Project-based learning is the core of CLC's curriculum. Students' roles within a project-based learning environment are distinctly different from a traditional setting. Within a project-based classroom, students are provided scenarios and given large chunks of time to create solutions and final products that mimic what professionals create in the real world. Along the way, students utilize a variety of skills and knowledge as opposed to learning fragmented subject areas. Depending upon the project, students may create wind farms, new food products, robots, or any other product made in the real world. As a result of these project-based creations, students learn valuable skills and perform because of an intrinsic desire to do so, not to avoid punishment or to gain awards.

In order to create innovative solutions, each student at CLC is provided access to a technology at school and at home in the form of a MacBook or iPad. This access to technology allows students to use their knowledge in powerful ways. Students at CLC become masters of basic computer applications (word processing, spreadsheets, and email), as well as advanced computer applications (graphic design, video editing, and 3D modeling). CLC students have had 1:1 access to laptops and notebooks since 1998. Students use their electronic devices like professionals to create quality final products as opposed to using technology as a replacement for worksheets. Our students also enjoy ample time away from their devices to utilize hands-on technology while building products that engage creativity and problem solving skills.

CLC students collaborate with peers and teachers throughout each school day in a small school setting that provides middle school students with the individual attention that they need to thrive. The school has fewer than 100 students and a healthy 1:10 teacher-student ratio. Due to our project-based learning model, students meet one-on-one with their teachers regularly as they discuss progress toward project goals. Also, teachers are involved in multi-year relationships with their students. This allows CLC teachers a unique depth of insight into their students and what works for them. All community members are on a first name basis with each other. This helps to create and maintain an environment of mutual respect amongst students, teachers, and families of CLC.