Collaborative Alternative Magnet School for Leadership

Developing Leadership through Adventure Learning

Participating Districts

Branford, East Haven, Hamden, Meriden, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven and Wallingford

Student Enrollment

100 students in grades 7 – 12

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ACES Collaborative Alternative Magnet School for Leadership (CAMS) recognizes and uses the individual, diverse strengths of each student to generate commitment to and accountability for their own academic and personal growth. As a small alternative learning environment, CAMS provides students with choices and opportunities to develop their leadership skills through adventure learning, technology, art and creativity.

Reengaging Students who Feel Disenfranchised

CAMS helps re-engage students who have become disenfranchised from education. This re-engagement takes place through a focus on leadership. Students are challenged to become a LEADER = Loyal, Engaged, Accepting, Disciplined, Exceptional, Responsible and Respectful. CAMS provides a challenging academic environment in which students are guided as they actualize their potential as learners. The curriculum is delivered through the concepts of adventure learning. Classes are characterized by their small size and active learning. Students cite caring and supportive staff members and challenging work as reasons for their success.

Adventure learning is based on the educational theory that people learn more when they are:

Actively involved
Feel a sense of control over what they are learning
Find a relevancy and attractiveness in material
Are provided with opportunities for reflection
Can make connections between school and their world outside school
See the ways learning today will benefit them tomorrow

Program Goals

To promote student growth through theme based instruction
To develop competence in academic areas supported by technology
To foster community involvement through authentic learning tasks
To use theme based learning strategies to increase skill, understanding and motivation
To develop leaders with confidence and commitment to post-CAMS goals
To promote understanding and confidence in the values of diversity
To engage families to support academic and social goals for CAMS students

Bringing the Community Together

CAMS is a school whose focus is on leadership, the CAMS school culture is developed and sustained through practices that bring the community together, promote shared understanding, and encourage all community members to become crew, not passengers.

Teaching practices and school wide structures ensure that all students are well known by adults and peers. The faculty articulates and promotes a set of LEADER character traits that are emphasized throughout the school. Teachers foster student character through challenging academic work and the expectations that students are courteous, respectful, and compassionate. Public and classroom spaces reflect the value of our LEADER expectations, showcase the work of students and facilitate collaboration.