Our Blog

Learning can be formal, informal, or anywhere in between. Formal learning is planned, and it often includes set curricula and tests. Informal learning is generally spontaneous and based on real-life experiences. At Clonlara, we believe students learn best with a personalized combination of the two.…

Parents play a crucial role in the facilitation of learning, and, according to developmental psychologist Gordon Neufeld, can create the context in which learning occurs. At Clonlara, we believe building strong family relationships prepares students to realize their full potential, educationally and beyond.  Loida Cañizares Doménech,…

How do your children describe their education? Would words such as “exciting,” “engaging,” or “captivating” come to their lips? These are descriptions Clonlara School Founder Pat Montgomery and her daughter, former Executive Director Chandra Montgomery Nicol, believed should describe every child’s learning path. Under the leadership of…

Do you have a curious child who learns differently than their peers? Is your student a capable, neurodiverse learner with special needs such as dyslexia, autism, or ADHD who would benefit from a highly personalized learning approach? Have you considered homeschooling as a possible alternative…

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has,” said cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead. At Clonlara School, we build this powerful sentiment into our educational approach by ensuring that volunteer service is…

Clonlara’s 2023 Global Art Show was our biggest yet! We received more than 270 submissions from students in more than 35 countries! Our six galleries showcased a range of artistic techniques and traditional media, including acrylic paint, crayon, pencil, and watercolor on paper and canvas,…

Imagine your high schooler has a newfound interest in a subject you know nothing about. They are driven to learn more, and you wonder, “How can I fan this spark of excitement?” Whether it is anthropology or architecture, coding or conservation, or any other specialized…

For some families, “traveling the world” is a fanciful dream, something to attain after the children have grown and graduated. But what would it look like if your children’s schooling could be part of the dream? With three children enrolled in Clonlara’s Off-Campus Program, one…

Whether you are looking forward to long leisurely days or a calendar full of activities, the summer months offer a unique opportunity for families to recharge before the next school year. Especially for middle and high school students, summer can also be a time to…

Clonlara School’s Class of 2022 includes 150 graduates representing 28 countries! They have earned scholarships and awards totaling more than $1 million to help pursue their passions and goals next year in the colleges and careers of their choice. In keeping with Clonlara’s philosophy of…

At nearly 100 years old, the Colégio de São José (CSJ) in Coimbra, Portugal, boasts a long history characterized by educational reform and innovation, making its partnership with Clonlara School the perfect match. Since 2018, CSJ has worked to implement Clonlara’s personalized education approach to…

In a letter dated May 26, 2022, Executive Director Chandra Montgomery Nicol shared the news of her upcoming retirement with Clonlara’s enrolled families. Read her original message below or view it in the following languages: Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish. Dear…