The Mission of 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.
Discovery Tree and Arista Schools Vision is to merge work and play in a professional, creative environment that challenges both children and adults to be active and lifelong learners.
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.
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.
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!
I loved their energy, love of learning, curiosity, and sense of FUN & PLAY.
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.
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.
Our Administrative Team of Program Directors have been long-term staff having from 12-26 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.
I am so excited that you desire to learn more about being part of our family.
I look forward to meeting you and your family.