Is CEC a School?

Nope! CEC is a hybrid with aspects of homeschool + school. We don’t offer diplomas, credits or grades. We provide an alternative to school where teens learn in the way that suits them best.

Public and private schools, by design, start with a fixed structure and curriculum and require teens to adapt as best they can. At CEC, we begin with the teen, who creates structure and curriculum according to their goals and needs.

So, while some classes, field trips, and collaborative learning activities will be similar to traditional school, they will be initiated and chosen by the members themselves.

All members are registered with the state of PA as homeschoolers (included in your membership).

How much of the week will my teen spend at the Center?

This depends entirely on your child. Each day (M, Tu, Th, F) the Center will offer classes and activities that the members may opt in to attending. Members can choose a schedule that works best for them. Many prefer to come into the center to have a place for independent study, collaborative projects, or a quiet space for downtime and reflection.

CEC is open four days a week (M, Tu, Th, F) from 8:30am-3:30pm, and available to members for any or all of those times. Fridays will be dedicated to group learning on a topic of choice and offer field trip and other hands-on activities to complement in-center learning.

What about grades?

CEC does not give or require grades for courses. This means there are NO tests (unless students REALLY want one… in which case they can design one themselves!).

Will my teen actually do any work?

We believe that LEARNING IS NATURAL and we are committed to helping our members follow their curiosity to pursue their education.

Lack of motivation and initiative can be the result of students having only a passive role in directing their learning. Some students benefit from the added structure and direction of traditional schooling, but many do not. At CEC, our mentors guide students to find learning opportunities that are meaningful and relevant. As a member proceeds, the mentor will help them troubleshoot obstacles and help them adapt and overcome. 

It should be noted that it often takes students and their families some time to “deschool” when moving into self-directed education. This is a normal part of the process and actually benefits the student by giving them time, scope, and permission to explore.

Can my student try it for a day and see if they like it?

YES! We require that each potential member spends a day at the Center before they decide to join.

What kind of adult supervision will my student have while they’re at the Center?

Unlike traditional school, CEC does not require attendance nor act in loco parentis. When the Center is open, there will be at least one adult on the premises at all times. Because members are not required to attend for any set amount of time, they will be free to come and go from the Center throughout the day as they choose and will be accountable to the parent for these choices. Member families should be prepared to help their teen not only navigate this freedom but also to capitalize on it for internships, job opportunities, or other beneficial activities that will enhance their learning.

What is the age range of members?

Members range in age from 12 to 19 years old. Younger members tend to be more mature for their age, making CEC a great fit for them as they’re able to socialize with kids older than their set age group in traditional schools.

What if my teen wants to go to college?

We will help them get there.

We will help your teen identify how college fits into their plans and help them create a plan that will prepare them to explore interests and majors, satisfy admissions requirements in their studies, and find authentic extra-curricular and vocational experiences that enhance their understanding of who they are and where they are headed. Our mentors will help your child prepare the standard college application paperwork (transcript, course descriptions, etc.) and help them identify a range of colleges that would be a good fit.

What if my teen doesn’t want to go to college?

Increasingly, teens are opting not to go to college and are exploring many other paths. CEC will work with them to explore the trades, entrepreneurial, business paths, or other settings that match their goals. We will help them find professionals in the community who will give them real world opportunities. We will also help them develop a plan that is customized to become successful in their chosen path. Because the student determines how to spend their time, they can plan apprentice, internship or work experiences that will build a strong foundation, before they finish their high school years.

Why isn’t the Center open on Wednesdays?

We want everyone to be clear that CEC is not a school. CEC would feel more like a school if it were open 5 days a week. Having Wednesdays free encourages the teen to explore additional opportunities such as part time jobs, internships, and other activities that are not directly connected with CEC.