Discover U

13226 North 113th Avenue

School District

Kaizen Education Foundation Dba Discover U Elementary School
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

charter

School Map for Kaizen Education Foundation Dba Discover U Elementary School

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 principal on March 22, 2017

If you are looking for a small environment where your child is more than just a student, but a part of a family, then, Discover U is the right school for you and your family. Give us a call and ask the questions that will help you make your decision. Discover U teachers and staff care about the safety and the overall wellness of your child.
Submitted by other on May 20, 2015

Wonderful kindergarten teachers that do not get the recognition they so deserve. My child graduated kindergarten tonight and not one thank you from any of the managment team for the wonderful job the teachers did. The school leaders seem to require all the attention. So thank you woderful teacher.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2015

Discover U is an amazing place. As a parent I read every review and I have to be honest. Those complaining of large class size and chaos obviously have no intrinsic understanding of the Montessori Method and the core concept of "follow the child". The school's program is relatively new and I do feel that some allowance must be made in order to allow for the transition to full Montessori but the effect over the past two academic years is very obvious. I do feel that they are a bit understaffed. Their 6-9 teacher seems to spend a bit too much time alone with about 30 kids but she is utterly remarkable and, perhaps, the purest Montessorian in the facility. I look forward to watching the school's development along with that of the students.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2015

I definitely recommend Discover U! I was so overwhelmed in choosing a good school for my son's kindergarten year, and when I heard about Discover U starting up in our area, I was intrigued. The more I learned about the Montessori approach, got to know the teachers, staff, and principal (Mrs. Nahrgang), and walked through the process of enrollment, I was more than convinced that this would be a great choice for our whole family.... And it has been!! My son not only thrived in his "book" learning, but also in his social and practical life skills. My husband and I were very excited to continue his education here this year, and to also enroll our preschooler. Any time there has been a question, concern, or problem, the staff and teachers have been very quick to resolve it. Communication is good. All are treated with respect. The kids are in a safe environment - I have never once feared leaving them - and the couple times they haven't felt well, they've been well cared for until they can be picked up. Discover U is an excellent place of learning, safety, fun, structure, and practical-life teaching. We are so glad to have our children attend here.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2015

Would not recommend. My student was bullied by the staff, and students. They have a poor layout for classrooms with limited accessibility to bathrooms. If you care about child safety, this is not the place, they do not have a school nurse to assist with young children. God forbid your child has an accident, slip, or fall, no trained professional on site. They will hire a "guidance counselor" before a school nurse. This place was an eye opener for anyone looking for a school for their kids, please explore more options!
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2015

We enrolled our daughter at Discover U for kindy for the 2014/2015 school year. I was struggling with the idea of putting her into school and was considering homeschooling. I heard about Discover U from one of my online mom groups. I loved that they had a Montessori approach. We do not live near the school and the drive is absolutely worth it (about 80mi/day). Mrs. Narhgang, the principal, is out greeting students and their parents by name each morning and helping get the students back into the cars in the afternoon (where other staff members join to help such as teachers, the vice principal, office manager and guidance counselor). Our daughter is very shy and she is thriving and doing so well. She has learned so much in the near year she has attended this school. They picked up on her need for speech therapy early and the IEP process went smoothly. I have enjoyed interacting with all the various staff members. They encourage not only parents to come and volunteer at the school but grandparents too! I couldn't be happier to have found this school.
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2015

most amazing school in our area I have never had the opportunity to work with such caring invested intelligent respectful school faculty in ArizonaI wish my older children had the opportunity to go to Discover U. Montessori approach to learning is absolutely mind blowingand I don't understand why it's not our nation's core learning process our children spend a lot of time at school and I personally want my child to feel like they are with family when they're at school,I want to feel like the school has my son's best interest and future heart and that's exactly how my son feels every day when he goes to Discover U Discover U does not treat the children like cookie cutters and they're all the same each child is an individual and I feel that Discover U builds upon the strengths and encourages individuality and independence We are more than thankful for this school we are blessed.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2015

Excellent school. My children are in Prek and kindergarten Montessori classrooms and they already read in an advanced level. Their teacher is always caring and the principal is the best, very hard working. Overall great school.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2015

We love the small school atmosphere because all of the teachers and staff know our son and recognize us. The teachers are amazing. My son has been in the Montessori track for 2 years now and I see the difference in his learning. He is turning out to be a polite, kind, respectful, and smart boy and Discover U can take a lot of credit for that.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2015

