QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW THE CAMPUS SCHOOL IS ORGANIZED
What is the curriculum like?
Curriculum planning begins with assessing every learner in the building. This is done during Orientation Week in the beginning of the school year. Students who enroll later than September will have assessment included in their enrollment process. Once we know the skills, challenges and interests of our students, we create a “Grand Schedule.” It includes the core academic areas: Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. It also reaches beyond fundamental knowledge and skills to problem solving; critical thinking; independent work, cultural literacy, research, community service, and play. Field trips are also an important part of the Clonlara curriculum: every student gets to know the Ann Arbor community and explore its recreational, academic and cultural resources. Field trips take place every week unless a special event has been planned in the building.
Since you don’t have a separate room for every grade, how are classes divided?
By age. Students of the same age are grouped together as Youngers, Middles and Olders for their home base. They may, however, share the classroom with other students – the classes students take are dependent on the skills they need to develop. This may mean they are 10 years old and studying Algebra I – it may mean they are 15 years old and studying Pre-Algebra. Activities that involve the whole school are regularly scheduled; we believe that students have a lot to teach each other.
Does Clonlara give grades and standardized tests?
We use a portfolio system for determining overall progress. Each student, K through 12, leads a Parent Teacher conference in the spring.
Grades are given in individual classes in the high school program and are reported at the conclusion of each five week Learning Sessions. The Middles and the Youngers receive progress reports on a quarterly calendar.
Standardized tests are always available to you and we will make sure your student takes one or more if you request it. The Terra Nova (formerly, the California Achievement Test) is available every May. The PSAT, SAT and ACT are given at local Ann Arbor high schools several times a year. Students who are applying to college need to take one of the required exams. We can also facilitate that.
What kind of parental involvement do you have?
PSS (Parent, Student, and Staff) meets the third Thursday of every month. Teachers, staff, parents and students and siblings all attend. School business, plans, dreams, and needs populate every agenda.
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