FAQ

What is Discovery Academy?

Discovery Academy is a secular homeschool hybrid learning community offering engaging classes, hands-on experiences, social connection, and opportunities for students to explore a wide range of interests. We often create our new semester classes based on the interests of the kids. 

Is Discovery Academy a traditional school?

Discovery Academy is designed to complement, rather than replace, a child’s core education at home. Families remain responsible for foundational subjects such as math and writing, while Discovery provides opportunities to apply, connect, and deepen that learning through hands-on projects, discussion, creative exploration, and interdisciplinary classes. 

Who can attend Discovery Academy?

Students aged 10-17 are ready for Discovery Academy.


What makes Discovery Academy different?

Discovery Academy believes that education should do more than deliver information. Children are thoughtful, curious people with interests, ideas, and perspectives of their own. Our goal is to give them opportunities to explore the world, discover what excites them, build meaningful skills, and develop confidence in who they are becoming.

Is Discovery Academy secular?

Yes. Discovery Academy is a secular educational community welcoming families from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. Classes are designed to encourage curiosity, thoughtful discussion, creativity, and respect for different perspectives.

What kinds of classes do you offer?

Classes change by semester based on the interests of the current students, and may include subjects such as art, Chinese, bushcrafting, practical life skills, science, geography, painting, business, artificial intelligence programming, cultures, mysticism, world-building, technology, code breaking, and other interest-driven subjects.

How is Discovery Academy different from other homeschool programs?

Discovery Academy's program is intentionally broad and exploratory. Children are given opportunities to discover interests and develop their own ideas rather than simply being told what subjects or achievements should matter to them.

Do students have to attend every class offered?

Regular attendance is an important part of the Discovery Academy experience. Our classes and community depend on students showing up, participating, and learning alongside one another, so families should plan to attend as consistently as possible. When an absence is necessary, we ask that families notify us several days in advance whenever possible so teachers and classmates can plan accordingly. 

Is this a drop-off program?

Yes! Parents or guardians are expected to drop students off with backpack, lunches, writing instruments, and other class materials on time, and pick them up promptly after school unless after school activities are happening that day. 

What is expected of parents?

Discovery Academy loves volunteer parents who like to teach subjects they specialize in, but this is not required. If you want the opportunity to speak to or teach students on a volunteer basis, let us know! 

What kind of student does well at Discovery Academy?

Discovery Academy is a good fit for students who are curious, willing to take an active role in their learning, and able to contribute positively to a respectful and supportive community. Our classes are discussion based, collaborative, active, and creative. 

What if my child is shy or has trouble making friends?

Because Discovery is so collaborative, kids tend to make deep friendships over time. We encourage parents to sign up for full days so kids can have lots of exposure to each other and have time to play or hang out between classes. This is an important parts of social development for this older age group.  

What does a typical day look like?

Students arrive at 9am for their first class, which is always artistic or creative. We have a sign-in sheet to fill in once arrived. This gives us some relaxed time to gear up for a fun day. Each class is 50 minutes, leaving 10 minutes to run around or chat every hour. Volunteer teachers from various organizations arrive for their classes just before they start, to set up audio visuals. Lunch is after the first three classes, and generally the kids eat together outside on the covered porch where there are tables. If its raining we have a beautiful sunroom where we eat and hang out together. After two more classes, its clean up time. Often kids will keep working on projects if the last class is hands-on (which is often true). They can work on these projects until pickup!  When mom, dad or guardian arrives, they enter the building to guide their child to the car. Let us know you're leaving with your child! 

How large are the classes?

Classes are generally between 6 and 14 students, depending on the semester and popularity of the class. If the class is large, there will be several teachers working together with them. Students may be any age between 10 and 17 in every class, and we will teach each one at their own level. 

Who teaches the classes?

Classes are taught by parents, community members, subject specialists, and experienced instructors, and the teaching team may change according to the semester offerings. Math and the Arts are in particular taught by experts in their field.

Are classes graded?

Classes are generally exploratory, participation-based, and not formally graded,  but grades are available for students who need transcript documentation.

Can high-school students earn credit?

High-school courses, projects, internships, or other documented learning may be evaluated for credit.

What does tuition cover?

Tuition includes classes, class supplies, tool use, and registration. College level Painting or sketching classes are the exception and will have a materials list that will need to be purchased (and this will be noted on the class description). 

Are payment plans available?

We do not have payment plans available currently. 

Is there an application or enrollment fee?

There is a one time only application fee for new students. 

Why is there an application process?

The application process helps us learn about each child and family, understand their goals, and determine whether Discovery Academy is a good fit for their educational needs and expectations.

What happens after we apply?

The sequence of first time enrollment is as follows:  application, tour & family meeting with directors, acceptance decision, registration, day selection, payment.

Can we visit before enrolling?

Absolutely. You can call and arrange a visit during a regular school day to check out how we operate. 

Do you accept students during the semester?

Yes, enrollment is open until we are at capacity! 

What is your behavior policy?

We expect everyone in our community to treat others with kindness and respect and to participate in a way that allows everyone to learn and feel comfortable. When difficulties arise, we work with students and families to address concerns thoughtfully and constructively.

Do you accommodate different learning styles?

Yes. We recognize that children learn in different ways and at different paces. Our classes use a variety of approaches, including hands-on projects, discussion, visual learning, creative work, collaboration, and real-world application, so students have multiple ways to engage with ideas and show what they know. 

Is Discovery Academy suitable for neurodivergent students?

Discovery Academy has a wonderfully diverse student community, with approximately half of our students identifying as neurodivergent. 

Are there field trips and social activities?

We often have free outings, holiday gatherings, special events, clubs, and game or movie nights that spring up spontaneously.

Where is Discovery Academy located?

We are located just a block away from UAH on Holmes Avenue. 

How do I apply?

Click this link below!