Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center

Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center has been the perfect fit for my daughter. Following the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, the curriculum is emergent and engages each student in owning his/her education. Students are respected and seen as capable of reaching their full potential. To do this, they are given opportunities to learn in many different ways. This helps to build the confidence of the child, engages them in learning and teaches critical thinking. This is all happening in relationship with the teachers, other students, parents and the environment. This holistic approach to learning and emphasis on celebrating children has built a love for reading, writing and math in my daughter, as well as the confidence to push herself and accept challenges.

Not only does GRCDC provide an enriching scholastic environment, they truly are providing and education based on relationships. I have never had such a deep feeling of community, as I did almost immediately after my daughter started Kindergarten. The school also teaches appropriate social behavior and methods of problem solving among themselves. The product of this focus is a community of young children who hold each other accountable for their behavior and respond with empathy to each other and the world.

In GRCDC, I have found a truly pluralistic community. My daughter consistently tells me how people's differences are what makes them special and makes the world a better place. In a time when we can find so many things wrong in the world. GRCDC is a place where you can see, hear and feel what is right. It keeps me hopeful on a regular basis!