A Dynamic Middle School Experience
Daring students to dream big!
We open our hearts and minds so we can discover the knowledge and ideals to build a better world.
WHEN WE MELD IMAGINATION WITH
COMPASSION AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, THERE’S NO LIMIT TO WHAT OUR STUDENTS CAN ACHIEVE.
Designed for the developmental needs of young adolescents, The Discovery School's Middle School program ensures a rigorous academic focus while cultivating student agency, critical thinking, and collaboration. It prioritizes social-emotional and selfmanagement skills to prepare students for the next stage. Our culture encourages students to be thinkers, leaders, and inquirers who take intellectual risks and positively impact the world around them.
Fostering an environment of exploration
Since 1990, The Discovery School has offered a progressive, deeply personal education for children 18 months through 8th grade on our six-acre campus in Jacksonville Beach. We celebrate curiosity and learning through hands-on discovery in a close-knit, community environment. Discovery is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme.
Our dynamic Middle School equips learners with a strong academic foundation while cultivating confident, compassionate leaders who are prepared to excel wherever their journey takes them.
The Discovery Middle School is designed to empower students.
WHAT MAKES DISCOVERY MIDDLE SCHOOL UNIQUE?
Innovative and rigorous curriculum that incorporates interdisciplinary learning
A holistic approach to adolescence, supporting social and emotional growth while giving students space to discover passions, strengths, and emerging talents
Future-ready leadership opportunities that allow students, as the oldest members of the school, to make meaningful community impact
Math*
Social Studies & Big History Project
Science
Course Overview
6 grade accelerated Math th
Beginning Algebra & Geometry
Beginning Algebra & Geometry Algebra 1 Honors
*Acceleration possible
Global Foundations: History, Culture and Citizenship
Physical Sciences
Algebra 1
Geometry Honors
Civics and Digital Technologies: Big History Project
Beginning Physics & Chemistry
Spanish Spanish 6/7 Spanish 8
Wellness 6: Middle School Launchpad -
Wellness
PE
building foundational habits for academic success
Beginning Team Sports
*Can try out for school teams
Wellness 7: Understanding Ourselves and Our Purpose
Wellness 8: Understanding Ourselves in Relation to Others
Intermediate Team Sports
Student Selected Electives
Advanced Team Sports
Students will have the opportunity to select 3 electives of their choice from each of the following categories: Art & Expression, Innovation & Design, and Culture & Ideas.
Discovery Electives
Middle School offers students the opportunity to select three electives of their choice, allowing them to develop creative, analytical, and technical skills. Electives are designed to allow students to discover new interests and skills while complementing their core classroom education.
Art & Expression
Developing creative, visual, and digital communication skills with classes in the creative arts, including music, art, and drama.
Innovation & Design
Applying scientific and critical thinking to real-world problems, exploring digital platforms and design technology.
Culture & Ideas
Building communication, research, and analytical skills with classes focused on areas of global and cultural significance.
At The Discovery School, learning extends far beyond the classroom—it becomes an adventure. Our Middle School field trips challenge and inspire students through real-world experiences that build confidence and curiosity, culminating in an unforgettable international trip in 8th grade. Together, these journeys spark passion, strengthen independence, and prepare our students to soar.
Middle School Field Trip Experiences
Costa Rica Experience
The Costa Rica Experience is an unforgettable, week-long immersive trip in 8th grade that strengthens independence and sparks passion for our students.
MINIMESTER: BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE
Middle School students participate in a dedicated winter week of experiential learning designed to spark curiosity and deepen engagement. They collaborate with local professionals and community partners, exposing them to new ideas and experiences that complement classroom education.
Immersive Experiences
Minimester experiences are intentionally crafted to help students: Discover new interests and skills
Collaborate with peers in meaningful ways
Build confidence through real-world challenges
Learn directly from community partners and professionals
Students participate in local programs, community partnerships, and collaborate with professionals to expose them to a variety of new ideas and experiences.
Beyond the Classroom
OURMISSION
Every day, our middle school students dive into experiences that spark creativity, build confidence, and foster empathy. Through hands-on activities and meaningful collaboration, they learn to think independently, solve real-world problems, and discover the passions that will shape their future – and inspire positive change in the world around them.
From theater to athletics and everything in between, our students explore a wide variety of activities that foster confidence, creativity, teamwork, and resilience—ensuring every child grows into a well-rounded learner and leader.
CREATING TOMORROW’S TRAILBLAZERS AND
CHANGEMAKERS
Our dedicated faculty possess a genuine "middle-school mindset," deeply understanding the unique complexities, emotions, and growth associated with this age. They build strong family relationships and foste ts feel safe taking risks, d their best selves.
WHY PARENTS CHOOSE THE DISCOVERY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Small class sizes with caring, expert teachers
A culture that celebrates curiosity, independence, and belonging
A safe space to take risks, discover strengths, and grow into confident young adults
Strong teacher-student relationships
More opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning
Clear and consistent routines and expectations that help reduce stress and help students focus on learning
OUR VISION: TO CULTIVATE AN INCLUSIVE AND VIBRANT COMMUNITY THAT PROMOTES KNOWLEDGE, CREATIVITY, INDEPENDENT THINKING, AND MUTUAL RESPECT.
WHAT OUR PARENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE DISCOVERY MIDDLE SCHOOL
What she gained most from Discovery was learning to be a reflective learner. She developed the ability to think deeply about her work, analyze her own process, and offer unique perspectives and insights. That capacity for reflection and analysis is exactly what high school demands, and Discovery gave her that foundation. The project-based work taught her to both collaborate effectively and do deep, independent work—a balance that's been essential in high school. She knows how to contribute meaningfully in groups while also producing sophisticated individual analysis. Amy Peraza, Mom of a Discovery School Graduate
What makes The Discovery School so special is how deeply the teachers get to know each student as an individual learner. They partner with parents to ensure we can effectively support our children at home...The Discovery School truly stands out—it provided a seamless and supportive transition from middle school to high school.
Tiffany Norman, Mom a of Discovery School Graduate
“Unlike the typical middle school experience that most would describe as awkward or difficult, my time in Middle School at Discovery was a meaningful conclusion to the amazing 6 years I spent there and the most ideal introduction to high school I could have asked for.”
BIANCA BRZEZICKA, CLASS OF ‘24
DISCOVERY MIDDLE SCHOOL
PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE:
Discovery School graduates are:
Explorers pursuing their passions
Spirited and reflective risk-takers
Peacemakers
Resourceful and persevering innovators
Leaders who inspire others to discover and act on what is possible
Responsible, courageous world citizens
Principled decision-makers
WHERE DO OUR GRADUATES GO?
Bishop Kenny High School
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
Episcopal School of Jacksonville
Fletcher High School
Ponte Vedra High School
Stanton College Preparatory School
St. John’s Country Day School
The Bolles School
Wolfson High School and many other top-tier high schools
Our Middle School graduates are fully prepared for the next step, consistently securing spots at their firstchoice high schools. They are more than academically ready to meet high school demands, excelling both socially and academically. Our students enter high school equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive wherever they go.
