A Middle School Matters

A dynamic middle school, Connecticut Experiential Learning Center (CELC) of Branford provides right-sized classes that combine exceptional academics with hands-on and real-world learning experiences to fit the academic, social, and developmental needs of students in grades 5-8.

CELC was founded to make the middle school years what they should be — a time and a place where young people discover the thrill of learning, master academic subjects, make good friends, and understand themselves. CELC enables students to build confidence and competence, thrive and be joyful during these years!

CELC offers experientially-based education as a way for students to involve themselves in learning beyond the walls of a traditional classroom. Learners are invited to participate in a strategically-designed format that integrates the students’ academic study with field experiences. Each year, a social studies-based theme encourages CELC students to immerse themselves in a focused study that primes them for discovery and the development of new understandings.

The academic core of the instruction is rigorous in content, diverse in its offerings and adaptable to the need and interests of the students. In keeping with the best practices for adolescent learners, considerable attention is given to connecting individual curricular areas to overarching themes. Students explore the essential questions that unite broad areas of knowledge, relate historical concepts and trends to current events and their own experiences, refine their research and writing skills and have opportunities to work both independently and cooperatively. Math, Science, Language Arts, U.S. History and Current Events are integrated with, and enriched by, the curriculum in the areas of Environmental Studies and Leadership Training, Peace Studies, Music, Art, Drama, Cooking and Service Learning.

The math program is designed to encourage students to think mathematically and to consciously integrate “real world” math and math concepts into their lives. Students are grouped by ability level and work at their own pace. A hands-on approach allows students to understand the concepts, rather than just memorize algorithms.

The science curriculum integrate s environmental/earth science, life science, physical science, and chemistry and is hands- on and activity- based. Topics range from cell biology, ecosystems, and astronomy to archaeology, simple machines, and more.

Students concentrate on the storytelling of American history as part of the history and current events curriculum. They look at events emphasizing the people who had a hand in shaping them in order to understand how events are linked. Students weigh the evidence to strengthen critical thinking and analysis. They are exposed to the unique format of newspaper articles while they increase their understanding of timely events by reading local, regional, national, and international news. Skill in sharing and articulating what they have read is developed in a group setting.

Language arts integrate grammar skills with writing skills. Formal English classes focus on grammar development, structured writing skills, spelling and vocabulary. The writing program is based on the Writers’ Workshop approach, for both the creative and expository aspects of writing. Students are given time to read books and are exposed to a variety of genres, including fiction, historical fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

Faculty and guests artists bring their expertise to the students in areas of music, art, drama, and culinary arts. These programs are designed to broaden a student’s experience and are integrated into the academic subjects, as well as offered as separate studies.

Through the outdoor education program, students are encouraged to extend beyond their personal comfort levels in a challenging yet supportive environment. Hiking, backpacking, skiing, kayaking, and outdoor survival training provide opportunities to utilize newfound skills and confidence.

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

To schedule a visit, or for more information, email mandm@CTExperiental.org, or call 203-433-4658.

Connecticut Experiential Learning Center
28 School Street Branford, CT 06405 www.CTExperiential.org 203-433-4658