We’re excited to introduce something special for our community. As Discovery School at CMON prepares to open in Fall 2026, families may have questions about our program, enrollment process, and what makes this early learning experience unique. Explore the FAQs below to learn more about our play-based approach and how we’re supporting young learners and their families.
Discovery School at CMON is a high-quality early learning center inside Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, delivering play-based education. It emphasizes curiosity-driven exploration, kindergarten readiness, and daily integration with museum exhibits.
The center enrolls children ages 3 to 5 years old, with class sizes based on licensed space and required staff-child ratios.
The center is under construction and projected to open for the 2026-2027 school year in late fall, based on construction progress.
Discovery School will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with closures on major holidays like Labor Day, Thanksgiving week, and winter break.
The program uses The Creative Curriculum, a research-based approach blending play, hands-on STEAM activities, and Florida Early Learning Standards. It supports language/literacy, math, science, arts, and social-emotional growth. A typical preschool day begins with outdoor play, followed by museum exploration. The schedule also includes small‑group activities, rest time, circle time, snack, and learning centers, ending with dismissal.
Children will regularly access the museum as part of their daily, play-based learning experience, engaging in hands-on exploration connected to classroom curriculum and Florida Early Learning Standards. Museum exploration primarily takes place before the museum opens to the public and after it closes. Children may also participate in planned daytime visits to museum exhibits or the park as part of guided experiences, which will include supervised interaction during public hours.
Yes, our teachers are certified and hold degrees in Early Childhood Education or related fields, ensuring alignment with Florida Early Learning Standards. The program will be fully DCF-licensed, with all staff meeting rigorous background checks and ongoing training requirements. We are also intentional about ensuring staff receive ongoing training to support a range of developmental and learning differences.
Discovery School at CMON is for children ages 3–5. All students must be fully potty-trained and provide required documentation, like immunization forms (DH 680), a health exam, and a handbook acknowledgment. Siblings of enrolled children will receive enrollment priority. We are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where every child feels safe, valued, and supported. Our program reflects our core belief that learning should be equitable and inclusive, honoring each child’s unique strengths and needs. We encourage families to reach out to us about their child’s unique needs so we can partner together to understand how best to support their child’s success. We believe families are our most important partners, and we’re here to collaborate to ensure every child has a positive and fulfilling experience.
Tuition rates are $400 a week for full-time enrollment (7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.), due bi-weekly, monthly, biannually, or annually via Procare (ACH preferred; 3% credit card fee), non-refundable regardless of absences. Discounts are available for annual or biannual payment. Scholarships are available first come first serve based on need.
Due to construction, tours are currently not available. Any family who fills out an interest form will be contacted directly once tours are available. Please reach out to Jessica Campbell for more information at jcampbell@cmon.org or 239-260-1601.
Discovery School at CMON will only offer full time enrollment.
Children are provided with two snacks each day; families are responsible for packing a healthy lunch.