About Discovery Isle Preschool

Hugging, Person, People, Child, Female, Girl

Discovery Isle was founded in San Marcos, CA in 1993 with a vision to provide a holistic preschool experience that caters to the individual needs of each child, fostering confidence and a strong foundation for future academic and life success. Following the success of our first location, more Discovery Isle campuses opened throughout the 1990s and early 2000s and we are now proud to operate 9 locations in Southern California.

Our Mission

The overarching mission of Discovery Isle preschools is to provide a nurturing environment that expertly combines learning and play, helping children discover, explore, and learn to their fullest potential, with a focus on making them happy, thriving, and ready for what comes next.

The core belief is that preschool should offer a blend of structured learning and playful exploration, going beyond mere childcare.

Our proprietary "Links to Learning" curriculum, developed by early childhood education experts, focuses on preparing children for elementary school and beyond by fostering academic, social, and emotional skills.

Discovery Isle strives to create a safe, warm, and inviting environment where children feel valued, supported, and excited to learn.

Teachers use the Links to Learning curriculum as a flexible framework, adapting activities to match each child's interests, learning styles, and abilities.

The ultimate goal is to instill a love of learning that will benefit children throughout their lives.

Our Facilities

Every corner of our school is designed with young learners in mind, and our teachers' experience is also enhanced through outdoor activities.

Charitable Giving

Giving back to those in need is a key part of our culture. Through our charitable events, teachers help students learn compassion, gratitude, and the impact of their own actions in the community.

Culture of Care & Growth

We strive to cultivate a culture of care for not only our students, but our teachers and staff as well. Through regular professional development and growth opportunities, our teachers are able to grow and become the best educators they can be.

Our Curriculum

We believe that preschool is more than just learning isolated lessons. Our Links to Learning curriculum “links” multiple activities together, tailored to each child’s interests. Does your student like playing with blocks? You have the freedom to ask her to build a tower while naming the colors and counting the blocks – linking language, math, and fine motor skills! Your child will build confidence, gain life skills, and have fun while they learn. We are more than a daycare--we give you the opportunity to grow and thrive alongside your students!

Our program has six stages of age-appropriate learning and growth. From exploring the world around them to building early reading skills, we help students every step of the way.

Language & Literacy

We help our students love reading by sharing stories, letters, and words with them every day. Our classrooms are stocked with books, and our teachers put labels with pictures and words on items to help children learn what things are called. This helps our students feel comfortable and start learning words on their own. As they listen to stories and learn letters, they get excited about reading and feel more confident!

Mathematical Thinking

Our students learn the basics of addition, subtraction, and geometry. They explore ways to compare amounts, like noticing if they have more or less of something. These activities help develop their reasoning and problem-solving skills, making math both engaging and meaningful.

Social-Emotional Learning

Children learn to recognize and name their own feelings, as well as the emotions of others. They also explore how they fit into their community and the larger world around them. Our teachers use puppets, stories, and role play to teach kindness, sharing, and taking turns. Through these activities, our students practice important self-help skills and feel confident in expressing themselves.

Wellness

We help our students develop their motor skills through dance, games, and physical activities. We also introduce ideas about nutrition, teaching them about healthy foods that give them energy and help them grow strong. Self-care concepts, such as washing hands, are part of our daily routine to keep everyone healthy.

Creative Expression

We introduce our students to the world of music and art through activities that spark their creativity. They learn new words and concepts in art and music, such as colors, shapes, rhythms, and sounds. Through drawing, singing, and dancing, our students explore their own ideas and learn to express what and how they feel. In imaginative play, they make their own stories, act out roles, and bring their ideas to life.

Scientific Exploration

Our students explore science, engineering, and technology through hands-on activities. They get to experiment, ask questions, and explore how things work. Activities include building structures, observing nature, mixing materials, and exploring how machines operate. Our students solve problems, work together with friends, and share their ideas.

Citizens of the World

Our students learn about different places, people, and cultures. They discover traditions, holidays, and ways of life from around the globe, building respect and appreciation for diversity. Our students hear stories, try new foods, and sometimes even explore traditional clothing from other cultures. We integrate Spanish throughout the day to expose our students to a second language.