Deland Preparatory Academy

Discovery Academy of DeLand began in 1990 as Stepping Stones Childcare & Preschool. We added our first kindergarten class in 2022, took our current name in 2023, and now enroll everyone from 6-week-old infants to 8th graders, with a high school planned. Our Glenwood/DeLand campus includes dedicated classrooms, play areas and St. Francis Chapel. We are a faith-based Christian school, and religious studies are part of the curriculum, while students of all faiths are welcome. Class sizes are limited, and classes are built around individual ability rather than strict grade levels. K-8 students use Houghton Mifflin Harcourt curriculum, with Studies Weekly for science and social studies in kindergarten through 5th grade. Our infant and toddler rooms use Beyond Cribs and Rattles, and our 3- to 5-year-olds use Beyond Centers and Circle Time. A specials teacher and an art teacher join our classroom staff. Before and after care cover 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and VPK, School Readiness vouchers and Step Up For Students scholarship awards are accepted. Families of students with an IEP or 504 plan share those documents before enrolling so our team can review accommodations with them.

Third- through fifth-graders can join our afterschool music ensemble at George W. Marks Elementary. In kindergarten through fifth grade, the music curriculum also includes singing, movement, instruments and learning to read music. Younger students present programs during the year, giving our DeLand children several ways to participate in musical learning. Our dual-language magnet program divides academic instruction between English and Spanish. Teachers align both languages with state standards, supporting bilingual skills and learning across cultures. Art, physical education and the school media center add other subjects and resources at our North Garfield Avenue school. Families who need a longer school day can use the fee-based Extended Day Enrichment Program, which runs until 5:45 p.m. on school days. Children take part in homework activities, music, crafts, computer skills and recreation, with opportunities to build friendships. Literacy activities focus on vocabulary and comprehension. Parents can also participate through the PTA, School Advisory Council and volunteering, while school counselors provide another connection between home and school. Extended Day literacy activities use programs such as Flocabulary, iReady and Prodigy to work on vocabulary and comprehension.

The Sands Academy, established in 2020, is a pioneering institution committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for neurodivergent students, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. With a core mission centered on creating a neuroinclusive educational experience, the academy utilizes innovative methodologies such as play-based and project-based learning to engage students fully in their academic journeys. This approach not only supports personal growth but also nurtures social and emotional development, allowing each child to thrive in a community that celebrates diversity. The Sands Academy stands out for its low student-teacher ratio, which ensures personalized attention and tailored educational experiences, as well as its strong partnerships with families that extend beyond the classroom. By actively engaging with the community through events and resources aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of neurodiversity, The Sands Academy exemplifies its commitment to inclusivity and advocacy. This unique blend of educational practices and community involvement makes it a cornerstone for families seeking an empowering learning environment for their children.