Our Unique Small School

Discovery is a collaborative effort between educators, students, their families and our community to provide a supportive environment with high academic expectations for every student while promoting respect for others, open communication, individual responsibility, and a love for learning.

WELCOME TO DISCOVERY!

We are a small public school in the Yakima School District with approximately 220 first- through eighth-grade students. Our teachers strive to create classroom environments that challenge students in ways appropriate to their learning abilities and styles.  We encourage multi-age and multi-generational connections throughout the school and within our community.  Parents are always welcome and encouraged to be involved in their child's education.

  Discovery offers:

  • A small, friendly community
  • Highly qualified teachers
  • An enthusiastic learning environment
  • Hands-on project-based and inquiry learning
  • Music education
  • Arts opportunities
  • Physical education
  • Cross-country running (middle school)
  • Foreign language instruction in Spanish and American Sign Language
  • Drama, including our annual Shakespeare production (middle school)
  • Academic contest opportunities
  • Achievement by Choice Honors program (middle school)
  • Student-led conferences bi-annually
  • Counseling services available
  • Special Education services available
  • Many opportunities for parent involvement
  • Discovery Family Connection (non-profit parent/teacher organization)
  • Site Council governance (staff and parent program oversight)
  • Community partnerships

Principal's Message

Dear Discovery friends and families,


This past school year embraced so many amazing events and family activities, along with rigorous academic learning in the classroom. We have celebrated new students, families, and staff members joining the Discovery Lab School and we're building new positive relationships with every addition. This past year we developed a partnership with CWU students and their science department to enhance our students' science learning. 

We welcome parent involvement in our school and foster that community spirit every day at Discovery Lab School. There are Discovery Family Connection meetings monthly, at which all parents are encouraged to come and participate with other families to enhance our school's parent involvement and initiate school-wide events. Discovery Lab's Site Council and our student A.S.B. meet to facilitate opportunities such as new student/family welcoming, assisting with school safety issues, and many other activities.

Every day in every classroom you will see learning opportunities facilitated by caring and highly qualified teachers available to assist students in their academic requirements, as well as other areas of support. It is a tremendous advantage to have first through eighth grades here in one facility, enabling students to grow and learn with a small group of peers and to experience many multi-age lessons and connections. Our Discovery Lab community, where "everyone knows your name," is a great place to develop friendships and reach your individual potential.

It is an honor and privilege to serve as the principal for Discovery Lab School.  I look forward to each day with its opportunities and educational experiences as the students reach their successes and dreams. If you have any questions, I am available to assist (573-5401).

Deb Lavis

Principal