Discovery School is a private, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1993. Its mission is to prepare students for the challenges of life and future academic work by instilling in them self-esteem, academic excellence, critical thinking, the celebration of cultural diversity, and social and environmental responsibility. A unique school, best known by its low student to teacher ratio (average of seven students per teacher and 17 or fewer students per class); hands-on and experiential learning; international student body (20+ countries); development of multidisciplinary skills; and a zero-tolerance for bullying (students are taught how to collaborate, cooperate, disagree constructively, and respect differing opinions). The school’s philosophy focuses on giving the students a well-rounded education, integrating sports, music and arts, technology, and emotional intelligence. The school year begins in early August and runs through early June. The vacation calendar allows for some U.S. holidays and all Honduran holidays.
Organization: The school is governed by an elected seven-member board of directors. The Head of School and a representative appointed by the U.S. Ambassador are non-voting members of the board.
Curriculum: Discovery School has an enriched U.S.-style curriculum with high academic standards. Instructional methods and assessment techniques encourage students to solve problems collaboratively, creatively and critically. We use the Common Core curriculum in Math and Language Arts, NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) and STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). The school uses the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), and Advanced Placement (AP) exams for external validation of our academic program. K through grade 5 instruction follows the guided reading program which helps build and strengthen students’ literacy skills in phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. Elementary School classrooms combine cooperative learning settings for circle time, reading activities, and discussion groups. To enhance the learning experience, students use curriculum connected digital programs such as IXL, Raz-Kids, SAAVAS (Math), and others. The academic program, including Pre-AP and AP courses, prepares students for entrance into competitive universities in the U.S. and throughout the world. The school currently offers nine AP courses: Biology, Calculus AB, Computer Science Principles, English Language and Composition & English Literature and Composition (offered in alternate years), Environmental Science, Human Geography, Physics, and Spanish Literature & Culture. Other AP courses are offered based on demand and student interest. For Social-Emotional Learning, the school implements Lions Quest program (K-12) focusing on positive behavior, anti-bullying, character education, connection to school, and drug, tobacco, and alcohol awareness. All classes are taught in English, except for Spanish and Spanish Social Studies. Discovery School is accredited by Cognia, the College Board (AP Program), and the Honduran Ministry of Education. The school offers a U.S. Diploma, the AP International Diploma, and the Honduran Bachillerato Internacional en Ciencias y Humanidades.
Faculty: In the 2022-2023 school year, Discovery School has 49 total staff including 35 teachers, 9 of whom are U.S. citizens, 26 host-country nationals. All teachers have university degrees and teaching qualifications/ experience. All classroom teachers are bilingual (English/Spanish).
Enrollment: At beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, enrollment is 227 students. Of the total, 62 are U.S. citizens, 116 are host-country nationals, and 49 are third-country nationals.
Facilities: Discovery School consists of a purpose-built facility located on a spacious seven-acre site adjacent to the Anillo Periférico (beltway). The school has a beautiful panoramic view of the nearby mountains. Classrooms are spacious and conditioned to the hands-on learning activities. The campus includes a small soccer field, a cafeteria, a gym, playgrounds, green areas, and generous parking. It also has an administration building and specially equipped rooms for music, art, computer-information center, and a library. The campus is very secure, surrounded by a solid security wall with concertina wire, reinforced security gates, and 48 CCTV cameras. The school has a BYOD policy; students have a secure Internet access in which proper digital citizenship is encouraged.
Finances: Annual tuition for the 2022-2023 school year are as follows: N/PK: $5,535 (8:00-11:00); $9,840 (8:00-1:40); K–grade 5: $9,840; grades 6-8: 3$11,788; grades 9-12: $12,915. A one-time capital fee is charged for each student as follows: N/PK: $250 each year; and K-12: $5,250. Bus service is available for $165 per student per month. English-as-a-second-language (ESL) and Spanish-as-a-second-language (SSL) classes are available, if needed, for $850 per semester. (All fees quoted in U.S. dollars.)
Special Needs: Download the Special Needs Profile (2023 Special Needs- Honduras, Tegucigalpa-Discovery) for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.
This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2022 and provided by the school.