Private School / Preschool in San Francisco

The Discovery Center School, San Francisco:
The Discovery Center School (DCS) is an independent, co-educational school for students in Kindergarten through to 12th grade. We are located in Northern Park, San Francisco, and are proud to serve families in Northern Park, Central North, Anza Vista, Hayes Valley, Inner Richmond, Laurel Heights, Pacific Heights and surrounding communites throughout the Bay area. The student population richly reflects the diversity represented in the Bay Area with regard to socio-economic, religious and ethnic differences. We offer remedial classes as well. Each student is seen as an individual, with unique talents, interests and achievements. DCS is accredited by the National Independent Schools Association. For the past 36 years, The Discovery Center School provides a supportive learning environment for the development of all our young learners. Small class size and a tutorial format results in success. High school graudates have continued on to the best colleges and universities around the world.

Since 1970, we strive to provide a success-oriented program within a diverse student population; a program which nurtures and challenges the intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth of each student while instilling the values of strong academic performance, self-discipline and a positive self-image.

At DCS, we believe education is more than just an accumulation of facts. We serve our students as the sensitive, intelligent, creative beings they are. We believe the purpose of our school is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment so that our students may nurture and develop the unique excellence within each of them.

The Discovery Center School is committed to the overall development of each student. To this end we provide strong academic instruction in the basic skills as well as a wide variety of cultural and aesthetic experiences within a success oriented program. Because there are great differences among students of the same age, factors other than chronological age are considered in planning a program to meet the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs of individuals in the classroom.

We believe that students learn best in an environment in which individuality is treasured and nurtured, in which students are encouraged to respond to the needs of others, and in which adult-student interpersonal relationships are characterized by mutual respect, affection, and genuine concern for the welfare of others. DCS graduates have found their way to and have graduated from such prestigious four year universities as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Columbia, Wellesley, University of California, Berkeley, The University of Chicago, and many others.

Education Programs:
- Kindergarten program
- Primary School program
- Intermediate School program
- Upper School program

In addition to their homeroom teachers, all students receive instruction from a school librarian, an art specialist, a Spanish teacher, a computer teacher and a physical education teacher.

Also:  Remedial Classes, Extended Day Program & Summer Program available.

* Provides a solid foundation of basic skills
* Infuses logic and reasoning throughout the learning process
* Is structured and follows the California learning frameworks for students
* Encourages learning through performance, application, and demonstration
* Has a plethora of active hands-on support materials and activities
* Is motivational and of high interest to the kids
* Undergoes review and updating on a regular basis

* Creativity and individuality
* Hard work and persistence
* Critical thinking
* Co-operativeness
* Risk taking
* Cheerfulness, a sense of joy and wonder

* Is built upon the foundation of our 'Life Skills' program
* Supports our Code of Conduct-"Take Care of Yourself, Others, and This Place"
* Upholds individual respect and responsibility
* Accepts and honors differences, strengths, gifts, and interests
* Celebrates progress, self-confidence, caring
* Acknowledges that we learn through our life experiences

The Parent Connection was founded in 1996 by parents and guardians of students attending The Discovery Center School who wanted to build community spirit and support the school.

The group organizes and sponsors many events throughout the year such as family picnic, holiday fair, and teacher appreciation lunches. Planning for these activities allows parents to get to know each other in a relaxed environment. The group also provides opportunities for parents to volunteer their support as room parents, on school beautification projects, and by helping with school-sponsored events like the Book Fair and Read-A-Thon. The group also participates in "flow through" fund raising programs like eScrip and SchoolPop. School staff members submit applications for grants from these funds for classroom projects and equipment.

Monthly Parent Connection meetings provide a forum for sharing ideas and experiences, offering support and camaraderie and opportunities for working with the administration to address issues of common concern. All parents and guardians are invited to join, and ideas and participation are always welcome.

Learning is enriched through field trips in order to provide students with first hand experience and knowledge of numerous Bay Area environmental and cultural resources. Students in grade 8 enjoy a culminating week in Washington, D.C.