NCCL teachers are so loving and nurturing to our children and supportive to parents as well. I'm so grateful they are a part of our families' lives and a role model of compassion and positivity. Before we even had children, we knew we wanted a creative and compassionate environment for our children as they grew up. A place where their self-esteem and self-efficacy would bloom. We've found that and more at NCCL. It is such a wonderful community, and we are so appreciative to be a part of it! I do not know the specifics of the negative review below, but the school is small (10 kids per grade level) and does not have the resources of larger schools. I can only speculate that would be why outside help was encouraged for any behavioral issues. read more

I attended NCCL school from kindergarten to eighth grade, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have had that opportunity. The learning is fun, interactive, and centered around the abilities of the students, and the hands-on methods of teaching allowed me to understand and apply concepts to real-life situations. I never had to ask myself "Why does this matter?" The teachers there were/are like parents to me, and I knew that I could always come to them with any struggles I might be having, emotionally or academically. The environment is safe and nonjudgemental; my NCCL family has truly shaped me as a person. Although I have had struggles with anxiety since an early age, the staff has always cared for and supported me in even my loftiest goals. When I was in eighth grade, I told my writing teacher, Kate, that I wanted to write a novel by the end of the year, and with her help and constant reinforcement, I completed it. Now, I am an English major with a Writing Concentration at Gettysburg College (minors in Literature and Studio Art). I had a 4.5 GPA throughout high school, and I now have a 4.2 GPA in college. I am a published author, journalist, and artist, as well as the editor for our on-campus literary and art magazine. None of this would have been possible without the support and aid of the teachers at NCCL, who encouraged me to think deeply, and pursue my interests doggedly. NCCL is the most accepting community that I have ever had the privilege of entering, and the staff works hard to accommodate students and families. They have plentiful compassion and experience when it comes to working with children with learning disabilities, and the environment of the school itself is welcoming and supportive to all. This school is a family, and I was so lucky to be a part of it. I will be forever grateful for my time at NCCL. read more

This is a a great school only if you are the 'perfect child' meaning you don't have a learning disability or behavioral issue. I did my student teaching here back in the early 90's and thought it was such a great school because their learning environment did not center around desks and chairs. I recommended many families there however soon found out that only the students who were perfect in every way were successful there. It was suggested that a student who was thought to have focus issues go on medication as a stipulation to remain at the school. That student went on to be very successful at a private school and without medications!!! I have since spoken with three other families who have had similar experiences!! I would never recommend NCCL again. Children come in all sizes, shapes, temperaments, personalities and abilities. Being a teacher means when you are faced with a 'challenge' you figure out how to overcome it (without drugs). You are teaching the student the same by example. If all children came into the world perfect what would be the sense of having teachers?? Students who do well here would do well anywhere they attended!! Don't send your child here because no one is PERFECT!!!! read more

I attended Nccl from kindergarten through 8th grade. I went on to graduate from Newark High School in 2006 with a distinguished diploma, 3.8 GPA and a member of the National Honors Society. I then went on to The University of Delaware majoring in fashion merchandising management and graduated in 2010. I had no problem transitioning into a public school. I took mostly honors classes in high school, and while there was more homework I felt more than capable. the honors classes were very similar to the classes I had in 7th and 8th grade at nccl and had the same structure; everyone there wanted to learn and enjoyed learning. Even though nccl does not have a traditional grading system, there are frequent parent teacher conferences to determine the students progress and areas that need improvement. The parents and teachers work together to cater to the students individual needs while still working within the same curriculum. The entire school is a community, everyone knows and supports each other. I absolutely loved my time at Nccl and believe my life would not have turned out the same if I had gone to a different school. read more