CareCompass
At a Glance
Trust Score
Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.
About The Discovery School
Nature-Based Learning in Wooded Austin
The Discovery School offers a unique forest-school experience set on six wooded acres in Northwest Austin. Serving children in the Pre-K and school-age range, the program emphasizes nature-based learning through hiking, gardening, and creative play near spring-fed creeks. This Reggio Emilia-inspired environment encourages children to discover their passions at their own pace, moving away from traditional worksheets toward hands-on adventure and child-led inquiry. The facility features a purpose-built schoolhouse and extensive outdoor spaces including hiking trails and a large play yard. Director Rosalind Schneider leads a program where children engage in a variety of activities ranging from yoga and swimming to bird identification and imaginative play. While the primary hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, the school maintains a strong focus on fostering a love for the outdoors, ensuring children are well-prepared for the transition to elementary school environments through active...
What Parents Say
5 reviews from parents
Our daughter attended The Explorers for a year and it was the most magical experience we could have provided. The teachers are insightful, helpful, creative and the hands on outdoor learning is simply magical. We feel we have given her the greatest foundation to life by sending her here.
Every kid should have an experience like this one. To spend days outside - hiking, playing, swimming, band practice, yoga, you name it. It's an incredible school with fantastic teachers who care about each and every kid under their care. We're sad this program doesn't extend to 6th grade, we would sign up for that in a heartbeat!
We had our two kids go through Discovery Center and then Discovery School, and we had really great experiences with both. We value the staff so much and our kids grew really close to them, and their classmates. The outdoor play and exploration is unlike anywhere else, and the focus on imaginative play was extremely important for our kids' development at that age. Our kids were also very ready for starting elementary school and its structure/schedule, when that time came.
Our son went to Discovery School for three years and I cannot say enough good things about this school. The staff are fantastic, dedicated people who clearly love their work. The school's philosophy of fostering a love of nature and exploration is amazing -- our son came home knowing the names of birds, trees, flowers, and with his pockets stuffed with "crystals". The community of parents is lovely and we are still friends with many. 100% would sign up again. I'd go myself if I could.
Both my kids have been to Discovery School, and I can’t say enough good things about it! Beyond the fun extras like hikes and the pool in the summer, the teachers and staff are truly amazing. They encourage kids to discover their passions and provide the tools to learn and explore at their own pace. It’s a place where children can take ownership of their actions while fully embracing the joys of being kids—endless fun and adventures in the woods and the fantastic facilities.
Web Report
Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions
Safety Record
No safety concerns, news incidents, or legal issues were found for this location. The facility is a licensed child care center and holds a 3-star rating from the Texas Rising Star (TRS) program as of 2020.
Parent Reputation
The Discovery School has a highly positive reputation among parents, who praise its nature-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum and 'freeform' approach. Common themes in reviews include children feeling excited to attend and parents appreciating the focus on creativity and outdoor exploration over traditional academic worksheets.
Staff Insights
Rosalind (Ros) Schneider serves as the Director of this location. While specific reviews for the Northwest campus staff are limited, employee reviews for the parent organization (Children's Discovery Center) generally describe a positive workplace culture focused on child development and well-being.
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