Discovery Tree & Arista Schools
MISSION, VISION, & CORE VALUES
MISSION
Discovery Tree and Arista Schools is for our learning centers to provide
‘Hands-On’ learning environments and experiences that encourage the child to explore, investigate and discover!
A special place that values PLAY as the true work of children and teachers.
VISION
to merge work and play in a professional, creative environment that challenges both children and adults to be active and lifelong learners.
CORE VALUES
Trust
Discovery
Kindness
Respect
Teamwork
Communication
"Discovering is more important than the discovery itself."
By: David Cavagnaro
Alix Hall
Owner, CEO, Executive Director
Since opening in 1979, Ms. Halls' commitment to families and children, has been reflected in DISCOVERY TREES progressive approach to Early Childhood Education.
Ms. Hall holds Bachelor’s Degree and Masters Studies in Child Development, College Instructional Credentials, and is an Early Childhood Educational Consultant, In addition, Ms. Hall has served on the Sacramento County Local Child Development Planning Council for eighteen (18) years.
In addition, she sits on and contributes to the World Forum Foundation committees on Multi-site Child Development Centers & Curriculum Development and CQEL/PACE Membership committee. Currently, Ms. Hall is Vice-President of a National Association; Association for Early Learning Leaders (AELL) and Chairs the Executive Invitational and Corporate Partnership Alliance Committees.
Our story started out with a dilemma. 😅
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While I was in college finishing my teaching degree, I was struggling to find a School to work at, that shared my philosophy for children. As a college student majoring Liberal Studies, it was my intention to become a kindergarten or 1st grade teacher. During my Student Teaching practicum years, I spent my first year in a 3rd grade public school classroom. It was a good experience but I learned that I did not care for the large class sizes and the politics involved in public school instruction was not for me.
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Then my second year of Student Teaching, I sought out a position at a Private School that served children Preschool thru 3rd Grade. During that year the Director approached me to take over the 4 year old classroom for 3 months. During that teacher’s maternity leave…I thought ‘Sure! Why not - I can do this!’'
Well ... that was it - I was hooked and in LOVE with Preschool age children!
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I loved their energy, love of learning, curiosity, and sense of FUN & PLAY.
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So, I changed my major to Child Development and continued working in the field as I completed my education. BUT again, I was struggling to find a QUALITY program that was progressive and NON-Traditional in its approach to Early Learning.
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​That led me to the partnership that created Discovery Tree Schools and the establishment of our first center in
Fair Oaks, California in 1979. DISCOVERY TREES progressive approach to Early Childhood Education and quality learning environments, quickly filled our school and created a waiting list for enrollment-it was clear that we needed to open more centers to serve the community . Over the years, all other partners were bought out and I remain the sole stockholder and Executive Director.
As our programs grew and opened additional locations to serve more families, continuing to meet the needs our growing community was paramount. Arista Schools joined our family of early learning centers in 2017.
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​Our Administrative Team of Program Directors have been long-term staff with up to 26 years of experience at Discovery Tree and Arista Schools. Each site employs a full-time Program Director to manage the day to day operations, the Research Training and Development Coordinator, Resource Coordinator and the Executive Director are directly involved daily, dividing our time between the centers.
"Through education, we plant the seeds of curiosity that grow into the trees of knowledge."
BACKGROUND
Discovery Tree and Arista Schools, Inc. was established in 1979 with the opening of the first center in Fair Oaks, California. In 1987, due to increasing popularity and a lengthy waiting list, a second site was opened in Citrus Heights, California. In 1995 another site opened in downtown Sacramento on ‘H’ Street, with additional downtown sites opening; ‘N’ Street in 1999, ‘I’ and ‘P’ Street in 2001 and our ‘Q’ St/McClatchy campus in 2002. 4th Street opened in 2006, in 2017 The Arista Group/Schools were added to our business plan & model with 2 “Sister Schools”- complementary sites in Elk Grove and East Sacramento, and lastly, we opened at 744 P Street (DT-Capital City location) in 2020.
Three partners originally comprised the corporation. Over the years, all other partners were bought out by Alix Hall, who remains as the sole stockholder and Executive Director. Since opening in 1979, Ms. Halls' commitment to families and children, has been reflected in DISCOVERY TREE & ARISTA’S progressive approach to Early Childhood Education. Ms. Hall holds Bachelor’s Degree and Masters Studies in Child Development, College Instructional Credentials, and is an Early Childhood Educational Consultant, In addition, Ms. Hall has served on the Sacramento County Local Child Development Planning Council for the past eighteen (18) years and is current Vice-President of the National Association for Early Learning Leaders (AELL).
Each site employs a full-time Program Director to manage the day to day operations, the Executive Team; Director of Operations , Regional Directors, Resource Coordinator and the Executive Director are directly involved daily, dividing their time between the centers.
The DISCOVERY TREE & ARISTA program and philosophy is unique to the Sacramento area, offering parents an alternative to more traditional pre-school/childcare programs. This alternative “Reggio Inspired” & RIE Philosophy developmental program has been well received by the community, as an open learning center environment. DISCOVERY TREE & ARISTA programs value the fact that all families and children are not the same and does not espouse regimented, highly structured activities (ie: Dittos or Worksheets/Workbooks) . At DISCOVERY TREE & ARISTA, each child is viewed as an individual with their own developmental needs and curriculum is tailored to meet those needs. All areas of development are nurtured: social, emotional, physical and cognitive. The program and curriculum utilizes mixed age or `family' groupings, focusing on ability rather than chronological age.
The DISCOVERY TREE & ARISTA our environment is child-centered, offering hands-on activities, art projects, manipulatives, child-sized tools and equipment at the child's level. Children's art is valued as open-ended experiences and is displayed where they can enjoy it. Children enrolled must be able to participate in every aspect of our day (ADA reasonable accommodations for Inclusion notwithstanding).
We are so excited that you desire to learn more about being part of our family and look forward to meeting you and your family.
"The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go."
By: Dr. Seuss
Meghan Mara
Regional Director 1
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BA in Psychology with a minor in Child Development
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20+ years experience
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"The best thing about working with children is being a part of their learning experience. The ability to watch a child learn and grow and be a part of that process is one of the most amazing experiences you can have."
Corrin Ures
Regional Director 2
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25+ years experience working with children
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"Working with children brings me immense joy because they view the world with such purity and curiosity. Their ability to absorb everything around them and process it in an honest, genuine way is truly special. Every day is filled with laughter, learning, and growth, and it's a privilege to be part of their journey. Watching them discover new things and evolve over the years is incredibly rewarding, and it constantly reminds me of the beauty in life's simplest moments."
Rebecca Foster
Director of Operations
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​Over 25 years working with children at Discovery Tree and Arista Schools.
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Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Child Development.
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"Over the years, I discovered an unexpected passion for early childhood education. Working with children offers a unique and refreshing perspective on the world—one filled with innocence, hope, and boundless imagination. Each day brings joy as children continually surprise me with their honesty, creativity, and optimism. Their ability to see the good in everything grounds me and inspires me to keep fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for all the tiny humans I encounter."