NCCL School

Today we celebrate the NCCL School Class of 2026!

Our graduating class may be small in number, just four students, but they are truly strong, thoughtful, creative, and mighty. They have grown into leaders, problem-solvers, compassionate community members, and confident learners, leaving a lasting mark on our school community.

We are so proud of all they have accomplished at NCCL and cannot wait to watch them continue to grow, thrive, and change the world in the years ahead.

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Our 7th & 8th grade students recently completed one of Group 4's most beloved traditions: writing, illustrating, revising, designing, and ultimately publishing their very own picture books.

What begins as a study of beloved picture books and storytelling grows into a months-long creative journey. Students explore story structure, character development, narrative voice, and illustration techniques while learning from master authors and illustrators, revisiting many books they read in childhood. Along the way, they workshop ideas with classmates, hold writing conferences, storyboard their stories, revise endlessly, and support one another with thoughtful feedback and encouragement.

Each book reflects not only incredible creativity, but also vulnerability, empathy, and personal connection. Many students weave biographical elements and social justice themes into their stories, creating books that are both deeply meaningful and uniquely their own.

With guidance from their teachers and artwork developed in art class, students bring their stories fully to life, culminating in professionally published books they can hold in their hands. We are so proud of the imagination, perseverance, and heart our students poured into this project. Congratulations, Group 4 authors and illustrators!

At NCCL School, learning doesn’t come from textbooks.

Students explore ideas through hands-on projects, fieldwork, collaboration, experimentation, art, discussion, and real-world experiences. Curiosity drives the process, and children are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and think deeply.
Because when students are actively involved in learning, understanding lasts.

We have openings in grades K-5 for the 2026-2027 school year. Learn more about what makes progressive education so meaningful at www.ncclschool.org

There are still a few spots available for Camp NCCL. Start your summer with us!

NCCL School - Summer Camp Kick off summer and make lasting memories at NCCL School Summer Camp! We are excited to offer one week of camp in 2026. Spend an unforgettable week doing arts and crafts, playing outdoor and indoor games, and making new friends!

Play is not a break from learning, it is learning.

This article beautifully captures something we believe deeply at NCCL School: young children learn best through curiosity, imagination, movement, collaboration, and meaningful play. Through open-ended exploration, children build social-emotional skills, language, problem-solving abilities, confidence, and creativity, the very foundation for lifelong learning.

At NCCL, we know that joyful, hands-on experiences, time in nature, creative expression, and child-centered exploration are essential parts of a strong Kindergarten experience. Come discover a school where children are known, inspired, and excited to learn every day! Learn more about our program at www.ncclschool.org, and read the article here: http://bit.ly/42Jrv6S

Play Is Disappearing From Kindergarten. It’s Hurting Kids. - EdSurge News I still remember the first time a student refused to step into my classroom. Initially ecstatic to start school, Truman was now red in the face from ...

Join us for Graduation on June 4 at 10am!

As the big day approaches, Group 4 kids are finishing picture books, preparing for their Grad Projects, and wrapping up their Big Give projects.

Alumni should RSVP so we can share your Grad Award with one of our current students! Please email [email protected] if you are able to make it - we would love to see you!

Looking for a joyful, engaging way for your child to kick off the summer? We’d love to welcome you to NCCL School Summer Camp the week of June 8–12!

At NCCL, summer camp is filled with creativity, exploration, outdoor play, hands-on projects, games, art, water play, and plenty of opportunities for children to build friendships and have fun in a warm, supportive environment. Our camp reflects the same progressive, child-centered spirit that makes NCCL such a special place to learn and grow.

Camp is open to children ages 4–12, and you do not need to be an NCCL student to attend. Full-day and half-day options are available. This is a wonderful opportunity for students and families to get to know our school community, meet our staff, and experience the warm, relationship-centered environment that makes NCCL so unique. There’s no better way to get a feel for the spirit of our school than by spending a week learning and playing alongside us.

Whether your child loves creating, exploring nature, imaginative play, or simply spending summer days with caring adults and new friends, we’d love to have them join us! Spaces are limited, so we encourage families to register soon.

To learn more and sign up, visit our website:

NCCL School - Summer Camp Kick off summer and make lasting memories at NCCL School Summer Camp! We are excited to offer one week of camp in 2026. Spend an unforgettable week doing arts and crafts, playing outdoor and indoor games, and making new friends!

NCCL School is seeking a collaborative, organized, and community-centered leader to serve as our Administrative Coordinator. This role is at the heart of our school’s daily operations, supporting everything from admissions and family communication to front office management, events, and strategic planning. As a progressive, student-driven K–5 school rooted in experiential learning and meaningful relationships, we are looking for someone who communicates warmly, thrives in a dynamic environment, and is excited to help shape the future of our evolving school community.

This is an especially exciting moment to join NCCL as we thoughtfully reimagine our K–5 program and strengthen systems that support sustainability, connection, and joyful learning. The Administrative Coordinator will work closely with staff, families, and the Board of Directors to help steward this next chapter with care, creativity, and collaboration.

Read the full job description on our website: https://www.ncclschool.org/about-us/employment-opportunities. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume to [email protected]. We are excited to meet you!

As part of their study of rainforest animals, our Kindergarten & 1st Grade students headed out into the community for two exciting adventures: a visit to Eco Adventures and a trip to the Brandywine Zoo.

Students had the chance to observe animals up close, ask thoughtful questions, make connections to what they’ve been studying in the classroom, and deepen their understanding of rainforest habitats and ecosystems through real-world experiences.
We know some of the richest learning happens when children can connect their curiosity to the world around them, and this rainforest study coming to life through hands-on experiences was a wonderful example of that learning in action.

☀️ NCCL Summer Camp: June 8–12

Join us for one special week of hands-on fun, creativity, and outdoor exploration, NCCL style! Campers will spend their days building, creating, playing, and connecting in a joyful, mixed-age community where curiosity leads the way.

Rooted in our progressive approach, this week is all about learning by doing, whether that’s through art, nature play, collaborative projects, or imaginative games.

Open to children ages 4–12, NCCL School Summer Camp welcomes both NCCL students and the broader community. Full- and half-day options are available. Learn more on our website! https://www.ncclschool.org/programs/summer-camp