Little Explorers Discovery School

Little Explorers Discovery School offers children time discovering nature, reading stories, making crafts, playing music, socializing, and exploring different topics in the past, present, and future. The program uses a child-centered, inquiry-based environment where learning is student-driven and influenced by student curiosity and readiness. Teaching strategies are adapted to the needs of each individual child, with a focus on outdoor play, nature play, creativity, and learning through play.

Little Explorers Discovery School uses a Reggio-inspired approach to education, with children gaining independence through activities inspired by Montessori, Waldorf, Finland's education system, progressive education, and more. The curriculum is adaptable and is impacted by the student and family population as well as new educational research. Teachers join the children on their learning journey to observe and facilitate an extension of their discoveries, and the program’s mission is to create and maintain a child-centered, inquiry-based environment where children are free to learn about the world through their own, unique lens.

The School Director, Christi Gillette, has an undergraduate degree in early childhood education and a master's degree in special education, and she spent six years teaching third grade and one year teaching special education in the public schools. After seven years of teaching in the public schools, she began a new journey with Little Explorers Discovery School. The leadership team includes School Director Christi Gillette and Assistant Director Kate Brown.

Families who join Little Explorers Discovery School become part of a network of families that believe that children are natural learners, with adults serving as facilitators, observers, and supporters of their learning journey. Parent testimonials describe experiences at Little Explorers Discovery School and mention locations referred to as LEDS North and LEDS South.

Last updated January 18, 2026.