At our Austin preschool, we create a learning environment that fosters independence, divergent thinking, creativity, and a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. We believe that learning happens when it is meaningful for each child. Learning must occur in a natural way so that it is seen as play and not memorization, worksheets and meaningless drills.
Our play based curriculum allows children the freedom to grow in their own unique way. Our classrooms use many natural or open ended materials and spend much of our day outside. With three seperate locations serving North and South Austin, Children's Discovery Center is a touch of nature conveniently located in your area!
Our play based curriculum allows children the freedom to grow in their own unique way. Our classrooms use many natural or open ended materials and spend much of our day outside. With three seperate locations serving North and South Austin, Children's Discovery Center is a touch of nature conveniently located in your area!
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Children's Discovery Center was founded in 1979 and reestablished in 1991. Starting in a house in the middle of a neighborhood, CDC has expanded to three exciting, nature-based centers. Our philosophy is based on the image of the child. Combining teachings of some the greatest educators of our times, CDC uses a progressive style of teaching to empower our children to be the person they want to be.
In 2004 Kyle and Kelly, along with a few like-minded educators, started a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation to create an elementary school that would be a progressive alternative to the public school system. In 2005 a charter was granted by the State of Texas and The Austin Discovery School was born! Kelly took the reigns as principal, and many of the teachers who shaped the preschool's philosophy are now teaching there.
Are you feeling confused about nutrition or at a loss when it comes to preparing meals for your baby or child? I developed a guide, as simple as I could make it, to try and clear up any confusion and give you some new ideas while also utilizing my degree in Nutrition! This info is coming from the perspective that food and health are one in the same.
Austin Discovery School was envisioned by a group of parents, educators, and an educational psychologist who were brought together through their common interest in Children's Discovery Center in Austin. Each saw the needs of many children and parents who were growing frustrated in their search for a school that would excite children about learning and empower them to become lifelong learners.
The philosophy of the Children's Discovery Center is based on the image of the child. We see the individual child as having the right to a high quality education. We respect that the child is the co-constructor of knowledge. This means that the children's interests and their innate curiosity help choreograph our child-centered, nature-based curriculum.
Reviews (8)
Holly H.
Aug 26, 2020
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I'm very happy to have chosen this preschool for my daughter. Not only has she learned quite a lot, she's also grown a lot socially, and she loves going to school. The CDC has a happy vibe to it, children all playing and or doing whatever their hearts desire, and teachers helping them learn in the moment. My daughter comes home tired and dirty from digging, building, painting, nature hikes... just as a childhood should be. The teachers at CDC have shaped her into a considerate and positive kid and I am so grateful.
Liz W.
Oct 17, 2019
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Our child went to the Discovery Center Central for just over a year. We really loved CDC at first, and continued to really like the teachers and classmates and school. We left the school due to an unfortunate incident involving our child eating inedible items during sensory play, which kept showing up in his stool. We alerted the director via email and then also talked to the teachers, who at first promptly addressed the issue by removing some sensory play items and changing all play with food to be with edible food.
But then one night he was up all night vomiting glitter, and then over the next
But then one night he was up all night vomiting glitter, and then over the next
Aj R.
Aug 08, 2019
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Gamble N.
Jul 21, 2018
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Claire S.
Sep 10, 2013
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Melissa G.
Mar 18, 2013
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First of all, I want to state that CDC is not right for every child and that is perfectly fine. My 2 yo has attended the Children's Discovery Center on Duval for 6 months and she is excited to go to "scoo" every single day. She even asks to go on the weekends. Very rarely do I see any of the kiddos upset when they are being dropped off - a sure sign that they are happy to be there!
When I first toured the school all I could see were happy kids, playing in the dirt, laughing, exploring, climbing, being active and engaged. My first reaction on dropping off my daughter was that
When I first toured the school all I could see were happy kids, playing in the dirt, laughing, exploring, climbing, being active and engaged. My first reaction on dropping off my daughter was that
Blair M.
Apr 25, 2011
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We've been CDC parents for 3 years now and love it. I wish they had a north campus because we have since moved much farther away, but the kiddo loves it so much I couldn't ever think of pulling him out for the sake of convenience.
The teachers are exceptional. As another poster said, the holidays they have can be frustrating for two-working-parent or single-parent households, but usually one of the teachers will set up a little informal camp or something. And every single teacher there deserves holiday pay and some time off. I don't even understand how they can be so great and
The teachers are exceptional. As another poster said, the holidays they have can be frustrating for two-working-parent or single-parent households, but usually one of the teachers will set up a little informal camp or something. And every single teacher there deserves holiday pay and some time off. I don't even understand how they can be so great and
Julia S.
Oct 26, 2006
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The Children's Discovery Center is not for everyone, but it's pretty perfect for us. The teachers are loving, and the emphasis is on creativity and letting kids be kids- this means that children run around in underwear or diapers or costumes - really, whatever they want. I've often chuckled at the sight of very masculine boys in pink leotards and tutus - but you know what? They are having a blast. One of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to get glitter out of kids' hair - you wouldn't believe how hard it is! I far prefer when my toddler is covered head to toe
