Calling out to the parents of children with special needs, helicopter parents, or just any parent who has the time, flexibility, and/or desire to spend a little more time with their children during these precious years, this school is definitely the one for you. The program is play-based and parents take work shifts to help out during the day. It could be providing the snack or helping with art activities. It's usually during the first and last 15 minutes of the class. Their playground is a legit and sturdy old-school one that you would never find nowadays. It's just amazing. This review is long overdue. I had been looking for a school/program for my daughter. We suspected that she might be on the spectrum so we wanted to find a place that provided the social environment and interaction with other children as well as accept her as the special girl she was. During the year, it was a rollercoaster of a ride. She had her own difficulties adjusting, and there were numerous moments when I wanted to take her out of the program thinking she just wasn't ready. The main reason I stayed was because of the support we received from the school director, Erica. I've had bad experiences before with other school who would single out my children as different, but even with her eventual diagnosis, Erica made us as a family feel welcome and understood. She provided the support and compassion we desperately needed while trying to navigate our new life transition. Being a part of our child's learning was also a big plus. Before my gf suggested I look into a co-op preschool, I had never even heard of such a thing. They're only this small for a short while and being able to be present for that is priceless to me. read more

Love everything about this school. In fact, I actually went here as a child for preschool myself, and now I'm bringing my kids back! The educational environment is very intentional, the educators are great, and we love the parent participation portion. I'm learning just as much as the kids. read more

My child goes to Discovery and we love it here! The teachers are wonderful and down to earth. Since it is a co-op, we get to work alongside the other parents and get to know all the kids really well. Discovery has become a huge part of our family. I trust everyone here with my child's growth and development, and he really loves it here too! He gets excited about going to school everyday and once a week (on my "work" days) I get to see what his school day is like and it's so fun to watch :) read more

This is our second year at Discovery and we couldn't be happier with our choice! Previously we were at a different parent participation preschool where the director/teacher was not warm or interested. The teachers at Discovery are engaged and enthusiastic. Every child is loved. They know your child's strength and where your child needs help. Children receive help that they need to thrive. The parents are warm and supportive of one another. read more

We have been going to discovery since my son was about 19 months he is now 3.5. It has been a wonderful growing experience for the whole family. His communication, play skills, and overall confidence has improved greatly. Discovery is a wonderful environment if you have the opportunity to enroll your child take the chance and do it! read more

This is my sons's second year here and he just loves his school. I can't imagine enrolling him in any other school. Teacher Summer and Teacher Erica have been such a blessing and are always available to discuss and support our child's development. I will be enrolling our daughter here next year when she turns three. We are so excited for her and the experiences she'll have here. read more

Teacher Erica and teacher Summer are amazing! They really care about all the students and parents. I have seen huge strides in my 3 year old. And it melts my heart to see him run into class everyday. read more

Why do I love Discovery? Let me count the ways: (1) Builds Confidence: My son is naturally shy and hesitant to explore on his own. At Discovery he has the safety net of knowing mom (and sometimes grandma) is nearby, while experiencing the fun of interacting with other children and adults. I have no doubt his time at Discovery will make for a much smoother transition to preschool (and life beyond our home more generally)--for both child and parent! (2) Fosters Creativity and Exploration: Every session there is something new to explore--and always the "messy" fun that I shy away from doing at home. My son gets to explore paint, glue, baking, gardening, and much much more. Plus I get to witness which spark his enthusiasm, to get ideas for what I want to bring into our own home. Many of these are activities that a traditional daycare or preschool could never do because of the higher student to adult ratios. (3) Teaches Me to be a Better Parent: Not only do I get priceless bonding time and an opportunity to learn new activities to enjoy together, Discovery also offers formal and informal parental education, ranging from handling tantrums to estate planning. I also get lots of opportunity to connect with and learn from the other parents in my son's class, where we can informally discuss topics like potty training, having multiple children, and co-parenting challenges. (4) Incredible Teachers: The kids (including my naturally suspicious son) ADORE Teacher Erica. She is patient, observant, and has just the right amount of authentic enthusiasm to ensure parents and children are engaged and excited to participate in the multitude of creative activities she comes up with. I have read zillions of parenting books, but by having the privilege of observing Teacher Erica in action, I am constantly still learning how to be a better, more engaged, supportive, and patient parent--and have FUN with my child in the meantime. Of course, the list goes on. But I am so grateful to have found Discovery. Thank you!! read more

