|
What does CLS's
program provide?
In order to educate students who cannot attend school for various reasons,
Creative Learning Services (CLS) provides an alternative. Students might
have medical conditions, emotional situations or simply school phobia that
makes a traditional brick and mortar school impossible. CLS provides
theses students with an alternative to earn a high school diploma while
preparing them for college. Our program encompasses grades 9-12 covering
the core subjects as well as Spanish, fine arts, computer science and
career planning ensuring our students receive a well-rounded education. We
prepare students for the academic requirements they will face in college
as well as offering them practical knowledge to succeed in the workplace.
What is the
program's history?
Our director, Patti Greenberg, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and
has over 10 years of experience in traditional school settings as well as
8 years in tutoring/mentoring. She started Creative Learning Services in
1996 with a mission to help students improve their grades in school. Over
time, the need for non-traditional schooling became apparent so Ms.
Greenberg started moving into full time education of students through
various distance learning programs. Our director’s history in counseling
proves useful as the school counselor for students’ academic and personal
needs. Are
course accredited?
CLS provides instruction. When a school district accepts a course, it is
with the understanding that the curriculum, instructor and requirements of
the course meet their standards. Then the course is accredited through the
school.
Why is CLS so successful?
CLS has discovered that many students excel in one on one situations yet
struggle in the traditional classroom setting due to the various learning
styles they possess. CLS spends time getting to know each student
personally in order to provide the best possible instruction for every
student. We work with the student and the parents to create individual
learning goals and monitor each student’s progress to make sure the
student is on track to reach those goals. Since we work in the location
best for the student, those with disabilities are easily accommodated in
our program. We educate our students in a one to one setting. For each
course, students receive the textbook and a workbook/study guide then are
tutored throughout their course of study by certified teachers.
How can
I individualize CLS's program?
Student services are our forte. CLS strives to teach and meet the needs of
all our students regardless of diagnosed disability. In order to ensure
success, we look at previous testing scores before instruction begins
which allows us to cater to individual needs. We determine reading level,
learning styles, and proficiency in each subject area before students take
any courses. In areas where students are weak, we focus energy and make
accommodations we deem necessary to make sure each student attains the
skills necessary to complete the course successfully. Equally when
students show advanced knowledge in a subject, we supplement the
curriculum with more advanced topics to deepen their understanding and
move forward in the subject. We also research our students’ interests
using that information in various courses to increase the students’
understanding of the material.
At the beginning of every course, students receive a syllabus that
gives estimated times for completion of each section, each test and the
course as a whole. It will also include the sections covered and where
quizzes and tests are placed in the material. CLS’s courses integrate the
use of technology and application to provide further understanding of the
materials as well as teach students how to use different multi-media tool;
thus adding to their success in college and marketability in the
workplace.
How does CLS keep
track of my records?
Students’ records are maintained through secure online storage as well as
in a fire safe place. Confidentiality is of utmost concern and all care is
taken to secure our students information. Only the students or parents may
access their work without express written permission. Transcripts are
available, at the student’s request, in an easy to read format. CLS’s
teachers utilize online grading which speeds up the processing time for
students to receive their grades. They also maintain the grade programs to
reflect accurately students’ progress through their courses. After every
course, the student receives a course completion letter with the hours
earned and grade received in that course. Twice a year students receive
updates on their progress and the courses they need for graduation. Is CLS an “alternative
school”?
Yes. It is an alternative means for students to receive instruction in
those circumstances where alternative instruction is necessary or
desirable. For instance, school districts have a number of students that
require home instruction because they are not able or allowed to attend
regular classes. Through CLS, a district can provide interactive class
instruction and individual help through e-mail correspondence with the
teacher at a lower cost than sending a teacher to the student’s home. In
addition, the students are no longer isolated at home. They now have the
capability to interact socially and academically with other students.
Through a growing list of enrichment courses, CLS is also making it
possible for students to take courses not normally offered in their
school. Finally, parents that choose to educate their children at home now
have a way to ensure that their children are getting thorough instruction
by enrolling at CLS. When can I start?
Anytime, we have a rolling admission process.
How do I sign up?
Print the application, fill it out and mail
it to the address on the Application. A check for the tuition or a
Purchase Order from a school must be included with the application. Where
local high school credit or college credit is expected, prior approval is
recommended. Students will receive their registration confirmation and
instructions by e-mail. They will be able to enter the class immediately
by using the screen name and password provided by CLS.
|