At Discovery Academy of Science, our mission is to give every student the best opportunity to succeed – both as individuals and as future citizens of our country and the world.
Our academic focus is STEM+R – Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Reading (with writing integrated into the reading emphasis). We believe these subjects are the foundation for developing the critical thinking and communication skills students need to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.
We are committed to preparing our graduates for the future by:
Teaching students how to learn effectively
Using every available Best Practice to enrich student learning
Ensuring every student receives the right support at the right time
Our educational philosophy centers on mastery of essential knowledge and skills, while encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. The curriculum is aligned with Florida Standards and incorporates evidence-based practices recommended by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the National Science Education Standards.
Core components of our academic model include:
Student-Centered Classrooms: Teachers use diverse assessments and strategies to actively engage learners.
Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum: Core content is aligned to state standards and enhanced for students who need additional support.
Challenging Goals and Feedback: Guided by research, we set ambitious goals and provide timely, meaningful feedback to monitor progress.
We utilize proven curricula such as Go Math, Inspire Science, Wonders by McGraw-Hill for reading, and iReady interventions to help students meet and exceed grade-level expectations. Our instructional methods include project-based learning, inquiry-driven science, cooperative learning, and differentiated instruction tailored to individual student needs.
To make learning even more engaging, we incorporate a variety of interactive online programs and enrichment activities that tap into students’ love for games and technology – all while reinforcing academic concepts.
Study Island
This program offers flexible learning pathways. Students can either move through lessons independently or follow a teacher-guided sequence. Instead of memorizing answers, students develop a strong understanding of concepts aligned with the Florida Core Curriculum and areas assessed on state FAST testing.
Games
Throughout the year, students use game-based platforms to explore their strengths and address challenges in both math and reading. One popular game, Prodigy, weaves math concepts into an imaginative, interactive experience.
There’s a competitive edge, too: students who score highly on certain benchmarks earn the title of “expert.” These experts serve as peer mentors, creating a collaborative classroom culture where students support each other’s learning. Cross-grade interactions, such as third graders helping kindergarteners, are encouraged to build leadership and reinforce skills.
Experiential Learning
In addition to interactive lessons and online tools, learning is brought to life through field trips, school events, and visits from guest speakers who connect classroom topics to real-world experiences. Signature events like the Great American Teach-In and Read Across America Week give students the chance to meet guest speakers, engage with community members, learn about many various careers, and celebrate the joy of reading. These experiences make learning exciting, memorable, and meaningful across all grade levels.