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Being a part of the co-op preschool that is Discovery Parent-Child Preschool has been an integral part of our lives for the past seven years. We've loved being a part of a co-op so much, we didn't hesitate (much at least) when our oldest went off to kindergarten, to continue parent participation at her elementary school too. (Now she's in second grade). Like many parents first starting out in preschool, we didn't know what we were getting into at first. They want us to do what? For how long? And how much do I still have to pay? You would think we were drinking some big kool-aid to do all of that. However, it didn't take long before we fell in love with the concept of the parent participation preschool, and more significantly, the community that envelops the true Discovery spirit. Studies have shown that children do better when their parents are engaged in their education. And parent participation gives you the opportunity to be intimately involved with your child's education and their day to day interactions with other kids, parents and teachers that you wouldn't normally get. Parent participation keeps the costs of preschool down. And a big component is parent education itself about being a better parent, a better human and raising good, successful humans. (No pressure.) But really it's the close-knit community--this is something you don't necessarily expect when you get involved. Almost all of my parent friends stem from Discovery. They know my kids almost as well as I know my kids. So, it's great to have a community to reach out to and have them sympathize and empathize with you because you realize, Hey, we are all going through the same things too. Parents are really where the rubber meets the road in a co-op. The school is managed and run by the parents. In this way everybody gets to participate and you are a part of something bigger than ourselves - that has meant a lot to me. I will always be grateful for our time spent at Discovery. If you are purely focused on money and a rigorous academia for a preschooler, then this school isn't for you. But if you want to be a part of your child's preschool, you want to be a part of a community, and you want to learn how to be a better parent, then this might be the school for you. read more

We're highly recommending Discovery and their play based approach to learning. Our little one always comes home with a big smile on their face. On days when there's no school they are asking when they can go back. The member community is highly motivated and engaged. Being able to participate during some days at school is amazing as it allows us to see our little one in action with their friends. read more

What is there not to love about Discovery pre-school? My children went here up through COVID & have returned for summer camp when things started opening back up (at which time my oldest was already finishing up school). I credit this school with so much thinkings and learning that can really not be replicated anywhere else. Cooking skills, art projects, science lessons, small manipulative, gross motor tools, imaginative play, and a lot of parent magic. In Silicon Valley it is so hard to make and establish friends especially when you've not grown up there. With Discovery, your child is able to meet familiar faces and so are you. Since you'll be working in the classroom alongside other guardians (parents, grandparents, etc.) you'll soon be establishing friendships, scheduling out of school play dates, and creating lifelong memories for your family. Since Silicon Valley is competitive a lot of parents may feel expensive private preschools are going to enrich their child the most in their tender years. Very young children are not equipped to sit at a desk and do worksheets over and over. They learn by playing and having fun and that is what this preschool provides while also strategically having many learning experiences they don't even realize is learning! The class also goes on field trips monthly for an "out of school" experience as well. To this day my oldest still remembers seeing how the library works and getting a sticker from the post office. To push it home: my oldest child skipped a grade and went from 2nd to 3rd. My second child will be skipping 1st grade and going straight to 2nd in the fall. This school helped do that, without a doubt. Lastly, I loved the monthly parent education programs. It was really a chance to learn new parenting skills and accept viewpoints from all across discovery. Having these meetings really made a sense of community at the school, something that has never been replicated for me since our children grew into elementary school. So give your child an edge today and be hands on with them and their learning. read more

Discovery Parent-Child Pre-School - Child playing at Discovery Preschool - Preschools Near Me - San Jose, California

I can't say enough great things about Discovery! We started there back in 2008 when my oldest was 3 years old and my second and third children followed suit when they became old enough. We were a Discovery family for many years and Teacher Sally was a blessing to our family. As a parent, I learned a ton from her and the other parents as I helped in the classroom weekly. We had awesome MONTHLY field trips, as well as experiences that you just don't get in a drop-off preschool. The songs they sing, the independence they teach and just the overall approach was awesome for our entire family. If you want to be involved with your little one's first school experiences, and learn a ton about raising a confident, balanced child, this is the place for you! read more

