CELC flyer

Middle school has always been a challenge for youngsters and parents. Today, the challenge seems even greater, with problems like texting, bullying, grown-up-too-soon social situations.

The Connecticut Experiential Learning Center (CELC) was founded to make the middle school years what they should be:  a time and a place where youngsters discover that learning new things, tackling hard subjects, making good friends, feeling safe and free to grow is what education is all about.  Connecticut Experiential Learning Center enables students to build confidence and competence, thrive, and be joyful during these years.

Led by educators who provide young people with experiences that allow them to stretch and explore their potential, this experiential education accommodates the whole person as an active part in learning.  Students are thinking and questioning, wondering and being curious, and having experiences with others and in the world to test ideas in real situations.

Being a hard-working student is valued, as is being an individual.  Learning becomes an adventure when the regular academics are integrated with many hands-on and minds-on field experiences.  Students work very closely with their teachers, developing a rapport and an understanding of the individual and group.

It has become widely accepted that middle school-aged students are destined to suffer through their young adolescence – a sense that this time of life simply isn’t a happy one.  It’s not necessarily so.

This is CELC:

A full academic program to prepare students for any high school and beyond

Field experiences that are actually educational explorations

A hands-on arts curriculum

Small classes, student/teacher teamwork, group participation and respect

CELC is a rewarding choice for students in grades 5 – 8 in the shoreline area. It could be the right fit for you and your family. Host an informational meeting in your area.  Please contact us to find out more.  Registering now for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Professor Carlos Eire Meets With CELC Students

Another rich and varied week of learning for CELC.  In addition to all of our academic studies, this past week included activities such as seeing the play Italian American Reconciliation at the Long Wharf Theater, meeting with author and Cuban émigré Professor Carlos Eire, and working at Trap Rock Ridge Camp with Rob.

Below is a letter from Rob who shared some thoughts about the group:

Dear CELC Friends and Relatives,

Your dear youngsters just left our place after spending a few hours working on our little farm. They are quite an amazing crew, both youngsters and adults. You all should be very proud of them. Sally and I certainly are.

Of course we are delighted, beyond words, with all the help they offer to keep things moving in a positive direction in our gardens, chicken yard, and woodpile. And we hope they are learning a little about sustainable living along the way. I think they are. But that is not the best of it. The best of it is what we see in the maturity, work ethic, camaraderie, humor, and positive outlook [Read more...]