The Discovery School offers more than just traditional education. It provides a comprehensive learning experience for young students. As the school celebrates 50 years of Montessori education, the staff is dedicated to delivering top-quality education to each student while nurturing a passion for learning beyond the classroom. As a Montessori school, Dr. Maria Montessori’s teachings guide the staff’s curriculum and educational choices. The Discovery School is committed to offering a distinct, child-centered educational experience that emphasizes the principle of “Follow the Child,” a fundamental aspect of Montessori education.
“What I love most about our school is its authentic commitment to the Montessori method,” said Bernadette Lugo, Director of the Discovery School.
“The passion our teachers and staff have for Montessori education shines through every day, creating an environment where students develop the same love for learning. Students take ownership of their educational journey, truly embracing the freedom and responsibility that Montessori offers,” said Lugo.
At the Discovery School, students are free to explore their learning environment in a self-paced way. “One of the most compelling aspects of the Discovery School is the assurance that every child is learning through a method tailored specifically to their unique needs,” Lugo said.
She strongly believes that the children themselves are the best teachers and that true learning comes with the freedom to explore and engage with one’s surroundings.
“In our classrooms, children have the freedom to explore and engage with Montessori materials that spark their curiosity and excitement for learning,” Lugo said. The small class size and optimal student-to-teacher ratio allow this exploratory learning to be done in a safe and engaging way.
The enthusiasm for the curriculum and students is evident in the different primary and elementary classroom teachers. One teacher, Miroslava Martinez, has been a Discovery School teacher for 38 years. “I like to say that I grew up with Discovery School. And I continue to grow,” Martinez said.
Additionally, she strongly believes in the importance of the work being done at the school and continues to be impressed with the level of education the students receive year in and out. “Through the Montessori method, we are preparing our students for life. I am blessed to be a Montessori teacher and am honored to have the opportunity to work at the Discovery School,” Martinez said.
Karla Garcia, a toddler teacher, continues in the sentiment of her colleagues. Garcia feels strongly that there is something special about the Discovery School and all the growth happening inside. She also appreciates that the school is dedicated to promoting the growth of the whole child, not only academic growth. “Our approach is promoting independence. We believe that ‘the best work is not on the shelves’ – meaning that children should be inspired by their own interests,” Garcia said.
“The Discovery School is set apart from other schools by the strong belief in the child and in allowing to free the child’s potential by following the child,” Garcia said.
The educators and staff at Discovery School strongly support the Montessori approach, which emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and exploratory play in nurturing children’s holistic development. Schools dedicated to and certified in Montessori qualifications are relatively rare, so having such a high-quality institution is beneficial to the Rio Grande Valley.