When it was time for me to think about preschool for my oldest child, I was kind of in shock. At the time she had only been around me, my husband, or grandparents. Preschool crept up on me and I wasn't ready for a drop-off, daycare style preschool. I wanted to find a place that appreciated a simpler approach to childhood, where play reigns supreme, and social exploration is encouraged over rote academics. This is the Silicon Valley, and we're an engineering family-- I'm not worried about my child performing well on tests or getting in to college. That will happen for sure. I care more that my child is a good friend, learns how to play well with others, develops curiosity about the world around her, and also learns to trust other adults. When I found Discovery, I knew I'd found our preschool. The teachers are patient and kind, and have both taught me how to better parent my own children by modeling their masterful adult-child communication skills. The school facility invites creativity and play. Sure, the building itself is a bit old, but it's unbelievably clean, and filled with toys and activities to suit every imagination. And the playground! Wow! It's kind of a showstopper. Moreover, coming to Discovery has been a turning point for our entire family. Here, we have met family friends who will be in our lives forever. I'd struggled to find likeminded parents in my area who really value whole child development, put family first, and just want to be nice, kind people. If you're looking for families like that, trust me-- they're hanging out at Discovery! Parent participation preschool is not for every family, I get that. But, it worked for my family and it's been the biggest gift to all of us involved. My children had a preschool experience where they were encouraged to just be kids. I learned how to be a better parent. I also opened my heart to a classroom of children whom I love and care about as my own. I gained a multitude of friendships and finally found my place. Our family is graduating out in 2020, after 2 kids and 5 years at the school. I know all things come to an end eventually, but this goodbye will be a hard one. We love you, Discovery! read more

Discovery Parent-Child Pre-School - Discovery Outdoors summer camp - Preschools Near Me - San Jose, California

Discovery has our kids thriving and ready for kindergarten. The teachers are incredible and the parent participation aspect is perfect if you want to be involved in your child's first years of school. I recommend this school to anyone looking for a play-based, parent involved preschool! read more

We were new to the South Bay and with one preschool age child in tow, we looked at 60 various preschools. We visited many co-op schools and thought that particular style wouldn't work for us. However, we met a parent at a local park and heard about Discovery. We figure it would be polite just to visit but already had our mind set away from co-op style schools. But the visit to Discovery changed our minds. Teacher Erica and Teacher Summer were just fabulous! They are fun, knowledgeable, and experienced early childhood educators. We also met other parents and just instantly connected with them and the Discovery family. This is truly an unique community. Everyone is supportive, caring, nonjudgmental, and understanding. They treat our kid like their own and really look out for each other. Our kid loves going to school now and attending Lunch Bunch. In a short few month we have already seen our COVID-born baby open up and coming out of his shell. Thank you Discovery! If you care about your child's well-being and development, you need to consider Discovery preschool. Come join us and we look forward to seeing you! read more

I am so glad my sister-in-law introduced me to the world of Co-op preschools! I enrolled my son last year and have no regrets whatsoever. Both my son and daughter will be attending this coming year. Teacher Erica and Teacher Sally are absolutely wonderful! Excellent teachers, a great play-based curriculum, and a parent-education component makes the world of Co-ops my top choice for Preschools. And what lured me to Discovery specifically was their awesome playground! I love getting to interact with the kids on my "work" days. There are about 6-7 rotating roles you do each work day such as cook, snack, art, science, etc. It's about a once a week commitment with at least one week off per month. It's not bad at all. The ratio is about 3-4 kids per adult, so the kids can get special attention when needed. The ability to be help your child learn and grow and be there when your child masters a skill is immeasurable. As this is a "Parent Powered" school, you really see a curriculum high in quality in a clean environment. And since you do offer in your time throughout the year, tuition is low. Also, Discovery started their Outdoors Program this year and we signed up. Now this is another great program! It's held at Hellyer Park and the kids get to do a ton of fun stuff like go fishing for crawdads, decorate fairy houses, wild flower collecting and pressing, on top of hiking! read more

Our family just loves Discovery. I was a full-time working parent with my older kids, and I'm so glad that my schedule allows me the flexibility to interact with my youngest in his preschool environment. There is an incredible sense of community, not only amongst the kids, but also with the whole families. You usually work in the classroom every ~ 4 classes, so you get to know the other parents very well. My son loves his classmates. They have playdates in the summer and over winter break so the kids can still keep playing together, even when school's not in session. "Veteran" families are great about being welcoming and helping you overcome anxiety about meeting new people. I can't say enough about the teachers. I have 3 kids, so thought I was an 'old hand' at this kind of thing. From day 1, I was learning new tricks, techniques, and logic to interacting with my kids. My youngest is definitely going to benefit from the social-interaction skills that we're both learning, and they're going to help him A LOT in Kindergarten. Play-based teaching is done in such a kind, supportive and loving fashion -- I only hope to emulate it at home! Kids make their own 'fun' snacks, do arts/crafts and science activities daily, and go on monthly field trips (sometimes the field trips come to them). The monthly parent meetings are really good, too - tonight, we spoke with occupational & speech therapists about milestones, tips and tricks for helping kids who may be stuck in an area, and ways to make occupational learning fun. We have several friends from unrelated social circles, who've raved about Discovery to us. I'm so glad we are here. read more

