About Us » History

A history of learning, growth and caring.

For over 30 years, Discovery School has focused on helping children with learning disabilities understand their challenges and develop the skills, strategies and abilities they need to succeed.

In 1976, Marnie Spencelayh saw a need for a full-day learning assistance programme in Victoria. She decided to start a school where children would work in small groups, proceed academically at their own pace, and learn in an atmosphere of kindness, respect, love and support.

Since its earliest days, Discovery’s philosophy has been to return students to the regular school system as soon as they are ready. Children stay with us only as long as they need our concentrated help and support, returning to regular classrooms when they have developed the skills required for success. While the length of stay varies from child to child, most are with us for two to four years.

In 1988 the Discovery School Board of Directors purchased a small school building on Victor Street in Victoria. The building had previously been a Christian Elementary School operated by Miss E. Bone, who chose Discovery School because we would maintain its Christian essence.

With its four classrooms, teacher’s room and offices for our educational consultant, secretary and principal, this building has been a comfortable, secure haven for students with learning disabilities ever since.

Expanded in 1971 and again in 1976, Discovery School’s building has no more room to grow. We know the need for our services doesn’t end in Grade 9. Since 2002, our Board of Directors has been looking at options for growth, and developing a vision for Discovery School’s future.

(Above: Marnie Spencelayh with students.)