Preschool and Kindergarten

“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.”

-Mark Van Doren

  • Our Mission

    Our unique programs aim to foster a love of learning, a positive foundation for later education, and a drive toward creativity. In order to accomplish this, we make use of the natural beauty of Marquette County, our regularly updated knowledge of the way children learn, and our passion for creating individual bonds with children and families.

  • About Our Classroom

    Our preschool/kindergarten program consists of two mixed-age classes of up to 16 students at a time. Out of each class, 3 children at a time (6 in total) take turns rotating to our Atelierista (art teacher). While working with our Atelierista, children are either outdoors or in the carefully crafted atelier (art room).

    Students must be at least 33 months old (and out of diapers for all but rest time) to enroll. The class spends as much time outside as possible, through all seasons. We can be found at 1010 Silver Creek Rd (the road comes out just past the ski hill or at the first stop light heading through Harvey). Our teaching/guide team is proud of our functional, aesthetically pleasing indoor and outdoor classrooms. The teachers/guides and children alike also love our trail/play system in the surrounding acreage.

    Policies & Procedures

  • Schedules for '24-25 School Year

    Options include: 2,3, or 5 full-days (class runs from 8:30-4:30, with an early drop off option for full-time families).

    Choose from Tues/Thurs ($420/month),

    Mon/Wed/Fr ($620/monht) or

    Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri ($965-1090/month).

    Our school-year follows MAPS for the start and end dates, as well as winter and spring breaks.

    Contact us with questions or click below if you’re ready to sign up.

Enroll Now

Meet our small but amazing team of dedicated early childhood professionals.

  • Molly Overberg

    Director and Lead Teacher/Guide

    Miss Molly is in her third school-year with Discovery Central. Molly and her husband, Chris, are originally from Northern Wisconsin, but have lived here for almost 4 years.

    She attended Gogebic Community College for Early Childhood Education and has been working with kids for over a decade now.

    Molly and Chris welcomed their first child in November of 2022. After a much-needed maternity leave, Molly rejoined the forest school in January of 2023.

    “I am most excited to watch the students blossom in their confidence when it comes to the outdoors and peer relationships!”

  • Hannah Pickens

    Lead Teacher/Guide

    Miss Hannah is originally from Bloomfield Hills, MI. She graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management. This is Hannah’s third school year with Discovery Central.

    Hannah has worked many summers for various summer camp programs. In her spare time, she loves to camp, ski, bike, and create art.

    “I am most looking forward to teaching students in all four seasons and for all of the adventures we will go on!”

  • Crystal Elefante

    Assistant Teacher/Guide

    Miss Crystal has a background in psychology and behavior (with a focus on child psychology) and 20+ years of experience working with kids.

    She has lived all over the US as a live-in nanny and has experience caring for kiddos of all backgrounds, including those with physical and emotional special needs.

    She has led many kids camps and summer programs nationally and internationally (Denmark & Sweden), was a cheerleading coach for ages 4+, and has experience as a Montessori school paraprofessional.

    Miss Crystal is trauma-informed and trained, and strongly believes in creating a safe space for children to learn, grow, and thrive.

    When she’s not teaching at Forest School, she enjoys spending time with her little one and goes on as many adventures as she can!