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My two granddaughters attended Discovery Parent-Child Pre-School. And, previous to them attending, thirty years earlier, my best buddy's two children attended. This preschool has maintained its wonderful reputation over the many years it has been in operation. It was such a nurturing environment for my granddaughters. They thrived in this developmentally based pre-school, enjoying both indoor and outdoor activities. The children were always treated with respect, learned problem-solving skills, and were given the opportunity to learn in a hands-on environment. Caring, dedicated, and experienced teachers guided them, as did the trained parent helpers. The school felt like a family, with many opportunities to meet other families. Parent education was another strong component of the school. My granddaughters attended most of the classes offered, including one that took the place of attending Transitional Kindergarten (TK) in the public schools. We were all so happy that instead of having paper/pencil tasks with academic work, sitting at a desk all day, and having homework, our granddaughter explored nature, socialized with friends, played in the sand, had a cooking project every week, painted, and did numerous art projects, as well as performed plays. She was truly ready for kindergarten when the time came, and she flourished in this enriched, non-pressured setting. Our entire family loved Discovery Parent-Child Pre-School. read more

Best experience ever! Outstanding teachers and program. My daughter, now 14, still fondly recalls making her own snacks at Discovery. Oh, and the playground is AMAZING! I highly recommend Discovery! read more

Our family loved Discovery. Both our kids went there for a total of 5 years. It is a play based school using positive discipline approaches. I felt like our children learned to be more mindful of others and how to wait their turn ( : and be more independent. Which seemed to really help them both transition to elementary school. The playground is amazing as well and when both our kids entered kindergarten they felt the playground did not meet their standards after Discovery. Look past the retro building which is old but quaint. I myself liked how it was homey not modern but clean and comfortable. Be prepared to work in the classroom, be on a committee, and one evening a month there is a mandatory meeting. It is a parent participation and they keep you busy but it is nice to be there and meet the other parents as you work side by side and make long lasting friendships. read more

Love this place. It's the people and experiences shared that make it so magical. Thanks Discovery for turning my baby into a preschooler.

My daughter was at Discovery for 4 classes in September 2016. It was my mistake to sign up for this school without attending the open house. The school interior was poorly organized and the bathroom was very dirty. The bathroom was co-ed and there was a men's urinal right next to the stalls. Neither the toilets nor the sinks are kids' size. Sink was not kid-friendly with the faucet way back far from the reach for kids' short arms. The changing station was like the restaurant style pull-out changing table without any liners or disinfectants. Also, when I was changing my daughter the changing station was facing the hallway allowing no privacy for the child. The interior of the classroom was with many bulky furniture standing in the middle of the classroom making it dangerous for children running around. There were ants and bugs crawling in the classroom. The broom and the dustpan were standing in one corner of the classroom. The toys they have are very old and sticky. They seem to invest very little funds on children. Due to personal reasons, I submitted my intent to withdraw before the school started - 9/15. Even though my daughter never attended the school, they wanted me to pay the first month's tuition, October tuition and the last month(May 2017)'s tuition. It seemed so exorbitant, so I took my daughter to the school a few times. For the 4 times she was there, they never changed my daughter's diapers. Each mom's and teacher's explanation was different. So, I am not sure if it's their general practice or they singled out my child. Even though their website said they changed kid's diapers, they didn't and the teacher explained that they only change if there were feces. I had to report this school to the Department of Social Services. The school was not loving towards kids or parents. The school officers are very focused on controlling the parents and collecting fees. To adhere to their motto, "Positive Discipline Model" the teachers and parents are very focused on how to control the children and not very loving nor patient. There are a lot of kids crying and looking overwhelmed. I would not recommend this school to normal, sweet, loving children who do not need special discipline model. read more

