Campus Programs - K-12

Academics

With input from the staff and parents, students set goals and outline their own course of study. Balancing curricular concerns with personal interests, they choose from a selection of innovative core classes and electives and/or design independent studies with mentors.  

Students are encouraged to formulate questions and discover answers about subjects that capture their attention. Students work at their own pace, neither forced ahead nor held back by the group. The low student-teacher ratio allows for valuable individual instruction. The school year is augmented by frequent fieldtrips and some travel.

Research is now proving that the developing brains of children are best served when their learning takes place in an open, comfortable environment.  This is precisely what Clonlara offers.  The large, light filled younger classroom is furnished with an art area, a quiet reading area, work tables for group instruction/projects, computers for exploration and enrichment, a science corner, a kitchenette and two private bathrooms.

We view the outside play area as an extension of the classroom:  the skills of teamwork, problem solving, and independent play all occur naturally.  Outside play is not only encouraged, but it is expected!

Clonlara also views the community as another extension of the classroom: the real-life experiences of toad hunting, maple sap gathering, ice sculpturing, gardening, attending plays and concerts, and even grocery shopping are all examples of outings we have had.  Field trips to libraries, museums, parks and other areas of interest are regularly integrated into our school week.

Each day, Youngers begin the day by setting learning goals and reviewing the day’s activities.  We know, after 40 years of experience, that the best way to engage student is to use their curiosity and interests as the bases for their learning designs.  For example, one student may have a passion for turtles: there are creative ways to build the subject to turtles in to every discipline.  Another may want to construct or destruct machines: there is math and science and story reading and telling, and writing there,  too!

Individual parent-staff-student meetings occur at the start of each semester; these are the forum for goal setting and assessing.  They are the tangible evaluative measures that replace tests and report cards.

Community

Many students say that they feel like they have come home when they arrive at Clonlara. Clonlara students and staff learn to live with each other in a supportive environment. Students learn, through conflict resolution, to take responsibility for their own actions and make amends when necessary. Strong community is fostered through class and all-school meetings, in which any student or staff member may raise any idea, concern or question. Bi-monthly parent-student-staff meetings extend the Clonlara community to include the students’ families. Students reach out to the community-at-large through service projects and volunteer hours and contribute to the maintenance of the campus through chores.

Staff

Clonlara’s experienced staff is dedicated to helping each individual student achieve self-actualization. They are also committed life-long learners who share their passions and projects with students, thus modeling self-directed inquiry.

Teachers and administrators subscribe to the best progressive educational practices.  They are committed to teaching kids, not just subjects.  They understand and put into practice recent findings on the development of the human brain.  They individualize a well-rounded academic program for each child based upon their needs, interests, and abilities.  They know that children who are not coerced into learning actually learn more, retain what they learn longer, and put it to practical use better.

Facilities

Clonlara’s sunny, airy building is situated on a two and one-half acre wooded lot located in the heart of Ann Arbor. This affords easy access to the many museums, parks, activities and cultural events that Ann Arbor has to offer. Clonlara’s pleasant classrooms are furnished with comfortable furniture, computers and worktables. The spacious art studio is equipped with drafting tables, potter’s wheels, a kiln and a dark room. The multi-purpose room provides space for gatherings, games and presentations. The electronics table is covered with gadgets and toys. The school library is a cozy place to curl up with a good book. The nutrition center is a place where students learn to prepare healthy meals for themselves and their families. 

Questions?

If you don't see what you're looking for, please call us at (734) 769-4511.