Featured School

The Center School Mission Statement articulates high academic and social standards for its students. The curriculum is reflective of federal, state and local standards. Assessment results drive changes in curriculum and instruction. 

 

The Teachers College Columbia University based Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop is used to implement the Language Arts curriculum. This research-based model allows teachers to provide developmentally appropriate individualized instruction every day of the year. 

 

Center School had a partnership with Teachers College Columbia University for several years. The college provided the staff with professional development in the area of instruction, assessment and curriculum development for Language Arts. 

 

Classes in Kindergarten through Grade 3 are organized heterogeneously. Teachers differentiate their lessons by implementing Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop instructional strategies. Students work at their own pace and utilize materials that are appropriate to their levels. Teachers use diverse activities to challenge students to promote higher level thinking. Multiple assessment tools provide various opportunities for students to demonstrate their knowledge.

 

Instructional reading strategies include shared reading, choral reading, partnership reading, independent reading, book clubs, reading responses and conferring. Instructional writing strategies include mini-lessons, shared writing, independent writing, notebooks, writing instructions, instruction in the conventions of English and conferring. 

 

Over the past years, Center School has been recognized for many accomplishments, such as Connecticut Association of Schools’ Outstanding School of the Year and was designated a National Blue Ribbon school. Several teachers have been recognized for the district Teacher of the Year award and the Principal was named a Milken Family Foundation National Educator and also the CAS Principal of the Year for Connecticut.