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My only regret about Discovery was not finding it sooner! We were lucky to have both Teacher Sally (MWF and again for Friday Friends) and Teacher Erica (TTH). I will always be thankful that we opted for another year at Discovery instead of choosing TK. The years were so sweet and there's so much learning through play based, because it works! We made friends with families who we are still close with. We initially chose Discovery because it was more affordable, but I got so much out of it. It truly is something special. Sally and Erica are true gems, absolute gifts. They are kind, compassionate, giving people who are dedicated to helping you raise kind, compassionate, and giving children. I can not say enough wonderful things about the teachers, the school, or the community. So many wonderful memories that my family still talks about and it's been years. If you are worried about "being behind" entering kinder, here is this: When talking about kindergarten, Sally mentioned that it was a hit the ground running type of school. Which is true, our grade school is very academic and rigorous. My kid had zero problems making the transition and we didn't do anything "academic" at home outside of reading during our Discovery years. If you can swing FF, it's a great intro to kinder. The setup was spot on how my kid's kinder class worked and I think having exposure to rotating groups was really helpful. read more

We absolutely LOVE Discovery Parent-Child preschool. Let me start off by saying that the teachers are absolutely AMAZING. They are warm and kind, yet really know how to settle an argument between two 3 year olds that want the same bike! It's really amazing. I have learned so much by just watching them interact with all of the preschoolers. My other favorite thing about Discovery is the membership. The families are all very welcoming and helpful. I have met so many amazing people so far (this is my second year) at Discovery. The families all take turns working in the class each week so you really get to know the families and can make some amazing wonderful friendships that will last a lifetime! Another great thing about discovery is that it runs on parent power. It's like a fine tuned and oiled machine. Each family has a specific job that helps keep our school running fine all year long. It's pretty amazing, actually. Last but not least I love our monthly meetings. Discovery gets a different speaker each month that talks about things most parents want to hear about and get this, the meetings are FREE. Such an amazing school. I am so happy I found Discovery and I think my daughter will be really ready for Kindergarten when the time comes! read more

We had a great experience at Discovery with both of our children. It's a wonderful school where classes have an excellent adult-to-child ratio, allowing the teachers time to really give attention to each kid. My kids loved making their own snacks, playing in the sand/water area, climbing the incredible playground, and doing hands-on science and art. They still hold a special place in their hearts for Teacher Sally and Teacher Erica! We also loved the community of parents we met at Discovery and still keep in touch as our kids are now in elementary school. There is a time commitment aspect to consider as it is a parent-participation school, but the benefits are many - you learn tons of parenting wisdom from seasoned teachers, you know all the adults that your kid is interacting with, you know the school is well-cared-for and toys are sanitized carefully, and you can observe your kid learning social-emotional skills in a safe environment. I'll always be thankful for everything Discovery gave us. read more

My 4 year old daughter had so much fun at the outdoor summer camp! We were always greeted with a very big welcome and my daughter felt very comfortable with teacher Erica even after meeting her on day one. She loves teacher Erica who always showed great interest in every child and gave them all attention when they asked her questions. Teacher Erica did a great job with keeping the kids interest and attention in the outdoor camp environment. She really got the kids excited and kept them well engaged in the activities. My daughter keeps talking about how much fun she had and about how awesome teacher Erica is. read more

If you want to participate in your child's preschool experience, then a parent-participation school really is the way to go. Discovery has been an incredible experience for both myself and my children. We've been there 3 years, and are planning to put our 3rd child through soon, too. The teachers really are amazing with the children, but they are also amazing mentors to us parents. It's a lot of commitment, so be prepared for that! But I wouldn't have it any other way as it is such a fulfilling experience. I've gotten to grow my parenting skills and connect with my children on a different level. Plus you meet so many other wonderful parents that are going through the same triumphs and challenges. read more

My family came to Discovery 3 years ago with a shy little boy who was afraid to speak to adults and make new friends. That same little boy just recently walked into his kindergarten classroom with his head held high and excited for a new day of learning. Discovery was the perfect fit for my little observer. The play-based learning style allowed my son to jump in when and where he felt comfortable. I loved being able to work in the classroom alongside my son and help encourage him into group play as well. The teachers do a fantastic job of getting down to the child's level and really connecting to them personally. They help children problem solve instead of just solving problems. Discovery was also a great fit for me. As a SAHM who had recently relocated from TX, I yearned for a sense of community and some friends of my own. It didn't take long in the Discovery community to connect with some amazing people who's friendships I will cherish for years to come. read more

