Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we are licensed as a childcare center by the State of California and feature a staff of fully qualified teachers. Our Facility Number is 214005255.

We believe that our unique educational approach, which offers free-choice learning in an open-ended, child-directed environment, prepares children for lifelong learning. Through our emergent project-based curriculum, kids use math, literacy, creative problem-solving, and social skills to create the meaningful learning experiences they will need for later academic success.

The school day is from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and we have limited spots available for Extended Care from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Children must be 3 years old by September 1 of the year they will enroll.

You can apply for your child to attend TDS one year before their school year will start. If your child is younger, please fill out an inquiry so we can follow up with you when your child is eligible to apply!

Once we receive completed applications, our staff determines which families are the best match for the program. Factors include scheduling, age of child, philosophical harmony, and gender balance of program.

No. The Discovery School requires enrollment for the school year. We are required to maintain a specific staff to child ratio at all times.

Students spend plenty of time outdoors exploring the beaches and habitats of Fort Baker, fostering a deep connection to the natural world. Additionally, we have one-two 100% outdoor days per month, where students have an entire day of school held outdoors.

At this time, we do not provide snack or lunch. Children must bring their own lunch and snack from home.

The Discovery School is located at the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito. The museum and The Discovery School are located in Fort Baker, part of Golden Gate National Park. Find Directions

The Discovery School students receive full access to BADM’s exhibits and resources, including exclusive when the museum is closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Find out if TDS is right for your family! Call or email Caren Drezner, Head of School at (415) 339-3991 or tds@badm.org.

The Discovery School students have been accepted to the following elementary schools:

• Greenwood
• Lycee Francais- French School
• Manor
• Marin Country Day
• Marin Primary
• Park Elementary
• Presidio Hill School
• Reed Public School
• SF Public
• Saint Luke’s
• SF Friends School
• The Garden House
• The Nueva School

You can learn more about The Discovery School teachers here.