Middle School Matters

Middle School Matters

The years between elementary school and high school are pivotal years for personal and academic development. Parents know that in these years critical questions will be answered:

* will my child drift as a student or will he find his own desire to learn?

* will peer pressure drive my child or will she find her own compass?

* will my child have a narrow view of the world or will it expand?

The intention of the Connecticut Experiential Learning Center (CELC) is to challenge students and nurture their highest potential. By providing a learning community based in the guiding principles of respect, integrity, responsibility and individual learning, the innate desire of all children to learn, grow, communicate, and create is honored.

CELC was founded in 2009 by educators Maria Mortali and Melinda Alcosser to provide instruction for students ages ten - fourteen in a variety of subject areas that comprise a comprehensive middle school education. In addition to rigorous academics and learning within a classroom setting, CELC offers students many hands-on and real-world learning opportunities that take them beyond the classroom and into the world. CELC incorporates both in- and out-of-state travel as well as travel to other cultures and countries.

CELC is located at 28 School Street (2nd floor) in Branford, Connecticut and serves families from towns in the shoreline area and parts of internal Connecticut. The program is designed to have a 1:8 teacher student ratio, maintaining between ten and fifteen students with two main instructors in the full-time program. CELC is in session for thirty-four weeks from September to June, Monday – Friday.

Students are accepted into this program after an admissions process to determine whether this type of setting is a right fit. Student success comes with a commitment to participate and try new things, work hard, stretch and grow as individuals and as part of a community.

In addition to time spent in the classroom, CELC students are regularly offsite for the outdoor education and field experience portion of the program between the hours of 12:00 noon – 3:00p Tuesdays and Thursdays. We have art classes Fridays held onsite for one-third of the year and held offsite from for two-thirds of the year; students work with partnering organizations, such as Long Wharf Theater in New Haven and Krowe’s Nest Studio in Durham.

CELC offers opportunities for homeschooled students, who apply to participate on a part-time basis. “Homeschool Mondays” are offered each trimester, which range between nine-, ten-, or eleven-week sessions. Other opportunities for part-time students may include Geography Bee practice sessions, drama classes, hiking, or to observe the work of full-time students, such as Science Fair display or a similar work-related Share Day throughout the year.

Small in size yet lasting in impact, CELC prides itself on teaching children the value of being productive members of the local community and constructive citizens of the world.

Looking for a middle school where your child can thrive? CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) is now accepting applications for 2015-16 academic year.

For more information, contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203.433.4658.

Visit us online www.CTExperiential.org.

Call today - limited openings available for 2015-16 academic year!