
2019-2020
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Performance GradeC
C
No Score / NA (Covid)
No Score / NA (Covid)
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Performance Score59
59
No Score / NA (Covid)
No Score / NA (Covid)
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Growth Score83.9 (Met Growth)
80.2 (Met Growth)
No Score / NA (Covid)
No Score / NA (Covid)
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