My Son has Autism and was not being included with the other children at his other school. He has been going to Discover U since they opened and he has been in a classroom with all of the other students. He is treated as a regular student and he loves it. It shows him how to interact and have better social skills. The teach is outstanding and the Principal is AWESOME as well as all of the staff and teachers. They know the parents and they know the names of each and every student. I love it. I am so glad that I found them. My son strives to do better every day and he has improved greatly since the time he has been there. They have resources for him if he needs them and they are even understanding when his father and I have to deploy. The are there for him filing with the hugs if he needs on or a Good job. I wish the school had a high school as well. Well worth the drive that I have to take in the morning.
Submitted by teacher on March 30, 2015

As a new school, we are doing a wonderful job making our students feel safe and HAPPY! We will take the great reviews with the bad and learn from them. Our ultimate goal is to continue to offer the best educational choice in the west valley!
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2014

I want anyone who is researching schools that Discover U has been a blessing for my family. My children love to go to school now! I feel welcome whenever we are at the campus and the staff goes above and beyond my expectations of an elementary school. Thank you for your hard work Discover U staff and for making my family feel a part of your wonderful family.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2014

Love the teachers and staff. Disappointed that they continue to lie to us that this will be a Montessori school. All kinder was supposed to be Montessori and only like 12 children ended up being in the Montessori class and we weren't told until the first day of school that our child was not one of them. Now is there even a first grade Montessori? Not even those 12 get to continue on. Stop lying and let it go. You are not Montessori like your website claims you to be. Take it off your web page and be honest with parents.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2014

Most amazing school and staff! Lead by a Principal who knows every student and family and cares about their needs. Teachers who want to help each child learn their individual way and care about each child. Staff who want to help and do so because they want to help nurture children's growth and potential. Just a warm and wonderful setting. Wish there were more schools like Discover U and their staff'
Submitted by teacher on April 18, 2014

Discover U is a great school to be a part of. I moved here from Seattle area last year and have been very impressed at how well this school is run. I enjoy working with all of the students, parents and staff. I think the class size and teachers are a real plus for students in this community. My daughter is 29 now but I wish she would have had an option to attend a Montessori school of this quality. I am looking forward to sending my grandson to the pre-school program when he turns 3.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2014

My son is in the Pre-K classroom at Discover U. My husband and I are extremely happy with his progress and growth. He is so proud of the work that he is doing and always excited to share with us at home. It is evident that Ms. North puts great effort and time into this classroom. In addition, Mrs. Nahrgang, (Principal), and her office staff, make the school feel like a home environment. Mrs. Nahrgang treats all of the children like her own and knows every single child and parent by name. As a parent I feel welcome to be a part of the school and active in my childs education. I am very excited to watch this school grow and for my child to be a part of it.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2014

Discover U was the best choice for my daughter. My daughter had been at a Montessori preschool for 3 years so we were really excited to find a public charter school that was going to incorporate a Montessori approach to the curriculum. The PreK/K combo class has approximately 30 students but also has 3 staff so the ratio is wonderful as are the teachers. My daughter is thriving and above grade level. All of the staff are involved and know all of the students/parents. I am excited to support this school and its mission of how kids can learn and grow. I have also had many opportunities to volunteer at school or taking things home to work on if it does not need to be done on site.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2014

My daughter is currently in kindergarten here, she went to a public school for preschool and in her 2 years there I not once saw or spoke to the principal I never even knew his name. At discover U the principal knew my daughters name after our first meeting (before she was even enrolled). The principal is outside every morning to greet children and evening to say good bye. She even answers the phone (not her direct line) crazy now a days in my opinion. Every staff member has been so sweet to my daughter and our family. She has a friend in the same grade in a different school and my daughter is learning about 3 months ahead of her. I can't wait to get my younger daughter enrolled here!!!!
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2014

Moving my kids to Discover U was the best decision I have ever made. I have a special needs son who was drowning in school district schools, and falling through the cracks. When I approached the school about enrolling him, The principal was welcoming and accepting, and willing to work with his needs. Since school we have had the best year. My middle child is thriving in kindergarten, and my special needs child has had his needs met. The teachers are amazing and the support staff truly want to be there for the kids! The principal knows each kid by name & makes sure to welcome each child every morning. The class sizes are typical for kinder, and smaller for older grades. The curriculum used not only teaches the basics but also teaches character traits, so the students learn to be great additions to the community. I have been welcomed to come in an observe, volunteer or meet with my children's' teachers anytime I would like and they are responsive to my ideas/concerns. I would and have recommended Discover U to parents seeking an alternative to public education. Overall this has been the best choice we have ever made and look forward to many more years to grow with the school!
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2014

It's the perfect school. The principal and staff take their time with each student individually. All the students love the staff. Keep up the phenomenal success.