Testimonials
Life at CELC is unlike any other school. 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 the streets in Washington, D.C. – we always have a place to learn and have fun. – H.S., 8th-grade student at CELC
Snow Day or Go Day?
When I was a kid I cherished the very few days that it snowed enough to cancel school. Come on – a chance to go sledding at the golf course or skating at the pond behind the school. Who wouldn’t choose that over sitting in a classroom all day?
Truth be told, even as a teacher for lo those many years at Wightwood, and as much as I loved teaching, hearing the phone ring at 5AM and being told that we were getting a well deserved break from school was a pleasant experience. Back to sleep.
So what’s up with the CELCers? Last Friday almost every school in the state was closed – certainly all the ones in our district. Did that phase M&M and their loyal troops? Not a chance. We had a day planned on our property that included tending our maple sugaring evaporator, making seed pots for tomatoes and herbs, and making some homemade ice cream. One might say that the day was designed for “fun.” And at some level, one would be correct. That is the beauty of this program. Real life experiences and education should be designed to be fun. Not all the time, but certainly on a regular basis.
You have to look closely and listen to see all that’s going on during these “classes.” Science, math (metric and U.S. customary, of course), social studies, physics, culinary skills, physical labor, and yes, FUN! It’s a beautiful thing to observe and be part of.
So here they come, stomping up our driveway, snow and wind in their faces, supplies in hand, smiles on their faces, positive attitudes, ready to get busy, cooperate, learn, experiment, take risks, be challenged, support each other, problem solve, and yes, have FUN! And they did all of it. Never heard a complaint or a word that their buddies were home, relaxing or playing in the snow, or, I’m sorry to say, spending hours in front of a computer screen, cell phone, or Blackberry (or is it a Raspberry?).
These kids are active, always on the move, doing and learning. Never a frown. M&M have designed and are implementing a “real school” in the best sense of the word. Sally and I can’t wait to see them again. Not just to observe it but to be part of it. It’s even better than a snow day, light years better.
-R.C.W. , colleague and friend
Our son was losing his self-confidence, self-esteem and in fact, his entire sense of “self” at his public school. CELC has provided an incredibly healthy and nourishing academic environment that has challenged him in a variety of ways and helped him grow significantly as a person and a student.
– E.B., parent of 7th grade student
