Rethinking Education

In the field of education a small group is emerging, and they are rethinking school and what a classroom looks like. They are taking today's technology and combining it with yesterday's tiny class sizes. Merging ages and blurring grade levels. Students sometimes have an opportunity to teach and are given an abundance of leadership opportunities. They are allowed to solve real world problems and grow together with their community and each other. Students and teachers are excited to attend and venture into the world as a team. Diversity of ages, cultures, and prior education are savored. Sound impossible?

Micro-schools are popping up all over the country, and they are making this dream into a reality. Micro-schools can have anywhere from 6-150 students, but class sizes are always small. They are more expensive than homeschooling but are typically less than a traditional private school. The educational focus is varied like any other private setting, but the results so far are excellent. Some of the bigger little schools are AltSchool, Acton Academy and Khan Lab School based in CA and TX, but Connecticut is also welcoming the micro-school, with CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) of Branford and soon-to- open FlexSchool, currently in Fanwood, NJ, opening a second location in New Haven, CT this year.

One 8th-grade student from CELC said this, “There is a place for any personality or learner. Through our everyday experiences we build relationships, and we become like a family. We go out into the world together. We work together and grow together. It is the best feeling to feel like you always have a place. You can just be you and find your place at CELC. It doesn't matter what we are doing --- hard and dedicated math, out in the woods, or walking along the streets of Washington, D.C. - we always have a place to learn and have fun. “

For some students who were once bored with school, falling through the cracks, bullied, pressured and forgotten, these schools could be life changing and for severe cases maybe even life saving. Some of these micro-schools are established non-profits and look for community members to participate and offer support. Be sure to check them out and maybe lend a hand. You can learn more about CELC here in Connecticut on their website http://ctexperiential.org/ or visit their Facebook page for information on classes and events open to the public. https://www.facebook.com/CTExperiential.org/events

Learn, participate, and grow with this amazing community that promises to empower students and change lives.