Discovery School at CMON will open in Fall 2026 at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, giving local families a new play-based early learning option for PreK3 and PreK4 students.
The new early learning center will be located on the museum’s second floor in a renovated 6,000-square-foot space. When complete, it will include six classrooms and serve about 90 students.
CMON says the program will use hands-on learning, guided exploration, and the museum’s unique setting to support whole-child development and kindergarten readiness.
Where will Discovery School at CMON be located?
Discovery School at CMON will be housed inside Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples on the museum’s second floor.
Renovations began in January to transform 6,000 square feet into a dedicated early learning space. The completed school will include six classrooms for PreK3 and PreK4 students.
The museum is working with Owen-Ames-Kimball as contractor, MHK Architecture as the architectural firm, and Cost+Plus as owner’s representative.
The school will also use the resources of the museum and nearby North Collier Regional Park. Children will learn through guided exploration, play, and the world around them.
CMON CEO Jonathan Foerster said the project responds to a growing local need.
“Collier County desperately needs more early learning opportunities for students to help prepare them for kindergarten and beyond,” said CMON CEO Jonathan Foerster. “Addressing this need felt like a natural extension of the work we do every day to help children and families play and explore together.
“We are excited to bring a high-quality play-based early learning experience in Southwest Florida’s best place to play.”
Visit www.cmon.org/discoveryschoolatcmon for the school’s current information.
What ages will the new early learning center serve?
Discovery School at CMON will serve PreK3 and PreK4 students. The program is designed for young children preparing for kindergarten and future academic success.
The school will offer a full-day, 12-month calendar. CMON says this schedule is intended to make the program accessible for families where all caregivers are employed.
The curriculum will be play-based and led by Director Jessica Campbell, an educational leader who has run both public and nonprofit schools.
Children will use imagination, exploration, and hands-on activities as part of their daily learning. The museum setting gives students access to exhibits and experiences beyond a traditional classroom.
Foerster said play is central to the school’s approach.
“Children learn best through play,” Foerster said. “This school will be a space where they leave screens behind using their imaginations and the world around them instead to develop the critical building blocks necessary for long-term success.”
Families in Collier and Lee Counties looking for early learning options may want to follow the school’s enrollment updates as Fall 2026 approaches.
Is financial assistance available for families?
CMON says about 20 percent of available seats will be designated for families earning 100 percent or less of the area median income.
Scholarships for those seats will cover 50 to 75 percent of tuition costs. The press release does not list tuition amounts or application requirements.
The project received seed funding through a $1.5 million award from the State of Florida. CMON credited then Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and Rep. Lauren Melo, who sponsored the appropriation.
The award covers approximately 40 percent of the $4 million total construction costs. CMON says naming opportunities remain for donors who want to support the school.
Foerster said access is part of the plan for the new center.
“We fully expect Discovery School at CMON to quickly rank among the best early learning centers in our community,” Foerster said. “And we want to make sure it is accessible families from across the economic spectrum just like we work to make the museum accessible to everyone.”
How can parents join the waitlist or learn more?
Families interested in enrolling or learning more about Discovery School at CMON are encouraged to join the waitlist.
You may also contact Jessica Campbell for details about the program.
- Email: jcampbell@cmon.org
- Phone: 239-260-1601
- Website: www.cmon.org/discoveryschoolatcmon
Families in Collier and Lee Counties can also watch for more local education updates as the Fall 2026 opening approaches.