Discovery Academy of Science

About Discovery Academy of Science

Discovery Academy of Science is a K–8 public charter school focused on strong academics, hands-on learning, and STEM+R education.

Founded in 2013, DAS began in Dunedin with just 84 students and has grown to serve more than 750 students. Today, our students learn in a supportive environment designed to challenge them academically while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

DAS has earned recognition from the Florida Department of Education as an A-rated school and a Florida School of Excellence.

Our Approach

We believe students learn best when high expectations are paired with engaging instruction and individualized support.

Our academic program emphasizes:

Mathematics, science, engineering, technology, reading, and literacy
Hands-on and project-based learning
Personalized instruction and intervention
Regular academic progress monitoring
Opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration

We use research-based instructional programs and assessments to help teachers understand student progress and provide support where it is needed.

Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver a rigorous, innovative STEM-focused education that builds critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills while preparing students for success in high school, college, and future careers.

Our Vision

Discovery Academy of Science inspires lifelong learners through challenging academics, meaningful experiences, and strong partnerships among students, families, educators, and the community, preparing each student to think independently, collaborate effectively, and confidently embrace new challenges.

What Guides Us

Our school is built around a few core principles:

Academic Excellence

We maintain high expectations and provide challenging learning opportunities for every student.

Individual Growth

Students receive support based on their individual strengths, needs, and learning styles.

Innovation

Technology, hands-on activities, and project-based learning help bring lessons to life.

Family Partnership

Families play an important role in student success, and we value open communication and collaboration.

Real-World Learning

We connect classroom instruction to practical experiences that encourage curiosity and prepare students for the future.

Learning Beyond the Textbook

At DAS, learning is designed to be active.

Students participate in hands-on lessons, laboratory activities, STEM projects, technology-based learning, and extracurricular opportunities that allow them to explore their interests.

Teachers regularly monitor student progress using classroom assessments, NWEA MAP testing, Florida FAST assessments, and other instructional tools so students can receive additional support or enrichment when needed.

A Community Focused on Student Success

From our first class of 84 students to the growing DAS community of today, our focus has remained the same: provide students with a challenging education, a supportive environment, and opportunities to discover what they are capable of achieving.

Testimonials

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Discover What Makes DAS Different

At Discovery Academy of Science, we combine strong academics, hands-on learning, and a supportive school community to help every student grow with confidence.