Middle School View Book

Discovering the greatness in every child A Dynamic Middle School Experience

WWW.THEDISCOVERYSCHOOL.ORG

Daring students to dream big!

We open our hearts and minds so we can discover the knowledge and ideals to build a better world.

OUR MISSION

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 IN 2025, WE CELEBRATED 35 YEARS OF SHAPING SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS. 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.

Foster Independence

Strengthen Critical Thinking Skills

Instill Character

Inspire Creativity

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

Learn More:

Course Overview Core Courses

Grade 6

Grade 7

English

Grade 8

English 6-7 6th grade accelerated Math Beginning Algebra & Geometry

Math*

English 8

Beginning Algebra & Geometry Algebra 1 Honors

Algebra 1 Geometry Honors

*Acceleration possible Social Studies & Big History Project

Global Foundations: History, Culture and Citizenship

Civics and Digital Technologies: Big History Project

Science

Physical Sciences

Beginning Physics & Chemistry

Spanish

Spanish 6/7

Spanish 8

Wellness

Wellness 6: Middle School Launchpad building foundational habits for academic success

PE

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

Advanced Team Sports

Student Selected Electives 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.

Marine Science Lab Hands-on coastal exploration lets students investigate marine ecosystems alongside university scientists.

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.

UNF Osprey Challenge Course Students take on highadventure ropes elements that strengthen teamwork, leadership, and resilience.

Middle School Field Trip Experiences Kennedy Space Center A STEM-powered journey where students encounter real spacecraft, meet NASA innovations, and imagine their own future in exploration.

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 Every day, our middle school students dive into experiences that spark creativity, build confidence, and foster OURhands-on MISSION empathy. Through 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 foster classroom environments where students feel safe taking risks, discovering their voices, and growing into 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 C U LT I VAT E A N I N C LU S I V E A N D V I B R A N T C O M M U N I T Y T H AT P RO M OT E S K N O W L E D G E , C R E AT I V I T Y, I N D E P E N D E N T T H I N K I N G , A N D M U T UA L R E S P E C T .

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 Amy Peraza, while also producing sophisticated individual analysis.‌

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.‌

Website: www.thediscoveryschool.org Email: admissions@thediscoveryschool.org Address: 102 15th Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 Phone: 904-247-4577