Explore, Discover, & Grow, with The Discovery Center.

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What Families Are Saying

  • My son transferred to The Discovery Center from a preschool with large class sizes and frequent staff turnover. We chose The Discovery Center because of its smaller classroom sizes and stable, caring staff—and it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our family. Since joining, my son, who previously faced daily struggles, is now thriving. He LOVES going to school and looks forward to it every day. One of the most impactful aspects of The Discovery Center is its structured routine, which provides the consistency my son needs to feel secure and confident. I especially appreciate the clear systems in place for transitions, such as flickering the lights and giving verbal announcements a few minutes before a transition is about to happen. These thoughtful practices have made a world of difference for my son, who used to find transitions very challenging. The teachers at The Discovery Center clearly care deeply about the children. I cannot thank them enough for creating an environment where my son can grow, learn, and be his happiest self.

    Lauren

  • Our daughter has thrived at Discovery Center. There is structure but still a lot of autonomy for the kids, freedom, creativity, and flexibility. The staff are attentive, sensitive to kids needs, and highly skilled. I appreciated the extra care they took in addressing my daughter’s allergies and sensory needs. They share extensive lesson plans weekly. The parent teacher conference was comprehensive and a collaborative conversation on academic and social goals. I can’t say enough amazing things about the Discovery Center. The tuition is reasonable (compared to the average you pay in this area) and you receive quality care.

    Sheyonna

  • The Discovery Center is incredible. Here our daughter grows academically and creatively while developing her personality. The teachers are experienced and prepared for it all! The nature play area is a bonus. I am constantly amazed and grateful to all of the staff for nurturing our daughter.

    Julie

  • As a parent of a child enrolled at The Discovery Center, I am impressed with my experience. The Discovery Center stands out beyond its unique natural environment and shines in its welcoming staff and considerate teachers who genuinely care about the kids. Being an international student, my daughter has built friendships and gained confidence while learning the language. As a father navigating between Houston and Ann Arbor, she amazes me with social and academic improvements every time I return to town. I am grateful to the Discovery Center, teachers, and staff. I wholeheartedly recommend it to parents looking for a warm, nurturing preschool for their child.

    Xun

  • I went to the Discovery Center back in the early 90's and the fact that my daughter now gets to experience the same experiences that I did, is both an amazing feeling and incredible to see. When she first started at the Discovery Center the transition to a new school was not easy. However, the teachers and all the staff at the Discovery Center made her feel welcomed, safe, loved, and cared for. I have watched just over a short period of time, how much she has grown as a toddler, but has also grown into a strong, happy, and independent young lady. She has also grown developmentally and socially with the help of her teachers and her friends. Moving to The Discovery Center has been nothing but a great experience and we continue to get an overwhelming amount of support from the teachers and staff. I am excited to continue to watch her grow in all areas of her life.

    Sarah B

  • The Discovery Center has been such a gift to our family! It was a difficult adjustment for our daughter when we first moved to Ann Arbor but as soon as she started preschool, she couldn't get enough! She even asked all the time why she couldn't go to school on weekends! The Discovery Center feels like home to us and the teachers are like family. It is truly a special place!

    Alessia

  • Absolutely adore TDC! Our nearly 3 and 5 year old kiddos have been thriving all thanks to the remarkable staff and fantastic curriculum. We can’t endorse it enough!

    Erica

  • Our experience at The Discovery Center has been nothing short of exceptional. Although our kids are very different from one another, both of them have thrived here. TDC has not only fostered a love for learning, but has also provided a safe and nurturing environment for them to develop socially and emotionally. We feel really lucky to be part of this community!

    Sarah R

  • We’re incredibly impressed by The Discovery Center and can’t recommend it enough! The skilled and dedicated educators are always finding creative ways to foster an environment of friendship and fun through learning. Our nearly three your old has been able to thrive in the preschool class, “Red Room”, taught by a cherished group of teachers that exemplify how exciting school can be. We’ve witnessed her creativity and motor skills blossom over the last 3 months. Our five year old has been able to grow in both the preschool “Red Room” and “Yellow Room” pre-K class; bonding with friends and teachers along the way. He’s overcome challenges and is learning to build upon skills that will carry him through to Kindergarten and beyond, which he should be so proud of! TDC enriches your little one’s growing minds through great community-based organizations, artists and activities that inspire. A truly magnificent school!

    Erica

Explore

Our center sits on more than 3 acres, with direct access to playgrounds from every classroom, giving children an outlet to release their energy and engage with friends in a fun and educational landscape. Students also have the opportunity to play in our large, wooded nature area (weather permitting). Indoors, we have a spacious large motor room (the “Rainbow Room”), which children use daily when the weather doesn’t permit outdoor exploration in the woods. Additionally, children are encouraged to explore ‘discovery centers’ set up by the staff in an open classroom setting. While many of the classroom activities involve children exploring their interests individually or in small groups, daily large group activities are also planned.

Discover

Our teachers guide children’s exploration to help them discover themselves and the world around them. Teachers spend time every day interacting with while also observing the children in their classrooms. This natural format allows children to explore the curriculum freely, while allowing all aspects of the child’s play to be observed thoughtfully.

Grow

Our program serves children ages 2 years and 9 months through 5 years. Our multi-age preschool classrooms give students the chance to learn and grow alongside their peers in a leader and learner environment and then move on to our Pre-K classroom before making the transition to kindergarten. With a maximum teacher to student ratio of 1:8*, every student has the attention they deserve to learn and thrive.

[*The state mandate teacher to student ratio is 1:10]

Get to know us!

Our staff is the heart of The Discovery Center. We embrace a diverse culture of ages, experiences, ethnic backgrounds, and gender identities. We recognize that each staff member brings something unique to be shared in our program.

Learn about TDC staff

Stronger together.

The Discovery Center celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our community. Our inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging for every child to thrive.

Fill out an application today!