Educate, Motivate, and Advocate
 
tutoring center tutoring center tutoring center learning center learning center learning center tutoring center tutoring center tutoring center tutoring center
 
   
The Main Office

Frequently Asked Questions
What does CLS's program provide?
What is the program's history?
Are course accredited?
Why is CLS so successful?
How can I individualize CLS's program?
How does CLS keep track of my records?
Is CLS an “alternative school”?
When can I start?
How do I sign up?

 

 
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.
 


Questions or comments about this web site?  Alco Web Design