John Thomas School of Discovery (JTSD)

Espy Elementary is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for students with diverse learning needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional children. The school's core mission revolves around empowering every child to reach their full potential through individualized support and tailored educational strategies. Espy Elementary employs a range of innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies designed to address the unique challenges faced by its students. These include specialized learning plans, adaptive technologies, and a strong emphasis on social-emotional development. What sets Espy Elementary apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and fosters strong relationships between educators, students, and families. Additionally, the school features specialized facilities that enhance the learning experience, along with community events that encourage family involvement and celebrate cultural diversity. This holistic approach ensures that each child not only thrives academically but also develops essential life skills in a supportive atmosphere.

Nixa Early Childhood serves children ages 3, 4, and 5 on one campus with two buildings: the original Peggy L. Taylor Early Learning Center and the Early Childhood Center, which opened in 2014. Instruction follows the Missouri Early Learning Standards and uses Project Construct, the Ready Bodies Learning Minds motor lab, Conscious Discipline, and Heggerty Phonics. Families can choose from four class types. Six tuition classrooms fill in the order families join our interest list, which opens January 15. Bright Beginnings Preschool places qualifying children, identified through screening, in those classrooms at no cost. Our seven Early Childhood Special Education classrooms provide occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and instruction from certified early childhood special education teachers for eligible children. Through our Peer Model Program, typically developing children learn alongside classmates in ECSE classrooms, where peer models can make up half of the class. The Early Childhood Center also houses Parents as Teachers, which supports families with children from birth to age 5 and monitors development over time. Eagle Care is part of the district's XLT extended learning program.