Our History Discovery Isle
A Vision Rooted in Family and Education
Discovery Isle began with the vision of our founder Cindy Bornemann, a mother looking for the right preschool for her children in the early 1990s. She wanted more than a basic program. She dreamed of a place that nurtured curiosity and creativity, offered strong academics, and embraced each child’s unique way of learning. When she couldn’t find what she was looking for, she decided to create it herself.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Business, Cindy used her education and love for learning to follow her dream. In 1993, she bought a small preschool in La Costa, California. The school, originally a satellite program for Palomar College, was the very preschool her daughter attended. That first school became the start of Discovery Isle.
Expanding the Vision
Cindy’s mission quickly grew to include more than just helping children. She also cared deeply about empowering women to pursue careers in education. Under her leadership, Discovery Isle opened five more campuses. Families and teachers came to know Discovery Isle as a place where both children and educators could thrive.
Over the years, Discovery Isle expanded across Northern San Diego County, Poway, Temecula, and Murrieta. In 2013, the school grew even more through the acquisition of Teddy Bear Treehouse.
Philosophy and Programs
From the start, Discovery Isle embraced the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) approach, a philosophy developed by Magda Gerber that treats infants and toddlers with respect, attentiveness, and empowerment. As children grow, our teachers add to that foundation with a strong academic program that balances creativity with rigor. Our Kindergarten program is known for going beyond traditional expectations. It equips our students with the confidence and skills they will need long after they leave our classrooms.
