Our Story
Discovery Trails began with the idea that students should be encouraged to reach their fullest potential in whichever area interests them. This is often hard to achieve in most school settings where there are high student numbers, low budgets, and a lack of options for enrichment. We want to foster an environment that allows children to find their passion and pursue expertise in their chosen fields. Whether they want to be the next big fashion designer or formulate the equation needed to calculate interdimensional travel, they will find a space here!
Mission Statement
At Discovery Trails Learning Academy, our mission is to provide a dynamic learning environment that fosters experiential and inquiry-based learning. We believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged in hands-on experiences that allow them to explore and discover the world around them.
Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love of learning by encouraging children to ask questions, seek answers, and make connections between their experiences and the world they live in. Through our innovative and interactive curriculum, we aim to empower children with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world.
We strive to create a safe and supportive community where children can develop their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, and where they are encouraged to take risks and learn from their mistakes. Our experienced and dedicated staff are committed to providing a nurturing and engaging environment where every child can thrive.
At Discovery Trails Learning Academy, we are passionate about helping children reach their full potential and discover the joy of learning. We believe that every child deserves an opportunity to explore their passions and interests and that our variety of classes and learning opportunities will help them do just that.
Staff
Owner, CEO
Rebecca Butler
Rebecca has been working in education for over a decade. She has taught all different age groups from all over the world. Rebecca has lived and worked in many countries, including Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and Nicaragua. She has also taught in both public and charter schools in the USA.
All of her adventures have led her to realize that education can be so much more than what we currently experience. For education to be truly impactful and long-lasting, students need to make meaningful connections between their lives and what they are learning. This understanding led her to want to create Discovery Trails Learning Academy. Her hope is that it will foster a love for knowledge and create lifetime learners.
Owner, CFO
Brett Anderson
Brett was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida and received his bachelor’s in Accounting from UCF. He has been a teacher, farmer, construction worker, and programmer in the past. I love weekends with Becca and Rigby when we get to explore!
Teachers
Jessica Blackwell
Jessica Blackwell is a native to Hendersonville North Carolina. Her college career started at UNCA with a BSA focusing on Psychology and finished with her MSW from Western Carolina University. Her entire career has always centered on helping children thrive while supporting their individuality and imagination. Jessica believes strongly that a child’s perspective is pure magic and just one of the many ways we learn from them. Love, music, and silliness are always important in the Blackwell household. Downtime favorites include being outside, creating music at her husband’s studio, and enjoying every precious moment with her kiddos!
April Lukomski
April is from a little town called Union Grove, NC. She knew as a young girl that she wanted to work with children. In 2018 while living in South Carolina, she obtained her early education degree, but has been working with children of all ages for over twenty years.
For fun, April enjoys photography, game nights with friends, reality tv, and trying new restaurants.
Sydney Wooten
Sydney Wooten grew up in the mountain town of Barnardsville, NC, always imagining she’d be a teacher—though life had other ideas for a while. After her second child was born, she became a stay-at-home mom looking for connection and found it through a local preschool group. These days, Sydney can be found homeschooling her daughter, crafting up something creative, exploring fun local spots, or sneaking in a well-earned nap—all while nurturing her lifelong love for learning and teaching.
Rigby
Rigby is our trained therapy dog! He is often listed as one of the favorite things at our school by the kids! He is five years old and loves treats, sticks, frisbees, and being around the students. He will always come out and say hello to everyone during pick up and drop off!
Our Space
We are lucky enough to sit on a beautiful 1.5 acres with both forest and farmland. Our land is home to a variety of trees and animals that we get to enjoy while outside playing every day. We have two beautiful classrooms, a playground, hiking trail and meadow. The property is constantly being updated as we add new classes and embark on new projects with our students.
