Discovery Charter School

"2019 EDIT - I haven't gone here since 6th grade, I'm a freshman now. A lot could've changed. Bullying is a problem at the school that goes unattended. I haven't been bullied but there have been multiple cases. Rewriting this because they deleted my original. The elementary school is good, but the middle school levels are so bland. The vice principal somehow manages to have more power than the actual principal of the school, making the whole place seem like a constitutional monarchy. My friend's foot was broken intentionally by a female student, and no action was taken, but kids have been suspended for as much as high-fiving a little too hard. I hope you really take this into consideration if you're thinking of enrolling your child. If the actual staff or school board is reading this, I hope YOU guys take this into consideration to better DCS. It was a nice, unique school. Now, it's just the same as any other school. Even worse."

"I attended this school when it first opened and had the privilege to see the school develop and change. I'd say the best things about this school are the bonds the students make with other students (because it's k-8) and the theater program. Discovery's theater program is run entirely by hardworking volunteers (teachers and/or parents) who put their own time, effort, and money into making sure there is an outstanding performance put on by children from 5 to 14 years of age. The program also helps students overcome any fear of large crowds, or "stage fright", as it did with me. The theater program at Discovery has gotten me places that I never imagined I'd go, and is definitely worth some consideration if you are thinking of getting your child into an extra curricular activity, or just acting. Discovery also has a basketball team that teaches students not only how to play basketball, but also the importance of good sportsmanship, while maintaining fun and never failing to encourage the children to, under no circumstances, give up."

"I went to this school K-5 and left after fifth grade. I'd like to take common complaints and resolve them, as most of the kids are over reacting. 1- The food. Students state that the food is awful, one claim saying that they only got bread and not a sandwich. I myself have not seen the new lunch staff but I'm positive that child could've gone up and requested a new sandwich. Comparing the food to the food we are served at my new school, there is no contest. Discovery has exceptional food compare to other schools. 2-Bullying. I personally think you can go to any school and there will be a case of bullying. Discovery does a great job handling physical bullying but could defiantly deal with other bullying better. While I say that, when I went to an adult for non physical bullying, it was handled well, but I don't think it should have happened in the first place. Compared to the bullying at my new school, Discovery wins again. 3-Punishments. I agree that Discovery has a tough time punishing children the right way. It is by far the schools biggest flaw. They are very tolerant to children not following rules and fail to do anything about it when it affects the other students learning. I have had kids in my class that did this every year I went here without fail. I thoroughly enjoyed all of my time at Discovery and I do suggest it. The school is based around taking care of the environment and has the privileges that most schools don't have of being right next to the Indiana Dunes. The art program is FANTASTIC and the art teacher Mrs.Hansen is unbeatable. Please take this school into consideration."

"I'm in fourth grade at Discovery, and I've been here scince kindergarten.Everything has been pretty good so far except for three things 1. Manipulative bullying, So one of my friends was kind of being forced to be friends with someone, because she was in a big fight with her friend and her other friends were always around her so she found some other girls to hang out with, after her fight with her other friends the other girls she had just recently found became a little bossy and they wouldn't leave her alone. 2.The cafeteria has really bad food I don't know if these three stories are true ,but the first one is one of my friends said they got food poisoning from the cafeteria.The second story is another friend telling me this, the story is she said she got a moldy orange and they said just eat around it. Finally the third story is one my younger sister told me she said ordered a sunbutter and jelly sandwhich and they gave her just bread. 3. They have an unreasonable dresscode, we cant wear patterned jeans, or for dress down days no shoulders."

"EDIT: I am writing this several years later, and changing the rating from 3 stars to 2. I have seen concerns in other people's reviews that there is a lot of bullying, but I apparently I moved schools before bullying became a real issue. The issue I have found in recent years is that Discovery is becoming a place to send children that are disabled or are difficult. In my sibling's last year of Discovery, there was a classmate who was constantly interrupting and bothering the class. This classmate slept in class, did not participate in class, and used profanities and profane gestures. If it is true what Solimar Akili wrote in his review that a student was suspended for "high-fiving too hard", then I believe that the DCS staff needs to take a closer look at the disciplinary measures they take. This bothersome classmate only received one suspension througout the school year. If they are not willing to consider taking disciplinary action on the things that really matter, then you should consider this before sending your children here. The last concern I have is that most of the good teachers who have had years of experience are leaving. My experience with this is that the new teachers that are hired are not ones who have years of experience. This may not affect a kindergartner so much, but it will for older students. ORIGINAL REVIEW:The elementary is very good, but the middle school part is not as good and doesn't have the certain charm of the elementary levels. Also, the space is very small and I express concern for safety about students outside having class in a disconnected module. Other than that, I like the use of nature incorporated with the learning (e.g. hikes, outside class)."