About us


Discovery Circle is a self-directed, play-based educational community that empowers children and teens to take charge of their own learning journeys. Rooted in neuro-affirming principles, we provide a low-demand, adaptable, and nurturing educational environment that embraces individuality. By fostering autonomy and creativity, we aim to create a space where every learner feels respected and valued.

Mission statement

Core values

Flexibility & Autonomy

We believe that learning thrives in a relaxed, adaptable setting. By allowing children to take the lead in their education, we foster self-direction and personal growth in a way that feels natural and empowering.

Safety & Support

A child’s emotional well-being is just as important as their education. We provide a nurturing, emotionally safe space where learners feel secure, understood, and free to express themselves.

Creativity & Innovation

Learning should be an adventure. We encourage curiosity, exploration, and out-of-the-box thinking, encouraging kids to discover new ideas, embrace challenges, and reimagine what education can be.

Collaboration & Connection

Community is at the heart of Discovery Circle. We cultivate meaningful relationships through a collaborative, friendly environment, where learners and facilitators engage as equals and uplift one another’s journeys.

Inclusivity & Belonging

Discovery Circle is a place where everyone is welcome. We honor self-governance, mutual respect, and individuality, providing an environment where learners feel accepted and free to be themselves.

Our story

Discovery Circle was founded in 2024 by a group of determined moms who saw the brilliance in their children and wanted to design a learning environment where they could truly thrive. Their neurodiverse kids, full of curiosity and wonder, struggled in traditional schools due to sensory differences, extreme demand avoidance, and a deep need for autonomy. Knowing their children would flourish with more ownership over their learning in a collaborative, safe environment that values connection over correction, they built something different.

The founders of Discovery Circle shaped a neuro-affirming, emotionally supportive, self-directed learning community that honors each child’s unique way of thinking, providing the flexibility, collaboration, and encouragement they need to grow with confidence.

What Makes Discovery Circle Unique?

Discovery Circle is not a school—it’s a learning community built around trust, autonomy, and collaboration. What sets us apart:

  • Low-Demand Environment – We remove unnecessary pressures and expectations, allowing kids to engage on their own terms.

  • No Set Curriculum – Learning is driven by interests rather than pre-planned lessons.

  • Mixed-Age Groups – Kids and teens learn together, fostering mentorship, social connection, and diverse perspectives.

  • Flexible Structure – Our relaxed, part-time schedule provides space for exploration, rest, and engagement.

  • Equal Roles for Learners & Facilitators – We see kids and teens as capable, autonomous individuals. Facilitators support them as they shape their own learning paths.

  • Low Learner-to-Facilitator Ratio – With small groups, kids receive personalized support and meaningful connections with facilitators.

  • No Standardized Tests – We focus on real learning, not test scores, recognizing that growth and understanding can’t be measured by a number.