Discovery Studio
Learners in our Discovery Studio further develop a love of learning and kindness in relationships with others. Reading, and math are self-paced and mastery-based using adaptive technology. Learners explore the arts, sciences, and social studies through exploratory projects that require teamwork, critical thinking and creativity. Meanwhile, plenty of free play binds the community together and builds problem solving and collaboration.
Daily Schedule:
8:30 AM Arrival
8:45 AM Morning Launch
9:00 AM Morning Work
11:00 AM Lunch / Free Time
12:00 PM Afternoon Launch
12:15 PM Projects / Art
2:00 PM Studio Maintenance
2:15 PM Community Meeting
2:30 PM Free Time
3:15 PM Close
3:30 PM Dismissal
What is included in each time block?
Morning & Afternoon Launch: Socratic discussion & community meetings.
Morning Work: Individual and small guided group work in Math, Reading, and Writing.
Projects: Collaborative work time organized around various STEAM topics weaving in visits from experts, field trips, and real-world audiences.
Art: Visual arts, dramatic arts, musical arts
Close: Reflections on the day and lessons learned.
Meet the Guides:
What Makes Discovery Studio Special:
Flexible Spaces: The Discovery studio space is dynamic, giving learners the opportunity to learn in different ways and the agency to choose the environment that will best support their learning. Learners can choose to work at big tables that support collaboration, in quieter spaces with comfortable seating, at a desk, on the floor, or anywhere else in the studio that they see fit for their learning.
Time Outdoors: Discovery learners spend about 2 hours of most days outside in rain or shine. Twice a week learners spend a 3 hour block of time at the local park where they spend time running on the field, climbing on the playground, hiking in the woods, exploring the creek, and splashing in the waterfall. This intentional (and screen-free!) time binds the community together and fosters creativity, curiosity, and care for the natural world.
Badges: Learners earn badges, not grades, once they show mastery in an area of learning. This mastery-based system creates space for mistakes, reflection, and a cycle of continuous learning, growth, character development, and grit.
Projects: Each afternoon, Discovery learners engage in session-long projects that explore various STEAM topics. These experiences create spaces that foster and require teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, as well as creating opportunities for learners to connect to the local community.