Small Learning Environment
More individualized attention and stronger relationships between students, staff, and families.
A Place Where Every Child Can Discover Their Potential.
About us
We believe children thrive when they are understood.
Corley Discovery Institute is a K-5 microschool serving children with autism, developmental delays, and diverse learning needs. We teach in ways that honor each child's strengths, and we partner closely with families.
Join Our Interest ListOur mission
To create a supportive educational community where every child is understood, included, and empowered to discover their potential.
Our approach
Small classes, individualized instruction, and strengths-based learning designed around each child's needs and interests.
Our founder
Led by Stephanie S. Corley, M.Ed.+30, with more than 15 years in special education and seven years in early intervention.
Our microschool
K-5 Microschool
Small classes, individualized instruction, and a calm, sensory-friendly day built around each student. Full-day and part-time options are planned as the program grows.
Kindergarten through fifth gradeChildren with autismChildren with developmental delaysChildren with diverse learning needs
What children learn
Reading, Writing & Language
Mathematics & Problem Solving
Science & Hands-On Discovery
Social Studies & Community
Social-Emotional Learning
Communication & Social Skills
Independent Living Skills
Sensory & Movement Breaks
Is CDI right for my child?
- My child learns best in a small, calm setting.
- My child benefits from visual supports and predictable routines.
- My child needs instruction adapted to their pace.
- Our family wants to be an active part of the learning team.
A typical day
- 1Morning meeting
- 2Small-group academic instruction
- 3Individual learning activities
- 4Creative arts and hands-on exploration
- 5Social-emotional learning
- 6Sensory and movement breaks
- 7Outdoor play
- 8Life-skills instruction
- 9Closing reflection
Every student receives
Small class sizes
Individualized attention in a calm, predictable setting.
Specialized staff
Educators experienced in autism and developmental support.
Full-day & part-time
Schedule options built around your family's needs.
Individual goals
Instruction planned around each child's strengths.
Therapies in the school day
ABA, speech, and occupational therapy, blended into learning.
Our model brings therapy into the curriculum day instead of pulling children away from it, so skills are practiced where they are used.
- Applied behavior analysis strategies woven into classroom routines
- Speech-language and communication practice during real activities
- Occupational therapy supports for motor skills, sensory needs, and independence
- Shared goals between teachers, therapists, and families
How this works today: Corley Discovery Institute provides educational and developmental services. All therapy is delivered by appropriately licensed professionals, arranged through partner providers, collaboration with your child's current therapists, or referral. Fully on-site blended therapy is our planned model as the school grows.
Early intervention
Support from birth to age three.
Stephanie has served infants and toddlers as a Special Instructor for years. Early intervention support is available to families alongside the microschool.
Play-based learning at home
Language and communication growth
Fine and gross motor activities
Parent coaching and home strategies
Daily routines, feeding, and play
Support with transitions
Why families choose CDI
Support built around the whole child.
Specialized Support
Strategies designed for autism, developmental delays, and diverse learning needs.
Whole-Child Approach
Academic, social, emotional, communication, and life skills grow together.
Family Partnership
Families are respected, informed members of the educational team.
Sensory-Friendly Learning
Predictable routines, movement opportunities, and calm, regulated spaces.
Programs & services
Specialized support for children, families, and educators.
Corley Discovery Institute supports the whole child while strengthening families, educators, and early-childhood programs. Planned programs are labeled as they develop.
Grades K-5Enrolling soon
K-5 Microschool
Individualized, small-group instruction across core academics and life skills.
Birth to 3Available
Early Intervention Support
Play-based developmental support for infants and toddlers, with parent coaching at home.
Ages 4-5Coming Soon
Kindergarten Readiness
Early routines, communication, and school-readiness skills.
Grades K-5Coming Soon
Homeschool Enrichment
Supplemental small-group learning for homeschooling families.
Grades K-5Coming Soon
After-School Support
Academic reinforcement and skill practice after the school day.
Ages 5-11Coming Soon
Social-Skills Groups
Guided peer interaction, play, and conversation practice.
Ages 5-11Coming Soon
Saturday Enrichment
Hands-on weekend learning and exploration sessions.
Ages 5-11Coming Soon
Summer & Holiday Camps
Structured, sensory-friendly camps during school breaks.
For familiesAvailable
Parent Coaching
Practical home strategies for routines, communication, and behavior.
For familiesAvailable
Educational Consultations
Guidance on developmental needs, IFSP and IEP preparation, and referrals.
For educatorsAvailable
Teacher & Childcare Training
Professional development for schools and childcare programs.
Family resources
Resource Center
Visual supports, IEP preparation guides, social stories, and a community resource directory. Downloads are being prepared, and families can request a copy in the meantime.
Parent Guide
Request a copyPreparing for an IEP Meeting
What to bring, what to ask, and how to advocate confidently for your child.
Printable
Request a copyVisual Schedule Samples
Ready-to-use daily schedule cards that make routines predictable at home and school.
Printable
Request a copyFirst-Then Boards
A simple tool that supports transitions, motivation, and following directions.
