Benjamin Sutin ’11: Jazz Violinist in the Big City
Violinist and Clonlara alum Benjamin Sutin lives and works in New York City, where he has performed in a wide range of venues: the pit orchestra for off-Broadway shows, a freelance orchestra gig at Carnegie Hall, salsa groups, rock bands, and various jazz ensembles. He credits his learning experience with Clonlara for helping to equip […]
Choosing a Homeschool Approach for Your Family
When you are new to homeschooling, it can take a while to find your rhythm and discover what works best for your children and family. No two learners are alike, and even siblings have different needs, goals, and reasons to homeschool. Fortunately, there is a wide range of options for approaching your family’s learning journey. […]
How to Think Like a Scientist
By Jennifer Withington, Off-Campus Program Advisor Do your kids wonder about the world around them? Are they curious about how things work? If so, they may be thinking like scientists! They don’t need lab coats or expensive equipment, though. All they need are their senses and a way to describe their work. Scientists are curious […]
Sari Brown ’06: Following Passions, Finding Purpose
By Clonlara School In an original song titled What’s Your Name, Sari Brown ’06 shares a message of hope and reminds us that we always have a choice in the ways we respond to external events. Especially during trying times, we can choose to focus on our strengths and passions—the things that energize us—instead of trying […]
Luke Spring: A Passion for Dance
By Clonlara School Luke Spring’s high school years in Clonlara’s Off-Campus Program have given him the freedom and flexibility to pursue his passion for performing arts and entertainment. When Luke was just 4 years old, he was inspired by the movie Happy Feet and the examples of his older sisters to begin tap dancing. Since then, […]
New Ways to Connect at Clonlara
The past year has brought many changes to the ways children and adults connect and communicate. In-person classes, meetings, and travel have been set aside temporarily, and new modes of connection have become vital. At Clonlara School, we have developed a variety of ways for our students and families to stay socially connected while remaining […]
Tools for Getting Organized
Clonlara School students have autonomy to learn however they learn best. This kind of freedom can be powerful for young learners, but it also requires them to develop efficient organizational skills early on. Because every learner is different, it is important for students to find what works best for them. By high school, most will […]
Volunteer Service @ Clonlara School
Volunteer service is a core element of Clonlara’s educational approach intended to foster a sense of civic engagement and altruism. Each year, our students in Ann Arbor and around the world engage in service projects, with 180 hours required during their high school years (grades 9–12) for graduation. In addition to encouraging young people to […]