Admission FAQs

Application & Lottery Process

How do I apply to Discovery Academy of Science?
Families may apply online here.

Is Discovery Academy of Science a tuition-free school?
Yes. Discovery Academy of Science is a tuition-free public charter school.

Is there an application deadline?
There is a deadline to apply to be entered into the lottery. Applications are accepted year-round, but applications received after the lottery deadline are added to the waitlist. Specific deadlines and lottery dates are posted on our Admissions page each year.

How does the lottery work?
If the number of applications exceeds available seats, a random lottery is conducted in accordance with Florida charter school regulations. Families are notified of results by email.

What happens if my child is not selected in the lottery?
Your child will be placed on a waitlist. As seats become available, families are contacted in waitlist order.

Can I apply to both campuses?
Yes. Families may apply to both the Clearwater Campus and DAS North. Each campus has its own enrollment availability and waitlist.

Campus & Grade Levels

What grade levels does Discovery Academy of Science serve?

▪️Clearwater Campus: Kindergarten through Grade 8

▪️DAS North (Dunedin): Grades K–3 in August 2026, adding one grade level each year until K–8

Why is the school opening a second campus?
Due to continued high demand and extensive waitlists at our Clearwater campus, we are expanding to better serve families in the community.

Will DAS North be the same as the Clearwater campus?
Yes. DAS North is designed as a direct replication of our Clearwater campus, offering the same curriculum, instructional model, expectations, and school culture.

Tours & Open Houses

Which campus currently offers tours?
At this time, tours are offered only at DAS North in Dunedin.

Why are tours not available at the Clearwater campus?
The Clearwater campus has an extensive waitlist for the upcoming school year and is operating at full capacity.

How do I schedule a tour?
Tour scheduling information is available on our Visit Us page.

Join our School.

Thank you for your interest in enrolling your child(ren) in Discovery Academy of Science Elementary and Middle School. DAS is a “High Performing Charter School” with a STEM focus and is recognized by the Florida Department of Education.

APPLY ONLINE

We work hard to make sure our graduates are prepared for the future.

One of the major requirements is to help students learn how to learn – to have critical thinking and communication skills necessary for success in the world of tomorrow.

Inspiring Students since 2013

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Our Educational Approach: Embracing Innovative Teaching and Individual Growth

At our school, we are committed to fostering an engaging learning environment that harnesses the power of cutting-edge technology. Our dedicated educators are equipped with the finest instructional techniques, ensuring that each student’s educational journey is tailored to their unique needs and potential.

Personalized Attention: Ensuring Every Student Flourishes

We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive support and even complimentary tutoring when necessary. This individualized attention guarantees that every student receives the guidance they need to excel.

Experiential Learning: Sparking Curiosity and Creativity

Our curriculum features hands-on learning opportunities in both traditional classrooms and lab settings. These immersive experiences inspire young minds to discover, innovate, and grow. We offer a vast array of extra-curricular activities, each aimed at engaging students in different areas of interest and passion.

Proven Instructional Methods: Enhancing Student Success

We employ innovative teaching techniques with established success rates, continuously refining our approach to provide the most effective education possible.

Ongoing Assessments: Keeping Students on Track

To ensure that no student falls behind or feels held back, we conduct regular evaluations using top-tier assessment resources, including MAP Testing from NWEA and the state-mandated FAST Testing. This allows us to monitor progress, address challenges, and celebrate achievements.

Testimonials

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We are parents of two Discovery Academy of Science students, that have been attending for over five years now, and we are so thankful for their commitment to giving students the best educational experience possible. The staff, teachers and parent involvement at DAS are above and beyond what most traditional schools have. Their dedication and willingness to help each child, is truly what sets DAS apart from any other school. We are so grateful that DAS is a safe, caring, and overall educationally well-rounded environment that we feel confident sending our children to each day.

Sarah Jenkins

DAS parent since 2014

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Outstanding academically and superior job at making kids feel good about themselves. Everyone on this campus seems happy to be at work and it shows in the way they treat everyone. There’s a special kind of commitment that you don’t find in every school. Couldn’t be happier for my grandchildren attending this school.

MaryAnne Fauber

DAS Parent since 2015

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My daughter has been going to DAS for 2 years. She loves her school. The teachers and administration are absolutely wonderful…not to mention it’s an A rated school! There is no doubt that when she’s in school, I leave her in good hands and she’s getting a quality education. We are lucky to have found DAS. Thank you for all you do!

Michelle Santiago Smith

DAS Parent, since 2014

“

My son attended DAS from 2nd through 3rd grade, until we moved out of state this past summer. To this day, he claims that the school was the best school he ever attended, meeting his academic needs. From day 1, we were utterly impressed with the principal and his staff. Their gifted and advanced STEM programs are very thorough. I have never seen a school as dedicated to their students as DAS. 5 stars from the Mayfield family.

Leiselle Mayfield

Former DAS parent 2013-2015

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My son just started Kindergarten here and he loves it!!! Love the after school clubs, my son especially likes the LEGO club because he gets to build things. His teacher Ms. Giaimo is also so amazing and very quick to respond to any questions or concerns we may have.

Lisa Vaughan

DAS parent since 2017

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My daughter has attended DAS from it’s first year. It was a year comming off changes for her home life and a divorce. The school environment was perfect for her, keeping her focused on academics but still having fun. She maintained Principals honor roll that year and made life long friends. She always is excited for school. It is an atmosphere where the students and faculty encourage each other. We have been very happy. Now my daughter loves to learn, to read, and to challenge herself. Every teacher has been fantastic!

Cia Wellman-Newkirk

DAS parent since 2013

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My boys came from a public school that was steadily declining. My youngest started last year, and both are going this year. The difference in just one school year has been amazing. From a shy boy that couldn’t remember what he did that day in school, to a huge smile and a great story about his day when I pick him up. DAS has been such an amazing experience already! The teachers and staff truly care and your child is not just another statistic or student. They are THEIR student. We love DAS and are excited for the new school year.

Kristie Hansley

DAS parent since 2016

“

The staff at Discovery Academy are the most caring group of people. They were very supportive of helping my son with the issues he was having. This is definitely the best school for him.

Debbie Moreland

DAS parent since 2016

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My granddaughter goes to the Discovery Academy of Science and this is only kindergarten for her, but she loves her school. I ask about the new things she has been doing and is always very excited. She loved the field trip to the farm. She was so tickled when she told me she milked a cow and rode a pony. Thanks for the education she is receiving and enjoying!

Charlene Smith

DAS parent since 2017

“

DAS – Top 10% in numerous categories!!! Top 1% in our hearts 🙂 HUGE accomplishment and so well deserved. Congrats!! You have made amazing impact in Chase’s growth. Thank you for your priceless support. We are so blessed to be part of the DAS family.

Darla Knight

DAS Parent since 2013