Guide
Request a copyAutism Resource Guide
Local supports, community resources, and referral information for families.
Sensory shop
Sensory tools and classroom supports.
Weighted plush animals, lap pads, sensory kits, visual supports, social stories, and teacher resources. Our shop is launching soon.
Who we serve
Kindergarten through fifth grade, supported as individuals.
We serve students with autism, developmental delays, and diverse learning needs, and we support the families and educators who care for them.
Children with autismDevelopmental delaysDiverse learning needsFamilies and educators
15+
Years in special education
Meet the founder
Stephanie S. Corley, M.Ed.+30
Educator · Early Intervention Specialist · Founder and CEO
Stephanie S. Corley is an experienced educator, early intervention specialist, college instructor, and passionate advocate for children with disabilities and their families. She holds master's degrees in Administration and Policy and Early Intervention, along with a bachelor's degree in Social Work, with more than 15 years in special education and seven years in early intervention.
She currently serves as a Special Instructor for children from birth to age three and as an adjunct professor in early childhood education. She is also the Founder and CEO of Corley Academy and Corley Discovery Institute, providing professional development, educational consulting, classroom resources, and practical support for teachers, childcare programs, and families.
Her vision is to create supportive spaces where every child is understood, included, and given the opportunity to thrive, guided by compassion, faith, advocacy, and the belief that every child deserves an education designed around their unique strengths.
Areas of expertise
Specialized knowledge families can rely on.
- Autism and inclusive education
- Developmental disabilities
- Early intervention (birth to three)
- Positive behavior support
- Lesson planning and curriculum
- Developmentally appropriate practices
M.Ed.+30, B.S.W.
15+ years in special education
Adjunct professor
Corley Academy
Training and consulting for educators and childcare programs.
Corley Academy provides professional development and hands-on support for teachers, childcare centers, and schools that serve young children with diverse needs.
- Autism awareness and inclusion training
- Positive behavior-support workshops
- CLASS-aligned coaching
- Lesson-planning assistance
- Developmentally appropriate practices
- Classroom-environment consultations
- Customized childcare-center workshops
- Virtual consulting packages
Gallery
A look inside Corley Discovery Institute.
Learning, sensory play, family collaboration, and inclusive classrooms. More photos of our own students will be added with family permission.
Articles & tips
Practical guidance for families.
Strategies, activities, and advocacy tips for supporting children with autism and diverse learning needs at home and at school.
How Visual Schedules Make Daily Routines Easier
A simple, low-cost tool that reduces anxiety around transitions and helps children know what comes next.
Read article
Preparing for an IEP Meeting: A Parent's Checklist
What to gather, what to ask, and how to advocate clearly for your child's support needs.
Read article
Supporting Transitions and Big Feelings
Practical, positive strategies for helping a child move between activities without a meltdown.
Read articleAdmissions
How enrollment works.
Move through each step from interest form to registration. Tuition, schedules, and required documents are listed below.
Complete the interest form
Tell us about your child and the support they need.
Schedule a family consultation
We talk through goals, questions, and whether CDI is the right fit.
Submit records
Share educational, developmental, or medical records as needed.
Attend a student visit
Your child spends time in the learning environment with our staff.
Receive an enrollment decision
We confirm placement based on needs and available supports.
Complete registration
Finalize paperwork, schedule, and start-date details.
Your first step
Tell us about your child.
Join the interest list or begin an enrollment conversation with our team.
Tuition and fees
Tuition depends on the program, schedule, and level of support your child needs. A complete fee schedule is shared before any enrollment commitment, and scholarship or financial assistance information is shared as it becomes available.
Schedule options
- Full-day K-5 program
- Part-time and hybrid days
- Extended care, planned
- Summer and holiday camp weeks, planned
Documents to prepare
- Educational records, IEP or IFSP if available
- Developmental or medical evaluations
- Immunization records
- Allergy, dietary, and medical information
- Authorized pickup contacts
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Community & events
Learning and connection beyond the classroom.
Dates are announced as the calendar is confirmed. Join the interest list and we will send an invitation when registration opens.
SENSORY
Sensory-Friendly Events
Calm, low-stimulation gatherings where families can relax and children can be themselves.
Coming soon
PARENT
Parent Workshops
Practical sessions on routines, communication, behavior, and IEP preparation.
Coming soon
FAMILY
Early Childhood Fest
A community celebration of play, learning, and local family services.
Coming soon
CAMP
Summer Camps
Structured, sensory-friendly camp weeks during school breaks.
Coming soon
GIVE
Fundraisers
Events that fund sensory materials, classroom tools, and family scholarships.
Coming soon
CONNECT
Community Partnerships
Collaborations with therapists, childcare programs, and local organizations.
Coming soon
Contact
Let’s talk about what your child needs.
Reach out directly or schedule a family consultation.
Corley Discovery Institute provides educational and developmental services. ABA, speech-language, and occupational therapy are delivered only by appropriately licensed professionals through partners, collaboration, or referral.