About

Founded in 1971, NCCL School has a long-standing commitment to progressive education in the Newark, Delaware community. It was established as an alternative to traditional schooling, grounded in the belief 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.

Click here to learn more about how NCCL has evolved over time…

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 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.

Our Vision

Empowering 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 students: Their questions, interests, and ideas. Our child-driven classrooms are joyful and deeply connected to the real world, extending beyond our walls into nature, parks, neighborhoods, and museums, where hands-on exploration brings learning to life.

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 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!"

    - Current Parent, Sara N.

  • "Sending our kids to NCCL was one of the best decisions we ever made! The level of caring shown by the teachers, the wonderful sense of community, the way they educate the whole child … Priceless!"

    —Heather Brooks

  • "Our favorite thing about NCCL is how much they care about the WHOLE child and not JUST their academic success. Raising a kind and thoughtful human being is SO important to us, and NCCL really shines there!"

    —Current NCCL Family