Who We Are
At Children’s Discovery Center in Charleston, we believe childhood should be filled with wonder, connection, discovery, and meaningful learning experiences that help your child feel confident in who they are becoming. As a trusted Mount Pleasant preschool, we offer programs thoughtfully designed to support your little one through every stage of early childhood development in a nurturing environment where your child will feel loved, respected, and truly seen. For many families, choosing a preschool is about more than academics. You want to know your child will feel safe, supported, and cared for each day. At Children’s Discovery Center Charleston, we are committed to creating a learning environment where your child feels secure enough to explore, ask questions, solve problems, and grow with confidence.
Parent Reviews
Weesie B.
June 17, 2025
We absolutely love the community at CDC. The teachers consistently go above and beyond, and the curriculum is truly outstanding!
Allison S.
June 17, 2025
Teachers are very consistent (low turnover), center is clean, everyone is very friendly, it’s safe, and my son loves coming.
Meredith H.
February 11, 2025
The teachers- they love our children like there own. Would love to see increased pay and benefits for the teachers and staff.
Paige W.
December 10, 2024
The teachers and the staff are fantastic! They create such a warm and welcoming environment. I know I am leaving my child in safe and caring hands.
Our Children’s Discovery Center Story
Children’s Discovery Center was founded in 1982 with one simple but meaningful goal: to create a school where children feel valued, capable, and excited to learn. Since the beginning, our school has focused on nurturing the whole child while helping families feel supported during some of the most important years of their child’s life.
Today, as part of the Endeavor School network, Children’s Discovery Center Charleston continues that same mission through our unique Inspired Approach to Learning, which is rooted in the world-renowned Reggio Emilia philosophy. This approach encourages your child to investigate, create, collaborate, and explore through hands-on learning experiences that feel natural and engaging.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that high-quality early childhood education supports emotional development, confidence, self-regulation, and social skills that shape long-term success. That is why our preschool program focuses not only on academics but also on helping your child build strong relationships, communication skills, creativity, and independence through play.
According to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, play-based learning helps your child strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, and curiosity. In our classrooms, your child is encouraged to learn through movement, art, discovery projects, conversation, and real-world exploration. From painting and building to music and sensory experiences, every activity is designed to help children connect with the world around them.
Our Mount Pleasant preschool environment reflects the belief that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and inspired. Buddy Rhodes, School Leader at our Venning Road location, shares, “A love of learning has a lot to do with learning that we’re loved.” This sense of belonging can be felt throughout our school community, where families and teachers work together to support your child’s growth.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a nurturing, discovery-based education where your little one will feel encouraged to grow emotionally, socially, creatively, spiritually, and academically. We strive to create an environment where your child feels safe exploring their interests, building relationships, and developing confidence through meaningful learning experiences.
Our Vision
Our Curriculum
What Makes Our Mount Pleasant Preschool Different?
What makes Children’s Discovery Center Charleston special is the way we intentionally create an environment where your child feels emotionally secure, deeply supported, and excited to learn. We understand that you, as a parent, worry about how your child will adjust to preschool, whether they will make friends, or if they will feel comfortable being away from home. Our teachers take the time to truly know your child, so your child never feels overlooked.
Alexandra Hewson, Director of our Park West location, explains, “The Reggio Emilia philosophy views children as infinitely capable, creative, full of potential, and allows children to learn by doing while exploring real-world questions.” This philosophy shapes every classroom and learning experience throughout our school. Our classrooms are carefully designed to inspire curiosity through natural materials, open-ended activities, and engaging learning spaces.
Your little one is encouraged to explore at their own pace while teachers guide conversations, projects, and experiences based on the class’s interests. Buddy Rhodes, School Leader, shares that teachers build strong relationships with children through “conversation, observation, and engagement,” helping your child feel seen, valued, and supported during the transition to preschool.
Early Childhood Education Leadership & Staff
At Children’s Discovery Center Charleston, our staff is passionate about creating meaningful relationships with children and families. Our teachers receive ongoing training in the Reggio Emilia approach, Conscious Discipline, safety procedures, and child development practices to ensure your child receives thoughtful support each day.
Buddy Rhodes
Venning Road School Leader
With 15 years of experience in early childhood education, Buddy loves being part of a community of learners where children are encouraged to grow through curiosity, creativity, and connection. He believes the positive relationships children build during these early years stay with them for life.
LinkedInAlexandra Hewson
Park West School Leader
Alexandra brings 12 years of experience and loves seeing the excitement children bring into school each morning. She believes children learn best when they feel encouraged, capable, and supported through hands-on learning experiences.
Achievements & Accreditations
Children’s Discovery Center Charleston is proud to be recognized as one of the country’s top childcare providers, reflecting our long-standing commitment to high-quality early childhood education and meaningful learning experiences for children and families. Our Park West location has also been voted Best of Mount Pleasant for three consecutive years, highlighting the trust and confidence our community places in our school. These recognitions reflect the care, dedication, and intentional learning environments our staff creates each day for every child in our program. From our low teacher-to-child ratios to our enriching hands-on curriculum, every part of our school is designed to help your child feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
“Children are capable of big things when they are encouraged to explore their curiosity through hands-on learning and meaningful relationships.”
– Alexandra Hewson, School Leader
Endeavor Schools is a community of more than 100 schools across the country, brought together by a shared commitment to caring for children during the most important years of their lives. Each school is thoughtfully connected to its local community, creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. Behind every classroom is a team of educators and parents who understand how much these early experiences matter, and who are dedicated to helping children build confidence, develop essential skills, and find a genuine love for learning. At the heart of Endeavor Schools is a focus on one simple goal: to give every child the support and foundation they need to thrive, both in school and in life.
Venning Road Location: 1110 Venning Road; Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Park West Location: 3300 Stockdale Street; Mount Pleasant, SC 29466