HISTORY

Discovery Schools began serving families of Jefferson Parish in 2013. Originally an idea held by a small group of Jefferson Parish residents to reform public education has since grown into a successful and high demand charter school network. Founded in 2013, Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy opened its doors to 420 students in grades Pre-K-3rd, 5th and 6th grade. Each year, Kenner Discovery added more grade levels and students. Now in its ninth year, the school serves over 2,000 students in grades PreK-12.

In 2018, the formidable founding team at Kenner Discovery developed a central office -- Discovery Schools -- and decided to expand the school’s success to serve the needs of more Jefferson Parish residents. The second school, Dr. John Ochsner Discovery, opened in August 2020 implementing the structures and best practices that have contributed to the success of Kenner Discovery.

WHAT ARE DISCOVERY CHARTER SCHOOLS?

All Discovery schools are free public charter schools that have the flexibility to adapt to the educational needs of individual students.

MISSION

The mission of Discovery Health Sciences Academy is to provide a rigorous learning environment where students achieve academically, develop intellectual curiosity, and practice environmental responsibility while exploring health and science topics and careers.

CORE VALUES

Core values are the HEART of our school culture. Our core values; Honor, Endurance, Academic Achievement, Responsibility, Tolerance (HEART) are the pulse that reinforces positive student behavior. Discovery incorporates social skills and character development into the daily academic curriculum. School culture is shaped by a character skills program, positive behavior techniques, restorative justice, and conflict resolution skills.

VISION

The Discovery Health Sciences Foundation Board of Director's vision is to establish a Pre-K through 12th grade charter school network. Our concept allows us to “home grow” future healthcare professionals and healthy citizens for our community. The experienced leadership team of Discovery delivers an innovative accountable model of education. Discovery students will be college and career ready.

Lower school students learn about good nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices, physical fitness, and a sustainable environment. They explore science and technology with 21st century tools across all subjects. They help maintain a butterfly and herb and vegetable garden. Reading, writing, and assessments are connected across all subjects. From an early age, students understand how they learn, make informed choices, set learning goals, and track their progress.

Middle and high school students follow the scientific method and practice science exploration. Through health and environmental literacy they'll learn about preventive physical and mental health measures, establish personal health goals, examine public health concerns, analyze environmental issues and research effective solutions. They learn to propose questions and research answers. They use technology, traditional research, and writing to create evidence based reports. Reading, writing, and assessments are connected across all subjects in the curriculum. Our students understand their personal learning style, act as their own best advocate for learning, and track their personal learning goals and academic progress.