In the Classroom

Discovery aims to provide an engaging and well rounded educational experience for students, and enrichment classes do just that! Our enrichment classes are designed to supplement the traditional classroom curriculum and offer students the opportunity to explore interests and passions in a fun and interactive way.

Classroom teachers define the structure and format but the curriculum itself is created and delivered by a parent who is passionate about the subject. By bringing their creativity, energy, and expertise into the classroom, parents play a critical role in expanding the horizons of all students in the class.

Since enrichment lessons are done during class time, leading an enrichment is considered both a classroom shift as well as a partnership role. 

As students progress in their journey at Discovery, enrichment offerings look different, providing more student-led choice as students advance through the grades. Read below to learn more about what enrichment classes look like at each grade level!

In grades K-3, students attend enrichment classes with students from their same class. The core enrichment subjects offered across all K-3 classes include:

• Science

• Cooking

• Art

• Nature Appreciation

• Foreign Language

These classes are taught by parents and run for the entire academic year. Parent leads collaborate with the teacher on special topics, develop curriculum, and lead the lesson. In some cases, teachers may lead an enrichment themself and ask parents to cover other topics such as Music or Yoga.

In grades 4/5, students attend enrichment classes with students from other 4/5 classes and are given a wider range of subjects to choose from. The enrichment offerings are based on the subjects put forth by grade 4/5 parents and vary from year to year. 

Example of subjects offered in grade 4/5 include:

• Calligraphy

• 3D Modeling

• Photography

• Coding

• Cosplay

• Design Thinking

These classes are run as three consecutive sets of 6-week lessons. This allows parents to develop a 6-week lesson plan and repeat it, or teach an entirely different subject area. Based on the enrichments offered, students express their preferences and are placed accordingly.

The primary difference in enrichments for Middle School is choice. We want Middle School students to have the opportunity to delve deeper into their interests and to explore new areas they may want to learn about. 

Students select (hence "Selectives) from a wide range of classes offered by current parents, alumni parents, middle school teachers, and even other students. We offer over 50 classes, such as: Model Rocketry, 3D Printing, Climate Change, Life Skills, Programming (Python, Java, or Javascript), Bollywood Dance, Novel Writing, Arts & Crafts, Parkour, and Shakespeare to Go.

Each semester, students register for 5 selectives (at least one must be regular PE) and then experience changing classrooms and getting to know instructors and other middle school students.

Selectives are a great way for parents to share a talent, passion, or interest with the students—or to jump-in and learn along with students.