About CELC

Set your child up for long-term success at CT Experiential Learning Center

CELC was founded by accomplished educators Melinda Alcosser and Maria Mortali in 2009. Designed to have a low teacher-to-student ratio, this unique experiential learning center’s mission is to have the perfect balance between learner-centered robust academics and out-of-the-classroom experiences.

CELC promotes professional matching services to meet studentsneeds and best match students with tutors and/or hands-on experiential learning opportunities!

The CELC Experience

At CELC, we always have considered each child who walks through our doors as unique, capable, curious, wondrous. Our comprehensive tutoring and educational coaching programs are meticulously designed for students, kindergarten through high school to engage in learning at their own pace, while achieving greater confidence, better grades, and improved test scores.

Our main goal is to harness our students flowing energy and potential in a positive and purposeful way.

CELC prides itself on teaching children the value of being productive members of the local community and constructive citizens of the world.

Learning starts with interests, passion, and aspirations. Our goal is to help students navigate through challenges and approach new horizons with an open mind, guiding towards self-discovery and educating in the ways in which they can contribute to the world around them.

Quick Links

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One-to-One Tutoring

Our one-to-one tutoring services are specifically designed for kindergarten to high school students. Approach focuses on Learning to Learn. Subjects include but not limited to Math, Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Spanish.

Educational Coaching and Executive Function Support

The focus is on improving students organizational skill building, time management, task initiation, and activation. Aimed to enhance success through innovative problem-solving strategies, this initiative is perfect for students of all ages.

College Preparation

We are dedicated to guiding you through the college application process, admissions essay writing, or test preparation.

Learning Expeditions and Leadership Training

Group interactive sessions focus on team building and social skill building. Field experiences and travel-related opportunities expand students horizons and promote self-discovery.

Events Calendar

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5 Science Investigations and Laboratory Study Science Investigations and Laboratory Study 10:00 am - 11:30 am Cell Biology focus Hands-on lab investigation, reading for information, following a procedure, developing experiments to test ideas, exposure to writing results in lab report format. Includes a hands-on science experience visit to PhoenixSong Biologicals Lab in Branford. Ages 9 – 13. Thursdays 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.: 7, , ...
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15 Family Drum Circle – A Benefit for the CT Center for Nonviolence Family Drum Circle – A Benefit for the CT Center for Nonviolence 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Come join CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) and LifeCatalyst Coaching for a family drum experience – open to all ages, drums will be provided or bring your own. We will explore rhythm and how to play in a group using hand drums and percussion. No prior musical experience necessary. Drumming is a way to center, con , ...

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19 Science Investigations and Laboratory Study Science Investigations and Laboratory Study 10:00 am - 11:30 am Cell Biology focus Hands-on lab investigation, reading for information, following a procedure, developing experiments to test ideas, exposure to writing results in lab report format. Includes a hands-on science experience visit to PhoenixSong Biologicals Lab in Branford. Ages 9 – 13. Thursdays 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.: 7, , ...
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Read What Parents & Students Are Saying About CELC!

My son did well in many subjects, but Algebra was a weak spot for him.
With Marias coaching and support, taking the subject one small step at a time, he overcame and conquered Algebra. Maria went above and beyond, working with him during the summer break between eighth grade and the start of high school to ensure he didnt just get through it. Maria patiently worked with him to truly understand the concepts because she knew how important it was to build a strong Algebra foundation for the math courses that would follow as he headed off to high school and eventually, the International Baccalaureate program from which he graduated. Even when he doubted himself and said, Im just not good at math, Maria helped him see that was not true. I dont know how she does it, but I am thankful she does. She provided a safe, encouraging, and nurturing support environment so that he not only accomplished a proficiency in Algebra but also his attitude toward math changed for the better Algebra/math were not to be feared.

-Susan M.

Maria tutored my son, Max, during the summer between his freshman and sophomore years in high school. His learning disability made reading a chore. While he could identify words, he couldnt easily see the connections among them that revealed character or plot. Maria worked with him to develop both contextual understanding and overall comprehension.
Max would read aloud to her and then talk about what he read. She asked about each story, urging him to take his time and think about how words, which he could identify, could be used to describe characters or events in the text. Marias calm encouragement helped Max relax and gain confidence in his reading.
Applying her skills as a tutor, Maria gained his trust, which made a huge difference when she next tutored Max in writing. Using a process similar to her reading support, she helped Max learn to structure his writing using words and phrases he knew to build sentences and write cohesive paragraphs.
In May, Max graduated from Flagler College with a B average. Marias helpful interventions at a critical point in his intellectual development made a significant difference in all his studies.

-Jennifer B.

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 doesnt 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.

The individual attention is amazing. My child learned so much and is now quite independent. Looking forward to another year!

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.

Maria and Melinda are extraordinary teachers. The individual attention given to my daughter while there made a huge difference in her future schooling. She was exceptionally well prepared for high school and earned her EMT license before graduating! I am proud to say my daughter is now a college graduate!
Thank you, Melinda and Maria. You set her on a path toward success!

-Patrice

Reach us now! Complete this form to have someone contact you to discuss how we can best help you achieve your objectives!

We Can’t Wait to Hear From You!

Join our mailing list now to find out about CELCs upcoming programs.

Contact [email protected] or call 203.433.4658 for more information.

CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) is a 501c3 tax-exempt corporation. CELC welcomes students, families, and staff of diverse nations, religions, ethnicities, gender identities, and sexual orientations to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the CELC learning community.