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Children painting outdoors at Discovery Child Development Center

Discovery Child Development Center

Preschool in Cary & Morrisville

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Serving Cary & Morrisville families with Young Preschool, Preschool, 

Pre-K, Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs.


Where Children Discover Their World
Through Projects and Play

Discovery Child Development Center is the premier project-based preschool and private kindergarten for children age 2–6. Conveniently located on the border of Cary and Morrisville, we provide exceptional educational opportunities and care for our students. At our school, children discover their world and prepare for their future within a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As one of the best and most established preschools in Cary and Morrisville, Discovery offers flexible options for families, including half-day and full school-day programs.

The biggest difference is who stays.

170+ combined years at Discovery. Familiar faces, steady classrooms, and lasting relationships.

Based on our current team.

Meet Our Teachers
Discovery at a Glance

A Strong Foundation for Bright Futures

The numbers that matter most, plus the qualities families feel every day.

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-Based Learning 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.
Thriving Together ♡

What Parents Say About Discovery

Hear from families who’ve experienced the Discovery difference firsthand.

★★★★★

“Discovery is so much more than a childcare center. The talented, highly educated staff truly believe in a quality curriculum that reaches every aspect of a young child's development.”

Kara Coleman • Parent of Preschooler • 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
★★★★★

“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 • Johns Hopkins • Parent of 4 Graduates
Our Approach

Our Philosophy

At Discovery, children learn best when they are engaged, supported, and inspired. Our approach is built on four core pillars.

Play-Based Exploration

Children make sense of their world through play. We design hands-on experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, and joy.

Project-Based Learning

Inquiry-driven projects build collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills that last a lifetime.

Kindergarten Readiness

We blend exploration with structure so every child builds the academic foundations and confidence for a successful transition.

Whole-Child Development

Social-emotional growth and cognitive learning go hand-in-hand. We foster empathy, resilience, and independence in a caring community.

Enrollment

Our Programs

From our youngest learners to kindergarten readiness, Discovery offers programs designed to nurture growth at every stage.

AGES 2–3

Young Preschool

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

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AGES 3–4

Preschool

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

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AGES 4–5

Pre-Kindergarten

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

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AGES 5–6

Private Kindergarten

A small, nurturing classroom with individualized instruction, ensuring each child thrives academically and socially in their first school year.

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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 & Full Day Options

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

Full-day scheduling is available from Preschool (age 3) onward. Young Preschool currently runs half-day mornings only.

Parent Feedback

How Families Rate Discovery

Real, sourced feedback from our most recent Cognia parent survey — a look at how families experience life at Discovery.

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
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Source: Cognia 2024–2025 Discovery Parent Survey

See Discovery in Action

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

Discovery classroom moment 1 Discovery classroom moment 2 Discovery classroom moment 3
Follow @discoverycdcenter

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.