Overall a nice school, but we had a few incidents and we feel they were not handled correctly. Our son was bit not once, not twice but three times by the same student. I'm not sure if he's bitten any other students they wouldn't disclose that information, but we felt it was unsafe for our son. They didn't want to kick out the kid who was biting because the mom is on the staff there. Instead they had my wife come in twice a week to supervise them and make sure they didn't play together. Total bs. If you want your kid to be bitten and nothing done about it, enroll your child in this school. read more

We are halfway through our first year here at Discovery and we are very happy. My son loves going to school and had an easy transition at 3. Yes, you have to be very involved as it is a co-op. It's not what's best for every family but it's worked out really well for us and I plan to stay here throughout my children's preschool years. The playground is awesome and I love that they make/cook their own snack, learn about science, and more. read more

Our family is very grateful for the wonderful care and education provided by Discovery Preschool. We have been active participants in the MWF class last year (2016) and this year in the MTTH class as well as Friday Friends (2017). We cannot say enough good things about the beauty of this play-based program and the guidance of two very experienced teachers, Teacher Sally and Teacher Erica. Our child has learned so many wonderful things by attending this school. He is not afraid to try new foods and loves to "show" us his cooking techniques learned at school. He has even modeled good conflict resolution skills taught to him by the fabulous teachers at Discovery. He is learning self-reliance and has gained confidence in speaking in front of his classmates during sharing time. These are great skills that will prepare him for a lifetime of happiness. Friday Friends has been an excellent introduction of the rigors of Kindergarten he will attend this fall. He loves this class so much that he asks us every day if it is Friday. Along with all of this our child loves the wonderful playground that Discovery provides. For our child this was a big draw and has proved to be an amazing training ground in so many ways. For parents of children who are not yet fully potty-trained you can rest assured there are many children still learning at Discovery. The atmosphere is one of love and kindness. Our child went from pull-ups last year to having a few accidents this year in underwear. He is supported by other parents working in the classroom and we feel confident that with this gentle nurturing he will get it in time for kindergarten. We feel fortunate to have found Discovery and cannot recommend it highly enough! read more

Our plans for our family never included a parent participation preschool, but when a good friend recommended this school we gave it a chance. I can't say enough good things about this school. My wild boy is loved and nurtured for exactly who he is. The different classes are tailored to the developmental milestones of each age group. The kids are given opportunities to cook, work with many art mediums, explore scientifically, and learn how to interact with each other through playing. The biggest surprise for me was how much I have benefited from this experience. I've learned how to parent with more patience while also helping my son grow his empathy and executive function. I've also been repeatedly reminded to simply enjoy this age with each new discovery. read more

When we first enrolled at Discovery, I was pretty excited about it being a "parent participation" school, but we had no idea that it was going to feel like having a second job. If you are the typical "Betty Crocker/soccer mom, then this school might be the perfect place for you. I personally like to sorround myself around genuine people who are sincere and positive. Being our son's first preschool we were hoping for the best and were eager to make it work. Unfortunetly I felt that these types of qualities lacked in some of the parents at discovery. The requirements the school demands are time consuming and outdated. As far as the price...it's reasonable and affordable until you realize you are paying the other half with your precious time. Some of the positive things that I did experience at discovery was the ratio of parents supervising the children. I would recommend this school to parents who have ALOT of time on their hands and looove to chit chat amongst one another. read more

Discovery Preschool is awesome! Our daughter has made such great friends here. The two and a half hours she's there, she is busy. She loves having the freedoms to paint and draw and color and play with play doh. She gets to play with the class pet Guinea pigs. She's learning colors and shapes through different artwork projects and even learning through making their own snacks in class! Getting to have fellow parents there is just a bonus because everyone is so helpful and friendly. I've learned that sometimes another parent can help my child more than I can in certain situations. And I know that the school is clean, because as a parent participation school, I've had to do the cleaning! There's daily cleaning, and weekly cleaning and monthly and quarterly cleaning! Everyone rotates through different jobs every day. And it's very well organized!! And Teacher Erica has the patience of a saint! With all the little ones running around, she always knows everything that's happening. She is so good getting the children's attention, and helping them keep on task. She always has great advise for parenting and helping your child in any "challenging" areas... Every month we have a parent meeting with the whole school.. there's usually a speaker and topics about our preschoolers. It's always informational and helpful. And over breaks and summer, there's usually picnics and play dates. We always have something to do! I highly recommend Discovery for your little ones. We are so glad we found them! read more

