About Our School

NCCL School has a long-standing commitment to progressive education in the Newark, Delaware community. Founded in 1971, it was established as an alternative to traditional schooling, grounded in the believe that children learn best through active engagement and meaningful relationships. Over the decades, the school has maintained its core principles while evolving its programs to meet the needs of contemporary learners. To read more about how NCCL School has evolved over the years, click here.

Our Vision

Empower every student with the skills and confidence to tackle the unknown and positively impact the world​.

Our Mission

Provide a robust academic & cultural foundation, which inspires the joy of discovery in each child and fosters curious, creative, critical thinkers.

Two children, a girl and a boy, wearing blue gloves and goggles, are handling raw fish at an outdoor table with trays and newspapers. Another child is visible in the background.

At NCCL School, learning starts with the students: their questions, interests, and ideas. Our child-driven classrooms are deeply connected to the real world and extend far beyond NCCL’s walls. Hands-on exploration in nature, parks, neighborhoods, and museums brings learning to life for our students. Click here to learn more about experiential learning at NCCL School.


Six children sitting around a table outdoors, eating snacks and drinking from cups.

NCCL is a small, caring community where students are known well and supported as they grow academically, socially, and creatively. Whether designing a project, learning outdoors, or engaging in meaningful conversations, students develop confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning. Because at NCCL, their learning truly belongs to them. Ever wonder why some kids love school? Click here to learn more.

A group of people, including children and adults, gathered on a grassy lawn in front of a white house with a porch, surrounded by trees.

NCCL School Staff

Our Staff is a group of dedicated and passionate individuals with the common goal of providing a safe and nurturing educational environment. Click the button below to learn more about them.

"Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand."