This program is one that FamilyLight ^sm intends to review online.  We are hoping  the program will return the questionnaire we have developed so we can be most thorough.  We are providing minimal information now.  We might expand that somewhat prior to receiving a full questionnaire.  Guest reviews are invited.

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The Discovery Schools of Virginia have excellent reputations for both boys and girls.  To some extent the Discovery Schools of Virginia are modeled after the New Dominion programs (prior to their acquisition by Three Springs).  Both programs are long term outdoor emotional growth programs (as was New Dominion) based upon the Campbell Loughmiller / Wilderness Road model. 

The Discovery Schools of Virginia have only recently allowed students using psychotropic medications to enroll there (subject to additional charges) but it is our current understanding that those medications must be prescribed by a doctor back home. 

We have the highest respect for Chris Yates, one of the three founder/owners.  Because FamilyLight ^sm rarely refers to programs that exclude students who need medications, and Discovery has only recently relaxed that limitation, we have not worked extensively with the school.  Notwithstanding a difference of opinion on that particular point, we have the highest respect for Mr. Yates and anticipate very high recommendations when we review the schools with completed questionnaires in hand.  

While you wait for us to present a more complete review, please look around this website.  Look at our Guidelines -- a fairly comprehensive statement of what we believe quality is all about.  If you come to a search and planning process with limited experience, this is an opportunity for you to find some principles to measure schools and programs against.

Keep coming back to see the updates. Look at "What's New" (Announcements).  In spring of 2009 we expect to have returns from schools, programs, and related organizations published, giving deeper insight into these than has ever been available on the web before. 

Official web site of the Discovery Schools of Virginia

Discovery School of Virginia for Boys

Return to Individual Schools and Programs Index

Feedback is invited. We will publish feedback in good taste. Email FamilyLightResponse@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: No  program review, no matter how positive, is a blanket endorsement. No criticism is a blanket condemnation.  When we express our level of confidence in a school or program, that is our subjective opinion with which others might reasonably disagree.  When we assert something as fact, we have done our best to be accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all of our information is accurate and up to date. When we address compliance with our guidelines, you need to remember that these are only OUR guidelines -- not guidelines from an official source.  We have also set the bar very high, and do not expect any school or program to be in total compliance.  It is not appropriate to draw a conclusion of impropriety (or even failure to live up to conventional wisdom) from our lack of confidence in a school or program or from less than perfect conformity to our guidelines.  Some will say we expect too much. Readers are responsible for verifying accuracy of information supplied here prior to acting upon it. We are not responsible for inaccuracies.

Last updated  5-24-09