Mission Statement

Center School is a place where students, teachers, and parents work together to prepare students for lifelong learning though a developmentally appropriate, integrated curriculum; in order to encourage each child to develop a positive self image, to become independent, literate, and problem solving adults.

Philosophy

The philosophy of Center School is to have a child-centered, process oriented program which encourages the integration of curricular areas. We strive to provide what is in the best interest of all children, while we attend to the uniqueness of each individual child as s/he grows and develops. The most productive learning environment occurs when children are actively involved in constructing their learning through relevant and meaningful experiences. Through this process, children discover that learning can be an exciting, worthwhile endeavor. Education is viewed as an interactive process where students, teachers, and parents function as a team.

About Center School

Center School is located in Willington, Connecticut. Willington is in the northeastern corner of Connecticut approximately 24 miles northeast of Hartford. For a map of the Willington area and location of Center School, click here.

Center School was built in 1953 with additions in 1958 and 1980. Approximately fifty staff members serve 270 children in grades pre-kindergarten through three. During the summer of 2003 the parking lot was re-designed to accommodate 30 more cars.

Below are pictures of Center School's dedication in 1953, Courtesy of  I. Weigold.

Principal in 1953 was C. Mirtl.

Center School Programs

A preschool program for 3 and 4 year olds primarily assists children with risk factors that may affect future school performance.  Children may be identified through preschool screening or by parental requests for individual screening.  The program also includes some openings for 3 & 4 year olds in a regular preschool experience.  Children attend full day kindergarten each day, with appropriate support services.  Each child's progress is carefully monitored to increase mastery of developmental skills. Title I provides a literacy support program for identified first grade students who are considered "at risk" in reading.  These children are identified through a formal screening process at the end of kindergarten.  The Title I teacher instructs ESL children and identified children in the first grade.  Students in grades 2 and 3 who need additional help with reading and math are seen daily in small groups by a trained tutor.  Basic skills are strengthened through this program. Center School participates in UCONN's Fifth -Year Internship Program as a Professional Development School.  This joint partnership program provides our school with year long interns (20 hrs. weekly) to support literacy and early math intervention. Center School serves as a Professional Development Center for UCONN education student teachers. Students from UCONN volunteer to support fluency through the America Reads program. Through UCONN's Related Services Project and the Willington School District's Pupil Services Department, Center School has been designated as an observation site for graduate and undergraduate students in Occupational, Physical and Speech-Language therapies.  Students observe the planning, implementation, and evaluation of related services as they are provided and their relationship to the child's educational programs.

Center School's dedication in 1953.