Discovery Child Development Center
Project-based preschool and kindergarten where children discover their world through projects and play.
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.
See how our curriculum works →The Biggest Difference Is Who Stays
combined years our current team has spent at Discovery. Familiar faces, steady classrooms, and lasting relationships.
- Project Discovery Curriculum
- Daily Spanish
- Small-group instruction
- Diverse community and staff
- Locally owned, not part of a chain
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.
Meet Morris! 🐦
Starting school is a big adventure! Meet Morris, a little bird named after Morrisville, and his mom, Cary, named after our neighboring town.
Written by Discovery's director, Mike Dlott, Morris Discovers School follows Morris through the excitement, friendships, and new discoveries of his first day, helping young children feel confident as they begin their own school adventures. Enjoy the read-aloud with Mr. Mike!
A gift for your family. Every family who tours Discovery takes home their own copy.
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 JohnbullProfessor 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
A Program for Every Stage, Ages 2–6
Half-day and school-day options from Preschool onward, with daily Spanish in every classroom.
Our Philosophy
Purposeful play, hands-on projects, and caring relationships guide how children learn and grow.
Play-Based Exploration
Children explore, imagine, and make sense of their world through hands-on play.
Project-Based Learning
Children investigate questions, test ideas, and create together.
Kindergarten Readiness
Foundations in literacy and math, plus confidence and independence.
Whole-Child Development
Thinking, feelings, and friendships, with empathy, resilience, and responsibility.
How Families Rate Discovery
Source: 2024–2025 Discovery parent survey, administered through Cognia.
See Discovery in Action
Classroom projects, outdoor play, and the everyday moments that make our community special.
Relationships Are at the Heart of Learning
At Discovery, we believe children grow best when they feel known, valued, and connected. Director Mike Dlott wrote about connection, community, and showing up for one another in an essay for WBUR's Cognoscenti, shared by NPR. These same values shape the culture we build for our students and families every day.
Ready to See Discovery?
Schedule a tour and see how project-based learning, daily Spanish, and caring teachers help children thrive.