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Discovery Preschool! I love the teachers, the parents, and of course the kids! My two older children are always going back to Discovery to see their teachers and play on the amazing playground. My younger two are starting this year and are very excited to have their turn. The kids and I have made lifelong friends at this school. The play based parent participation program is the perfect place for preschoolers. Here they will create, question, imitate, dream, share, express ideas, listen and PLAY! Children that have gone through this program are extremely successful in school not only in academics, but in socialization as well. I attended this school 30 years ago and there was never a question as to where our kids would go! read more

I started at Discovery 2 years ago and was immediately impressed by the organization and amazing outdoor play structure, but it has become so much more than that. We are reminded daily what a blessing that a coop preschool environment brings to raising our children. The community feel is such an amazing aspect. Our teachers truly care about each child there and they handle each behavior/ child with a calm and positive manner. The school is fully cleaned and sanitized weekly and the safety procedures are above and Beyond what I had ever expected. As a heads up, this is a Parent Participation preschool. That means there are requirements that are set out before you begin that call for some extra time and effort, but that's what is so amazing about it. I love being such a big part of my child's preschool experience! I have learned so Much from our monthly parent Ed speakers at the monthly meetings, and just from the teachers in general. This school Has helped me become a better parent to my children, and be aware of their needs more than my own. read more

My daughter and I are finishing up our second year at Discovery. Not to get all gushy, but being part of this school has been a really wonderful and fulfilling experience. Having moved to the Bay from the East Coast, I didn't have a built in support system of family and friends, so I had to start from scratch. This school has really been a tremendous foundation for us. Getting to know other families on such a deeper level than a traditional preschool, being part of my child's educational, social and emotional learning and seeing first hand how our teachers interact with the children has solidified that we made the right choice to join Discovery. I toured other parent participation schools in the neighborhood that I liked, but as soon as I saw Discovery's playground and outside play features, I knew this place was different. The teacher who gave me the tour of the school spend so much time answering my questions and talking about their philosophy. (and my then 2 yr old took advantage of the playground time) I remember as I was leaving, the Director caught up with me and introduced herself and wanted to make sure I had all my questions answered. I immediately went home and filled out my applications forms. One of the unexpected benefits of the school is the monthly educational seminars. We have the BEST, most engaging and informative speakers. I also have loved the monthly field trips. It's always exciting for the kids and we visit some local treasures. If you have the flexibility and opportunity to take part in a co-op based school- Discovery is an excellent choice. read more

We have attended Discovery Parent Child Preschool since 2008. My family loves it. My oldest was upset when he started Kindergarten because it wasn't Discovery. My youngest is having a great time learning through play. They make their own snack, have a number of different art stations, science table and much more. And the playground is unbelievable. You have to check it out. As the parents, we love Discovery because we are involved and part of the school. We work in the classroom, we help keep the school running and we are part of a wonderful community. The teachers are great and really take a vested interested in your child and family. read more

We had one child attend Discovery and it was a delightful place for her. There was lots of time for children to make choices on what they wanted to do without pressure to sit and "work". Each day they made their own snack with the help of a working parent & completed one art project & held a closing circle with the teacher. The rest of the time was free play indoors or out. They have an AMAZING play structure and outdoor area. This is a parent co-op, so you get to work in the classroom every week. I loved being in the classroom to see how my child interacted with others, what things they played with & who they played with. Once a week was alot, so I would have liked once every 2 weeks or so. The only down side to this preschool was the parenting class. Once a month it was a manditory attendence. There were reading and sometimes writing assignments. We had to meet as a class group & with a guest lecturer. Most was a waste of time. We LOVED this school for our child, but couldn't return with another child because of the parental requirements. read more

We love this school and recommend it if: - one parent has the time to devote to the school. its like getting a part time job. - you like to mingle with other parents - you dont mind all the required meetings - you prefer a play-based approach - you dont mind the cost! (both money, time, and effort) It seemed inviting at first because of the low tuition, but if you take a closer look, and calculate the cost of the school, it's an expensive per-hour rate when you consider the fact that it's not full time, you put in so much hours. You actually get a better bang for your buck paying the money at a full time preschool. All the kids are happy. The teachers are loving and experienced. Its a great school, (the best playground!) but just wasnt a match for us. We couldn't commit to the hours, and I wanted something with more academic structure for my 4 year old. It's a great choice for younger kids, aged 2. read more