What is AO Discover!? AO Discover! Auburn-Opelika Children's Hands-on Science Center is our area's first children's museum and science center. AO Discover! and Auburn Day School will be located right next door so students attending Auburn Day School will have daily access to AO Discover! for STEM lessons, centers time, special projects and special guests. We'll have a built in hands-on field trip experience right next door!
My child is eligible for more than one class. Which one should I choose? Our program is designed to be somewhat individualized so no matter which class you choose, your child will have an enriching and exciting academic experience. Staggering the age ranges in our classes allows parents to find the best match. For example, the classes geared to toddlers feature basic STEM activities, more free play, simple arts activities and baby sign language. Classes geared toward preschoolers begin to introduce abstract ideas, challenge students with more complex STEM activities, encourage writing skills, and offer foreign language. To choose the best class for your child you may want to consider your child's readiness with the current monthly concept as well as the peer group your child might be most successful in. But don't worry, with a drop-in program, your child can try more than one class to find the best fit.
The fee is $35/day but how much does it really cost? Our program is truly $35/day! No enrollment fees, materials fees, contracts, snack fees or additional charges of any kind. Come only when it works for your family. Sign up here.
What would a typical day look like? 8:00-8:30- Arrival/ Centers (Centers activities change monthly based on concept and allow students to practice prior STEM, language, and art activities.) 3-5-year-old students will begin their day in AO Discover! Auburn-Opelika Children's Hands-on Science Center! 8:30-9:00- Whole group (Students participate in a hands-on whole group lesson with the lead teachers based on the concept.) 9:00-9:30- STEM (The STEM teacher guides an active hands-on, age-appropriate lesson in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Math.) 9:30-10:00- Snack (Students eat a healthy snack with a whole grain, low sugar dairy, and fruit.) 10:00-10:30- Language (Students participate in an active language lesson with the language teacher.) 10:30-11:00- Art (Students participate in an active lesson led by the classroom teachers in music, dance, or fine arts.) 11:00-11:30- Gross motor skills play/ Outdoor explorations/Free play/ Group stories and songs (activities will differ from day to day) 11:30- Dismissal
What if my child is sick for a day of class? Please stay home and take care of your sweet baby and don't worry about a thing. We are happy to reschedule a class for your child at no additional charge when s/he is healthy again. To reschedule a class please email Katie Murrah at director@auburndayschool.org.
What will my child eat for snack? Do I need to bring something? We provide each child a delicious and nutritious snack each day consisting of one whole grain, one fruit, and one low sugar dairy product. When you arrive each morning, you will see a picture of the exact snack your child will be served. You will sign to approve the daily snack to ensure that you know EXACTLY what your child will eat. All children will be served water throughout the morning. Your child may bring a sippy cup with water. What if my child is going to miss a class for a reason other than illness? We will be happy to reschedule a time for your child to attend class. Please email Katie Murrah at least 24 hours in advance of the start of class (8:00 a.m.) at director@auburndayschool.org.
I will drop my child off at class but I will need someone else to pick him/her up. What do I need to do? Safety is our priority. When you sign your child in at drop off, record the first and last name of the person who will pick up your child. Please let the person picking up your child know that s/he will need to present a photo ID with a matching name for your child to be released into his/her care.
I need to pick up my child early. Is that ok? Absolutely
Oh no! I'm running late Please pick up your child by 11:30. We understand that life happens and we are happy waive the penalty fee the first time you arrive after 11:40. Subsequently, you will be charged $5 for every 10 minutes you are late.
May I tour Auburn Day School? We are planning an open house for prospective parents soon. We will also have updates as construction is completed. Please add your name to our mailing list and we will send you information as soon as it's available. We will also be adding videos of students engaged in learning as well as discussions with our teachers, parents and director about what makes Auburn Day School so special.
