Registration for 2023-24 is underway
Families are invited to come and tour a classrooms, speak with teachers and staff and learn more about our program
new traditions &innovation
our history
DASA Preschool has been in operation for 45 years as a museum based Preschool located on the RMSC property at 657 East Ave. At the end of the 2022 school year, the Preschool moved to 597 East Avenue - directly across Goodman Street from the RMSC. DASA Preschool maintains a relationship and programming opportunities with the RMSC. We have a commitment to continuing our work as a museum based preschool and we plan to expand that connection to include other area Museums.
our mission
The Discovery Academy of Science & Art Preschool nurtures the development of the whole child by providing a caring environment rich in discovery and imagination.
our philosophy
The Discovery Academy of Science & Art Preschool is a play-based program. We believe that through active play, young children make sense of their world, assimilate new information and develop a healthy sense of self and community. As educators, we facilitate developmentally appropriate activities that engage children at all levels.
our vision
The Discovery Academy of Science & Art Preschool is designed and staffed to meet the developmental needs of an active preschooler. To promote individual growth, we create experiences that will complement children's natural interests and abilities. Whether we are in the classroom, exploring local museums or the outdoors, we strive to make learning an exciting and enriching process. Our number one curriculum goal for our children is to instill a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
our location
We are located at 597 East Avenue on the education floor of the Church of the Incarnate Word. We are conveniently located across the street from the RMSC Museum & Science Center and a short walk from the Memorial Art Gallery. DASA Preschool is a nondenominational nursery school. Although DASA Preschool classrooms are located within the Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word, DASA Preschool is not affiliated or governed by the church or any other religious organization.
DASA preschool
curriculum
learning
Our school is designed and staffed to meet the developmental needs of an active preschooler. To promote individual growth, we create experiences that will complement children's natural interests and abilities. Whether we are in our classroom, a museum, a planetarium, or outside, we strive to make learning an exciting and enriching process. Our number one curriculum goal for our children is to instill a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
social & emotional growth
Our staff supports a child’s social/emotional development through respect and caring. It is our intention to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children will be comfortable being themselves. We practice active listening and promote kindness and acceptance of others. Through role modeling and positive reinforcement, we help our children fine-tune their communication skills. We build classroom communities by applauding everyone’s accomplishments and sharing in each child’s disappointments. Our number one social/emotional goal for our children is to foster respect for themselves and others.
physical development
We plan activities throughout the week that will help our children develop their small and large motor skills. Outdoor walks and outdoor play complement our physical education program and the movement and music activities that occur in the classroom. For small motor development, opportunities to work with tools, writing implements, building blocks, and varied classroom manipulatives, serve to enhance this important developmental area. Our number one goal in this area is to provide our children with many choices to develop their emerging physical skills.
creative arts
Participation in the visual arts provides children with an opportunity to express themselves creatively and to help them use their developing skills to represent emotions and experiences. Through the study of artists, illustrators, and authors such as Georgia O’Keefe, Mo Willems, Eric Carle or Jackson Pollock, children begin to gain an appreciation for individual and cultural identity and expression. Our number one goal relating to the visual arts is to provide our children with opportunities to express themselves in unique and personal ways, without fear of judgment or criticism.
curriculum development
Topics of study for the children at The Discovery Academy of Science & Art Preschool primarily revolve around STEAM and include the classroom, outdoor experiences, and visits to local museums. A sampling of themes may include Simple Chemistry, Simple Physics, Intro to Museums, Dinosaurs, Rocks and Minerals, Astronomy, Native American Culture, Art and Artists, Photography, Light and Color, Architecture, Movement, and Sound, Animals and Environments, Botany and Human Biology. Each year the staff helps to choose five or six topics of study and then teaching teams plan activities and projects based on the age and interests of the children in their classes. Activities and projects are planned with developmentally appropriate practice in mind. We leave room in our planning for emergent themes to develop. Emergent themes reflect the interests of the students, families, and staff and if needed, extra time is devoted to the exploration of these topics.