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 learning experiences that include outdoor play, nature play, creativity, and learning through play in a child-centered, inquiry-based environment where learning is student-driven.

• Ages: 0–5 years old

The mission of Little Explorers Discovery School 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, with teachers joining children on their learning journey to observe and facilitate an extension of their discoveries. Teaching strategies at the school are adapted to the needs of each individual child, and children gain independence through activities inspired by Montessori, Waldorf, Finland's education system, progressive education, and a Reggio-inspired approach. The curriculum is adaptable and is impacted by the student and family population and by new and transforming educational research, with a focus on responding to student curiosity and readiness and fostering a love and appreciation for the world.

The School Director, Christi Gillette, has an undergraduate degree in early childhood education and a master's degree in special education, and after seven years of teaching in 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 join a network of families that believe children are natural learners filled with curiosity about the world, with adults serving as facilitators, observers, and supporters of their learning journey.

Parent testimonials describe children thriving under the care at Little Explorers Discovery School and being well prepared for kindergarten socially, emotionally, and academically. Parents note a focus on outdoor play and exploration, and describe teachers and staff as thoughtful, intentional, deeply kind, helpful, supportive, and knowledgeable. Families mention that the curriculum has a heavy focus on outdoor time, nature play, creativity, and learning through play, and that teachers and administrators create classroom and school traditions that children enjoy. Multiple parents from both LEDS North and LEDS South express gratitude for the community at Little Explorers Discovery School and recommend the school.

Last updated July 18, 2026.