Center For Teaching & Learning

119 Cross Point Road

Edgecomb, ME 04556

2 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on June 07, 2023

When its founder Nancie Atwell was there (she was awarded the international Global Teacher Prize in 2015. retiring shortly afterwards), the Center for Teaching and Learning was - and may still be - one of the best schools in the world for teaching its students to think creatively and empathically, to read analytically, and to write brilliantly. A tiny demonstration school of under one hundred students, it regularly won a disproportionate share of national writing prizes - at least back a decade ago, when my daughter went there. Many of its students reach, by the end of 8th grade, a level of critical thinking not always attained by university students.CTL is no slouch in math, science and art, either. And, perhaps most importantly, the kids are respected - loved, even - by faculty and contemporaries alike, and develop confidence in their own unique attributes and abilities. Students naturally develop gangs of friends, cliques if you will, but I never heard of bullying or real mean-heartedness. Kids have fun there! Play and playful spirits are encouraged.One reviewer (above) gave the school low marks for selecting students already having qualities it promotes: creativity, curiosity, playfulness and good-heartedness. True enough. Also, Maine being an overwhelmingly white state, the school is short on racial diversity. Not good. Additionally, although it attempts to draw kids from all economic backgrounds, CTL students seem to be from comparatively educated and affluent backgrounds. Also not good. This shields them from the problems and divides permeating our society, and they miss the lessons learned by being among kids from a wider variety of life situations. CTL is geared towards an excellence in reading, writing and thinking that's hard to find anywhere. This is both good and bad, but the good is exceptional, and the bad (also important) is inevitably available elsewhere, later. I agree with the critic above, but also think this school is incredible. If you're interested, take a look at Nancie's book, "In The Middle," and see what you think.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2013

We are so thankful that our children attended CTL. The tuition rate is very low, thanks to the teachers whose extra work helps offset tuition. The reading/writing programs are outstanding & give kids the skills they need to think and express themselves intelligently and clearly. The upper-grade math programs are very strong & have helped both of my kids develop a love of math. Contrary to the other reviewer, we have not found that CTL caters to perfect students. There was a broad range in all classes- from academically advanced to below average. We have seen teachers go above and beyond to help weaker students (before & after-school tutoring, customized 1:1 work w/helping teachers). We have seen the lower-grade teachers work extensively and successfully to help children with different behavioral issues. In numerous instances where children with very disruptive behaviors were managed and integrated successfully, it was because of intense and consistent collaboration between the teacher, the child, AND the FAMILY. We love the sense of community and the outstanding academics of CTL. We have lived all over the US and cannot believe that this gem of a school is right here in Maine.