Discovery Charter School

240 Halsey Street

School District

Discovery Charter School
Grade

4-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

charter

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 06, 2019

i woud say a 7 out of a 10
Submitted by principal on December 16, 2016

Wonderful staff; Dewey based discovery learning philosophy that does not "teach to the test" (but produces students that perform very well on state standardized tests), sends their students to some of the top high schools in the country (Andover, etc.), and focuses on developing a well rounded student and lifelong learner.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2015

I'm happy to learn this school lives to see another day. My cousins went about 15 years ago when they were on Washington Street. I had heard it was going to close because the principal had become such a big problem. But now they have a new principal who has been there since the school opened and even helped start the school. My two kids are so happy the old principal is gone and can't wait to go to school.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2015

This school has helped my child not just academically but helps her to care for others.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2015

EXCELLENT school led by a wonderful, caring leader. Ms. Weiland possesses the passion, care and "tough love" that is so necessary for the success and future of our children. She challenges the students every day to create, discover things on their own, pushing them to do their very best, bringing out the excellence in each of them. She cares deeply has always made me feel a part of the Discovery community. She makes herself available to discuss my child's progress on any given day always giving thoughtful, honest advice when it comes to my child's learning and growth. I am pleased with the person my child has become and I owe it all to Discovery and Ms. Weiland's continued commitment to excellence. My child is academically stronger and more confident. I highly recommend this school to any parent who wants more for his/her child academically and who is serious about being part of their child's learning. I'll be honest, it's very rigorous but if you remain open and committed, you will reap all of the benefits this school has to offer. (A very satisfied Parent!)
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2015

Great school. Unfortunately, it's run by a dictator who needs to turn in her ID. The staff and cofounder make it worth going. But the leader causes more harm than good. Needs a new principal.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2014

For those parents who think the concept of hard work is too much for their children, they should take a look at the 8th grade numbers. You are doing your child a disservice by not believing he/she can handle the work. This is a great school.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2014

This school is actually one of the fewest schools in Newark not affiliated with the so controversial One Newark plan and I applaud Discovery leadership for not joining. The standards here is very high and is partly based on the Montessori theory of education. since I transferred my two kids in this school, I have the greatest peace of mind that my kids are in the best learning environment, that they are working hand in hand with a highly experienced teachers and they are ready for a brighter future in high school and in college. Don't be discouraged by the amount of work, you will be surprised how your child will build up his confidence and independence. You will see the difference when your kids interact with kids from other schools and you will be so happy you brought them to discovery charter.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2014

Do not put your child in this school. It will sadden their spirit and they will begin to dislike school. Tremendous work over-load..=(. The class work and home work they give these students is ridicules. There is no time for family time or even for self. My child has stayed up 1 to 2 in the morning doing home work. It's just to much. The are no extra curriculum activities for these students. I don't like the conventional set-up. there are no walls just open space,while the principle sits up high on a stage and looks down low at the children. just not a good feel when entering.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2012

My child has never attended this school, but I did apply and from the attitude of the Principle, it changed my mind. When I went to fill out an application and the Principle did was not have the attitude of greeting a Parent in a mannersome way. All I was told by the Principle after she looked at the application, was there was no room and if my child attends.... It would be a lot of work for him... I don't know what brought this on, but I'm a working Parent and there was nothing on that application for her to even think my son couldn't handle her school, because thats what I got out ofof it.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2011

Ms Hall and Ms Wielande do an outstanding job with the newark children in this charter school. My son had an attention deficet disorder and it was hard for him to stay focused. They work with him and gave him the tools and assistance to succeed. This school has a very unconventional set up but it works because the teachers are focused and make it work. This school is gearing our kids to compete at the highest level at whatever they want 2 do. Some students complained that it was too much work and not enough play Maybe our kids need more work and less play. Enroll urs, u wont regret it.