Alameda Community Learning Center (ACLC)

Alameda
Charter School
operated by Community Learning Center Schools
Language(s):
English
Grades:
6-12
Capacity:
350 students
Phone:
(510) 263-9957
Address:
1900 Third Street, Alameda, CA 94501
Editors' Notes:

Parent Q&A

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Parent Reviews

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First thought that comes to mind for a smaller charter school is ACLC in Alameda. They are a tuition-free charter middle school and high school. 360 students today between both middle and high school. 

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Oct 2013

Re: High schools with extra support for Inattentive ADD son
I would encourage you to investigate ACLC more closely for your son. ACLC is not an unstructured environment, it is a more flexible environment which can really work to the advantage of kids with alternative learning needs. Many kids with learning challenges like ADD thrive in their project-based curriculum because it is more creative and addresses their different learning styles, while avoiding the boredom many ADD kids experience with traditional teaching methods. As a result, these kids feel empowered and engage more directly with their education and thus develop increased self-direction and independence in learning. ACLC is offering Information Sessions and School Tours of their program for interested families, see dates/times here: http://www.clcschools.org/page.cfm?p=436 You can also contact the Lead Facilitator (Principal), David Hoopes, for information or request a meeting at: (510) 995-4300 or david.hoopes@alamedaclc.org Best of luck in finding the right program for your son! Parent of multiple ACLC kids


Sept 2013

Do you have a high school student at this school? I would love to hear about your experiences. I've not been able to get much in the way of reviews & would be interested in learning more about the school's strengths as well as areas for improvement. Thank you, Parent of an eighth grader


My two children have attended ACLC for the past 3 years. My son graduated last June and is attending Cal Poly - SLO this fall. He thrived at ACLC. Not only did he feel challenged in his classes, he changed from a rebellious and reluctant participant into a confident leader. The school culture emphasizes student leadership and provides multiple opportunities - teaching assisting, community service, internships, senior projects, starting or leading school-wide activities, extra-curricular activities and clubs, participation in governance boards, a student-run judicial system, etc. The middle-high school combined model fosters older learners mentoring younger ones and younger learners aspiring to leadership in higher grades.

My daughter is artsy, creative and outgoing (opposite of my son who was introverted, shy and serious). She a high school freshman at ACLC and wouldn't go anywhere else, though we encouraged her to consider an arts high school, and many of her friends attend other high schools. She is also thriving, though her interests are different. She participates in the various arts/music offerings, and loves the engineering aspect of the curriculum. She is also participating in leadership activities and has already decided which college courses she is taking next year (the school encourages taking college classes early and some have even entered college as sophomores or juniors).

The program is structured more like a college with open periods built into students' weekly schedules, and revolves around "The Center." The Center is a large central space used for collaborative project work, research, study, meeting space and other community activities during open periods. This collaborative and flexible approach nurtures a strong sense of community and encourages more self-directed learning and personal responsibility.

The downside may be for students who are not as self-directed and independent, but they have tutoring programs and an Intervention Specialist to work individually with kids who need more support and structure.

I would encourage you to explore their website: www.alamedaclc.org , talk with Lead Facilitator (principal) David Hoopes, and visit the school with your child. It's an alternative educational model that has proven itself for 18 years, with over 90% of graduates attending 4-year colleges and universities, and the others often pursuing creative and self-directed careers or opportunities. BW


Here's some recent local coverage of Alameda CLC performance and enrollment... http://www.action-alameda-news.com/2013/09/14/alameda-community-learning-center-touts-enrollment-api-numbers/ alameda


Feb 2013

Re: Junior is failing at Berkeley High
You and your son may want to check out the Alameda Community Learning Center (ACLC) in Alameda, CA. (www.alamedaclc.org) ACLC is a small (300), dynamic, community-oriented public (tuition-free) charter school serving grades 6-12. They are hosting a student/parent High School Information Night on Monday, Feb 25, from 7:30 - 8:30 pm, and a High School School Tour on Tuesday, Feb 26, from 11:15 am -12:15 pm.

ACLC provides an innovative, hands-on, project-based curriculum that emphasizes student engagement in a democratic society through leadership, independence, self-direction and personal exploration. Learners participate in unique educational experiences including internships, community projects, and college classes at the nearby College of Alameda.

ACLC has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Best High Schools in the United States for the past four years. It is consistently ranked as one of Alameda's top middle and high schools with an API of 827, and a statewide rank of 9. The ACLC curriculum meets all University of California-approved A - G college prep courses, and over 90% of ACLC graduates are admitted to four year universities. Parent of 12th-grader and 8th-grader


Nov 2003

Alameda Community Learning Center (formerly Arthur Anderson CLC)is a 7-12 charter school in Alameda that provides students with the unusual opportunity to become independent learners, accomplished students, and successful adults/citizens. Obviously, I'm a fan. My 8th grade son loves school, which he never did while in good public schools. Nearly all school activities are initiated and planned by the students, and the planning groups provide lots of training in communication, team work, and responsibility. This is an education that cannot be obtained anywhere else. You can contact me for more information. Milt