Excellence · Integrity · Leadership · Growth
About the Academy
A Cognia‑accredited, 501(c)(3) nonprofit K–12 private institution — founded to be not just exceptional, but transformative.
Our Story
Born From Purpose. Built to Compete.
There is no shortage of exceptional private schools in the United States. Discovery Preparatory Academy was founded to be something different — not just exceptional, but transformative. We are an accredited K–12 private institution, built on one uncompromising belief: that the most elite education should be defined not by exclusivity alone, but by the caliber of human being it produces.
We are selective — not by wealth or legacy, but by hunger. The hunger to grow. The hunger to excel. The hunger to discover. If a student is ready to rise, we are ready to meet them — and take them further than they imagined possible.
Our name is a promise. Every student who walks through our doors is on a journey of discovery — of knowledge, of the world, and most critically, of self. Because students who know who they are become adults who know what they stand for.
Our Philosophy
Education, at its highest form, is not a transfer of information — it is an act of discovery.
The Whole Child
We develop more than minds. At Discovery Preparatory Academy, we invest in the full person — intellectually, emotionally, and morally. Our students leave not only academically prepared, but self-aware, resilient, and grounded in who they are and what they value.
The Standard
Excellence is not a destination — it is the daily expectation. From Early Childhood Development through Upper School, every student is held to a high standard, supported by expert educators, and surrounded by peers who challenge them to become their best. Our accreditations affirm that standard at every level.
School Profile
The academy at a glance
- Grade levels
- PK 3–4, and Kindergarten through Grade 12
- Divisions
- Bright From the Start · PreK 3 & 4 Lower School · Grades K–5 Middle School · Grades 6–8 Upper School · Grades 9–12
- Learning model
- Self-paced online coursework with live sessions, in a secure online classroom
Our Team
Governance & oversight
Discovery Preparatory Academy is a Cognia‑accredited, 501(c)(3) nonprofit private school. As a nonprofit institution, DPA is governed by a dedicated framework of oversight and academic accountability designed to protect our mission and serve our students well into the future.
Accredited by Cognia · NCA CASI · NWAC · SACS CASI
Discovery Preparatory Board of Education
Provides strategic oversight, fiscal accountability, and long-term direction for the institution.
Discovery Preparatory Educational Advisory Committee
Ensures our academic programming remains aligned with Cognia standards and best practices in education. Together, these bodies uphold the integrity and quality our families and students deserve.
Leadership
Our team
Dr. LE serves as Head of Institution and Superintendent of Discovery Preparatory Academy, providing day‑to‑day leadership across our Distinguished Academics and Career Immersion programming, and ensuring DPA’s mission is carried out across all six specialized programs and delivery modalities.
- Dr. L.E.
- Head of Institution & Superintendent
- S. Wilkerson
- Executive Board Treasurer · Educational Advisory Committee
- G. Beyene
- International Affairs & Recruiting · Educational Advisory Committee
- Dr. L. Johnson-Brown
- Administration · Educational Advisory Committee
- M. Parkman
- Administration · Educational Advisory Committee
- K. Jones
- Registrar · Educational Advisory Committee
- M. Ester
- Faculty · Educational Advisory Committee
- D. Collins
- Director of Brand & Media Innovation · Public Relations
Our founder and leadership team bring together years of combined experience across teaching, school administration, and student support. Full biographies and credentials are shared with families during the admissions process.
Admissions Open
Join a school that names its standard
Speak with our admissions team about your student’s place.