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Now enrolling 2026–27  ·  Tours this week  ·  919-234-0735
Children painting outdoors at Discovery Child Development Center

Discovery Child Development Center

Project-based preschool and kindergarten in Cary & Morrisville

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Programs for ages 2-6

Half Day and School-Day Options


Where Children Discover Their World
Through Projects and Play

Located on the border of Cary and Morrisville, Discovery brings learning to life through our Project Discovery Curriculum. Children explore questions, test ideas, and learn together through projects and play. Our teachers build on children’s curiosity, helping them develop the skills and confidence to take on new challenges.

The biggest difference is who stays.

Our current team has spent a combined 170+ years at Discovery.

Familiar faces, steady classrooms, and lasting relationships.

Meet Our Teachers

Discovery at a Glance

Familiar teachers. Returning families. Personal attention.

100%
Teacher retention
(2023–2025)
93–100%
Family re-enrollment
year to year
5:1 to 10:1
Student-to-teacher ratios
Cognia
Nationally accredited
Top Raleigh Preschool
Expertise.com
2017, 2019, 2020, 2022
Best of Morrisville
2025 & 2026
BusinessRate

Why Families Choose Discovery

  • Project Discovery Curriculum
  • Daily Spanish
  • Small-Group Instruction
  • Diverse Community & Staff
  • Locally Owned, Not Part of a Chain

We're Truly a School Family

We started Discovery because we wanted our child to have the best possible preschool experience, and we still live right here in Cary. We've been family-run since day one, and many of our teachers chose Discovery first for their own kids.

  • Over 70% of our current team has a child who attended Discovery or later worked here.
  • Many siblings grow up here, returning year after year.
  • Families build roots and relationships that last.

What Discovery Parents Say

“As a Professor of Education and parent of 4 Discovery graduates, I can confidently say this school provides exceptional early childhood education.”

Dr. Ranjini Johnbull Professor of Education · Johns Hopkins Parent of 4 Discovery Graduates

“What really stands out is how much the children learn while still having fun and being encouraged to be curious. They come home talking about everything from the planets to birds, and it’s amazing to see how much knowledge they’re building at such a young age.”

Alexis B Discovery parent · Cary, NC

“Only a few months in and our son comes home excited about what he's learned, he knows lots of Spanish words, loves to show us his artwork and always wants to know when he will go back.”

Kristin B Discovery parent · Cary, NC

“Project-based learning is the perfect blend of learning and play. We were amazed how prepared our child was for kindergarten.”

Nicole S Pre-K Parent · Cary, NC
Read More Google Reviews
Our Approach

Our Philosophy

Our Project Discovery Curriculum brings together purposeful play, hands-on projects, and caring relationships. These four pillars guide how we help children learn and grow.

Play-Based Exploration

Children explore, imagine, and make sense of their world through hands-on play that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and joy.

Project-Based Learning

Children investigate questions, test ideas, and create together—building communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Kindergarten Readiness

Children build foundations in literacy and math alongside the confidence, independence, and social skills for their next steps.

Whole-Child Development

We nurture thinking, feelings, and friendships, helping children practice empathy, resilience, and responsibility.

Enrollment

Our Programs

Explore our preschool and private kindergarten programs for children ages 2–6.

Ages 2–3

Young Preschool

For children beginning their preschool journey. Focus on socialization, play, and early routines in a caring, structured setting.

Explore Young Preschool →
Ages 3–4

Preschool

A balance of play and project-based learning, building language, social skills, and curiosity while introducing early academics.

Explore Preschool →
Ages 4–5

Pre-Kindergarten

Inquiry-driven projects and daily Spanish prepare children for kindergarten with strong foundations in literacy, math, and problem-solving.

Explore Pre-K →
TK: Turns 5 by November 30

Transitional & Private Kindergarten

Our Transitional Kindergarten and Private Kindergarten programs share a small, nurturing classroom, with individualized instruction that supports academic growth, confidence, and friendships.

Explore TK & Kindergarten →

Program Features

Daily Spanish

Daily Spanish instruction builds language skills, cultural awareness, and confidence through songs, play, and interactive lessons—in every classroom, at every age.

Half-Day & School-Day Options

Flexible scheduling designed to meet family needs, while giving children ample time for meaningful learning and play.

School-day options are available from Preschool (age 3) onward. Young Preschool offers half-day mornings only.

Parent Feedback

How Families Rate Discovery

What families shared in our 2024–2025 Cognia parent survey.

  • 100%
    Families feel respected & treated with courtesy
  • 100%
    Parents say we provide a safe learning environment
  • 99%
    Parents value opportunities to be involved
  • 98%
    Learning experiences meet individual needs
  • 98%
    Teachers help parents understand their child's progress

Source: 2024–2025 Discovery Parent Survey administered through Cognia.

Schedule a Tour

See Discovery in Action

A glimpse into our classrooms, outdoor play, and the everyday moments that make our community special.

DESCRIBE PHOTO 1 DESCRIBE PHOTO 2 DESCRIBE PHOTO 3
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From the Director

Relationships Are at the Heart of Learning

At Discovery Child Development Center, we believe children grow best when they feel known, valued, and connected. As a project-based preschool and kindergarten in Morrisville, serving families in Morrisville, Cary, and the Triangle, we build a safe, supportive community where relationships are central to learning.

Director Mike Dlott recently wrote about connection, community, and the importance of showing up for one another in an essay for WBUR’s Cognoscenti that was shared by NPR. These same values shape the culture we build for our students and families every day.

Read Mike’s Essay
Image description
 Discovery is a fully accredited school through SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools)  CASI (Council on Accreditation and School Improvement), an accreditation division of Cognia. In order to earn this nationally-recognized accreditation, schools must meet the organization's high standards, be evaluated by a team of professional from outside the school and implement a continuous process of school improvement.

Ready to See Discovery?

Schedule a tour and see how project-based learning, daily Spanish, and caring teachers help children thrive.

Serving Cary and Morrisville since 2010

We’re proud to serve families from Cary, Morrisville, Apex, Raleigh, Durham, and the greater Triangle.