Discover the Difference at NCCL School

Founded in 1971, NCCL School is a small, parent-cooperative school with an enrollment of 90 children, ages 5 to 14, Kindergarten through 8th grade age. With a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1, NCCL offers a supportive, hands-on, student-centered education to all children. Our primary goal is to inspire and encourage students to take responsibility for themselves and their own education. Our talented teachers create environments and relationships that capitalize on children's interest and curiosity. With guidance and direction, our students become fully immersed in their work, enjoying their pursuit of knowledge.

What makes NCCL such a special place, a place where children can discover the joy of learning?

• Our 11:1 student/teacher ratio, developmentally appropriate programs, and multi-age groups
• Our curriculum is not standardized test driven
• Our non-competitive assessments with comprehensive end of year report
• Our supportive environment with parent involvement
• Our unique, activity based learning opportunities

11:1 Student/Teacher Ratio, Developmentally Appropriate Programs, Multi-Age Groups

NCCL is comprised of four multi-age homeroom groups. Group 1 is comparable to Kindergarten and 1st grade; Group 2 to 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades; Group 3 to 5th and 6th grades; Group 4 to 7th and 8th grades. Each group has a 2 - 3 year age span.

There is overlap age-wise and academically between the groups so children can be placed appropriately academically, socially and emotionally. Each homeroom group has about 22 - 24 children and 2 full-time teachers who work with them. The homeroom group is divided into smaller groups for classes so there are usually 10 -12 children in a class group. Some activities, such as science, social studies, etc., have all of the children and both teachers working together. This arrangement enables us to have small academic classes but still gives the children a large enough social group to foster social development.

Read more about: Primary Program,  Middle School Program, Writing Program,  Individualizing Math Instruction

Curriculum Is Not Standardized Test Driven

Writing Curriculum Unlike schools where writing is merely touched on in Language Arts class, we devote substantial time to it and teach writing as a craft rather than just an assignment. Over a child's time at NCCL, she will have worked on her writing an average of four days a week for close to an hour a day. Read more...

Mathematics Curriculum The primary goal of the math program at NCCL is to teach for understanding and in so doing empower students with confidence. Concepts are presented in a developmentally appropriate way and time is allowed for students to wonder, explore, discuss, revisit and reflect. Read more...

Homeroom Curriculum Each homeroom group has about 22 - 24 children and 2 full-time teachers who work with them. The homeroom group is divided into smaller groups for classes so there are usually 10 -12 children in a class group. Some activities, such as science, social studies, etc., have all of the children and both teachers working together. This arrangement enables us to have small academic classes but still gives the children a large enough social group to foster social development. See an example of the curriculum covered each month.

Non-competitive Assessments with Comprehensive End of Year Report

Instead of letter grades, NCCL offers conferences twice yearly and a yearly written report. The yearly report consists of an overview of the class activities and specific sections on your child's development, both academic and social. A parent may request a conference at any time convenient to both teacher and parent(s). A portfolio of your child's work is available for you to enjoy at any time. Classroom meetings for parents are planned several times a year for the purpose of group discussion of child development, school philosophy, and NCCL curriculum. Read more...

Supportive Environment With Parent Involvement

Respect for Others The teachers at NCCL take very seriously their commitment to be positive role models for children. We believe that children learn to be thoughtful and responsible toward themselves and others by being cared for by us in a thoughtful and responsible manner. Because we hope to help our students to grow in initiative and self-confidence, we emphasize praise and appreciation for positive behavior and achievement rather than negative criticism and comparisons. However, inappropriate or hurtful behavior is stopped and a child may be separated from the group or denied privileges for a time if the behavior continues. Whenever possible we allow children to experience and learn from the normal consequences of their behavior. In the inevitable conflicts that arise from group living, we try to recognize opportunities for children to learn to listen to other points of view, to state clearly their own feelings and perspective, and to try to arrive at mutually agreeable solutions.

All School Meeting Since its beginning in 1971, NCCL's primary goal has been to inspire and encourage students to take responsibility for themselves and their education. An essential part of that education is for students to develop the ability to recognize and solve their own problems. The All School Meeting is an example of how such awareness is developed. Read more...

School Visits Parents are encouraged to participate in and visit classrooms whenever possible. NCCL believes a parent's active involvement in a child's education and school makes a real difference in how a child relates to the school.

Parent Cooperative Parent involvement is very much encouraged at NCCL. Monthly School Meetings are open to all parents. At the meetings, parents and teachers discuss and decide on school business. It's an opportunity to know what's happening in the school, and to be part of the decision-making process. Involvement is also fostered by the co-op contract responsibilities which include cleaning hours, contributions of committee work, and work days to maintain and improve the school facilities. Read more...

Unique Learning Opportunities

Because we believe that children learn best when they are actively involved, NCCL offers its students many opportunities to immerse themselves in open-ended learning experiences.

• Learning is activity based at all levels at NCCL in order to more fully engage the students. Examples of past activities are the Monarch Butterfly Project and World Religion Museum.
• All NCCL students are involved in community service projects several times a year. Past projects include: Making a Difference Club, Tsunami Service Project, Duffle Bags for Foster Kids.
• Students in grades 5 - 8 take time out from their regular classes three or four times a year to participate in Workshop Week, when parents and teachers provide instruction on such wide-ranging topics as photography, mosaics, box fort building, advertising, law, and knitting. Read more...
• Group 4 students spend their Friday afternoons in the apprenticing program, working at area businesses and gaining organizational and interpersonal skills. Read more...
• All four class groupings take frequent field trips and we invite people from the community in to speak to and work with the children. Several times a year classes walk to the nearby University of Delaware campus to see music and drama performances, gallery exhibits, and to participate in movement classes.
• Grades 5 through 8 end the school year with a much anticipated camping trip, while grades 7 and 8 take a five day trip to Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, where they expand their horizons with team building games, lessons about local flora and fauna, and outdoor activities like canoeing, caving and rock climbing. Read a student essay about Shaver's Creek. Read a student essay about Shaver's Creek.