The School Environment-Challenging Educational Environment-We approach the North Carolina Standard Course of Study through the use of an experiential learning model. Students are engaged in a hands-on course of study to build a solid foundation and life-long love of learning. Follow this link for the 2010-11 School Report Card.Communication between parents and teachers-Parents are encouraged and expected to be closely involved in their child's education. This is achieved through classroom volunteerism and communication with teachers.Close knit community-The students, teachers, staff, parents, and board of MDCS work together for special school events, exhibition nights, special work days at school, and community service. Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction.Nestled into the mountains of western North Carolina, Mountain Discovery Charter School is located in Bryson City. The school serves children in kindergarten through eighth grade from the counties of Graham, Jackson, Macon, Swain, including the Qualla Boundary. Class sizes at MDCS are small, and there is equal emphasis on all subjects, including science, music, and art. Students not only learn by listening, counting, reading and writing, but also by building, drawing, singing and moving.The instructional approach at Mountain Discovery emphasizes hands-on learning, team teaching, and reinforcing school skills with real world experiences. Please visit each of our classroom pages to see how individual teachers apply this philosophy.