DISCOVERY SCHOOL AT PROJECT PLAY
- Intentionally small.
- Childhood protected, not rushed.
- Academics that challenge without overwhelming.
- We focus on growth of the whole child.
- STEM embedded into daily learning.
- Screen free.
- A minimum of one hour outdoors, every day.
- Play as a strategy, not a filler.
- A part time hybrid model for more family time.
- Excellence rooted in connection.
CHOOSING DISCOVERY SCHOOL SHOULD BE A
Choosing a school is a meaningful decision. It shapes not only how your child learns, but how they begin to see themselves, their abilities, and their place in the world. In these early years, children are forming beliefs about whether they are capable, curious, confident, and valued. The environment around them matters deeply.
At Discovery School, we are intentionally small so every child is truly known. We notice their strengths. We support their challenges. We nurture their confidence. No child is overlooked.
Our days are hands on, relational, and thoughtfully structured. We hold strong academic expectations while protecting the wonder of childhood. Through meaningful play, conversation, projects, STEM exploration, art, nature, and healthy habits, children build both knowledge and character.
If you value individualized attention, a close-knit community, and an environment where childhood is honored alongside academic growth, Discovery School offers a beautiful place to begin.
Here, your child will be seen, challenged with intention, and deeply loved.
Alera Owens: Director
Alera is the founder and owner of Project Play, she has her BA in elementary education from Baylor University and is a certified Gifted and Talented and ESL teacher. After college Alera went on to teach as an elementary educator in both the public and private school settings. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2015 and was awarded numerous education awards throughout her eight years in the classroom. Alera is thrilled to be leading our Discovery School team once again this year and cannot wait to welcome all our new families.
Amanda Schumann: Tiny Tykes
With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, Mrs. Schumann brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and care to our Twos class. She spent 22 years teaching Early Childhood Special Education in Grand Prairie ISD and most recently served as an Early Childhood Intervention Specialist. She is certified in Elementary Education, Elementary English (Grades 1–8), Special Education (PK–12), and ESL Generalist (PK–6). Her passion for early learning shines in every interaction, and she’s ready to nurture our youngest learners with warmth, expertise, and a steady, caring presence.
Bobette Gore: Tiny Tykes
Bobette Gore is excited to join Discovery School to teach our youngest learners. She brings a wealth of early childhood experience and over 40 years of teaching experience to our Discovery School Team. She holds a Master of Education with Autism Certification from the University of North Texas, a Bachelor of Science in Special and General Education from Texas Woman’s University, and certifications in Special Education (ages 3–21), Early Childhood Education, and General Education (Grades 1–8). Throughout her career, Mrs. Gore has been recognized as Teacher of the Year twice, received the Texas PTA Lifetime Membership Award, and was nominated for the President’s Educator Award. She is known for creating nurturing, engaging classrooms that spark curiosity, build strong academic foundations, and help every child feel valued.
Natasha Shelley: Sprouts Lead
Dr. Shelley will be teaching our three-year-olds this year, bringing nearly two decades of experience as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and college professor. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education along with certifications in Early Childhood–Grade 4, ESL, and Principal (EC–12). From teaching little learners their first letters to guiding future teachers—and even serving in the Peace Corps in Madagascar— Natasha has done it all. She and her two boys are excited for their first year at Discovery School!
Kylie Echols: Sprouts Assistant
Kylie is a valued and familiar face at Project Play, having been part of our team for several years. Last year, she worked in our Tiny Tykes classroom and brings a strong understanding of our school’s culture, routines, and expectations—making her a natural fit as the three’s assistant teacher. Kylie is always ready to jump in and support wherever she’s needed. We’re excited for the joy, care, and enthusiasm she’ll bring to our three’s classroom this year.
Abbey Shirley: First Grade
Meet Mrs. Shirley, who's thrilled to lead Discovery School's First Grade classroom this year. She holds a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Texas and previously taught first grade in Denton ISD.
She believes kids learn best when they feel known and excited to come to school. Her classroom is warm and engaging, a place where students ask questions, take risks, and grow into confident, independent learners, while still having room to wonder, create, and enjoy being kids.
Outside the classroom, she's chasing her one-year-old son, Crue, alongside her husband and their cat, Cash, or out on the golf course with an iced coffee in hand.
Mrs. Shirley can't wait to grow alongside her Discovery School families this year.
Señora Jackie Franklin: Spanish Immersion
Meet Jackie Franklin, a certified educator with over 30 years of experience and a passion for helping young children discover the joy of learning. Jackie is excited to join Discovery School each Monday for Spanish Immersion!
Throughout her career, Jackie has taught in traditional classrooms, virtual classrooms, and one-on-one settings, allowing her to support children with a wide variety of learning styles and needs.
No matter where she teaches, Jackie’s mission remains the same: to help children develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. She can’t wait to learn, laugh, and grow alongside Discovery School students!
¡Nos vemos los lunes!
(See you on Mondays!)
Sharon Kelly
Meet Mrs. Kelly, an experienced educator who is excited to bring a year full of exploring, creating, experimenting, and discovering to Discovery School! She brings over six years of experience in early childhood and elementary education, with a special passion for creating hands-on learning experiences for young learners.
As the former STEM Lab Teacher at Butler Elementary, Mrs. Kelly designed engaging STEM experiences for students beginning in Pre-K, introducing young children to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through play, creativity, building, experimenting, and problem-solving. Under her leadership, the STEM Lab consistently earned Distinguished Lab recognition and achieved the district’s highest ranking in 2026.
Before becoming an educator, Mrs. Kelly worked as a Zoo Hospital Keeper and participated in primate research at Harvard University, bringing a unique background in science and discovery into her teaching.
Most of all, Mrs. Kelly loves the natural curiosity of early childhood. She believes young children are born scientists constantly asking questions, experimenting, building, and discovering how the world works. She is excited to create an environment where that curiosity is celebrated and Pre-K learners can explore big ideas in developmentally appropriate, meaningful, and magical ways.
Cara Rice, M.S., CCC-SLP: speech therapist
SPECIALTIES:
- Specializes in treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech
- Recognized SLP by Apraxia-Kids
- Training in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
- Principles of Motor Learning
- Articulation
- Phonological Disorders
- Receptive, Expressive, and Pragmatic Language
- Pre-reading skills
- Late Talkers and Early Intervention
- Autism and Gestalt Language Processing
*Click Each Team Member's Name To Learn More
Cara Rice, M.S., CCC-SLP
Señora Jackie Franklin: Spanish Immersion
Sharon Kelly
Natasha Shelley: Sprouts Lead
Abbey Shirley: First Grade
Kylie Echols: Sprouts Assistant
Alera Owens: Director
Bobette Gore: Tiny Tykes
Amanda Schumann: Tiny Tykes
Our teachers are the heart of Discovery School. Each one is here because they believe, the way we do, that children deserve to be truly known, not just taught. They learn each child's name, their favorite book, the way they like to be comforted on a hard day. They celebrate the small wins and hold space for the big feelings. Behind every degree and certification on this page is someone who shows up every single day simply because they love these kids like their own.