Clonlara Ann Arbor
Flexible Learning Options
For 50+ years, Clonlara students have followed their curiosities and interests. They have learned on our campus, at home, in their local communities, and all around the world.
Building on Clonlara's highly personalized approach, our new flexible in-person learning options provide kids (ages 5–13) with opportunities to build friendships, discover new interests, and receive academic support.
View Enrichment Schedule
Our education approach
Daytime Program
Three- and five-day options available.
Our Daytime Program offers small, multiage setting where students create and learn with the support of their teachers and peers. Working closely with students and families, our education team fosters a personalized learning environment through hands-on and play-based approaches. Because children thrive on play, movement, and exploration, learning takes place through active and multisensory experiences, using outdoor space whenever possible.
Co-Learning Center and Enrichment Courses
With comfy furniture for relaxing, a library full of books, and computers available for research, our Co-Learning Center provides students with a quiet, comfortable space to read, write, and reflect. In addition, our fully stocked art area has everything needed to create beautiful projects. Themed supplies are available each day for students to explore.
Enrichment courses offered by local professionals provide opportunities for students to develop new interests and passions through activities like ceramics, arts and crafts, capoeira, STEM exploration, and more.
Ann Arbor Community
Clonlara views the wider community as extension of the classroom. The real-life experiences of toad hunting, maple sap gathering, ice sculpting, gardening, attending plays and concerts, and grocery shopping are all examples of our past outings. Field trips to local libraries, museums, parks, and other areas of interest are regularly integrated into our school week. Students are also strongly encouraged to reach out to the community-at-large through service projects and to contribute to the maintenance of the campus through chores.
Tuition*
5 days/week $10,000
3 days/week $7,500
1st Student $200
Sibling $50
*10% discount on tuition for each sibling
Co-Learning Center / Enrichment Courses
Clonlara Student $64/course
Non-Clonlara Student $80/course
Non-Clonlara Student $50
*Enrichment courses meet weekly for one hour and include eight sessions per quarter. Pricing is per student.
Adding Clonlara Online Courses to Your Learning Plan
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
Clonlara at Sea: From Dream to Highly Personalized Education On-the-Go
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
6 Summer Learning Tips for Older Students
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
"The school inside you"
While visiting Summerhill School in England, A.S. Neill advises Pat Montgomery to create "the school inside you." The Montgomerys purchase a house for a nursery school in Ann Arbor. Clonlara School is founded.
Clonlara begins to grow
The Montgomerys purchase the house next door and Clonlara grows from one house to two.
Child care center opens
Portable classrooms are added.
Clonlara enrolls school-age students
Elementary school opens in portable.
We grow with the kids
Six- to 13-year-olds served.
Homeschooling begins
Clonlara launches its Home Based Education Program, which is now the Off-Campus Program.
Different ages, different needs, same personalized learning approach
Clonlara expands ages served to include 14- to 18-year-olds.
Clonlara breaks ground for a new building.
Time to expand
Clonlara's Spanish Program begins.
Our international community grows
Clonlara's German Program begins.
Pat Montgomery retires and Pat's daughter, Chandra Montgomery Nicol, is named Executive Director.
Growing beyond our imagination
Clonlara establishes affiliate program in India.
Global reach and new programs
Clonlara establishes affiliate program in Costa Rica, begins Hungarian Program, and launches the Online Program.
More countries come on board
Clonlara's Portuguese Program begins.
A name change and a new language
The Home-Based Education Program becomes the Off-Campus Program; Clonlara's French Program begins.
Celebrating 50 years...
From its roots in Ann Arbor, Clonlara continues to grow and touch many lives throughout the world.
Expansion in Portugal and Brazil
Clonara establishes the affiliate program in Portugal, in partnership with Colégio de São José, Coimbra. The Brazilian Program begins.
New paths in Portugal, Idanha-a-Nova
Clonlara starts a partnership with the members and children of Associação Sementes do Interior, Comunidade Cultural e Educativa.
A new team that joins
A new team gets together: Clonlara Portuguese Association is created.
The dream guides life
Clonlara Portuguese Association establishes a partnership with the City Council of Idanha-a-Nova, in order to open the future Campus in the region. The licensing process begins with the Ministry of Education.
campus team
Catarina Mendes
Pedagogical Team
Carolina Mata
Isabel Faro
João Ribeiro
Maria Macedo
Ralph Luther
Ambassador of Families
Raquel Valente
Rita Bravo
Sofia Gallis
Zoltan Simon
Campus FAQs
Why choose Clonlara School?
We are a global learning community with students in more than 60 countries, and when we say that we have a personalized learning approach, we mean it!
Whether you are seeking a campus or home-based/distance learning option, you can choose the program that works best for you at Clonlara. Our dedicated staff will work with your family to understand your student's individual learning needs and goals. It all starts with getting to know you.
What is Clonlara's educational philosophy?
A school must empower learners to participate purposefully and eagerly in their own education. Experience tells us that children learn best when their interests guide their activities and discoveries, and that parents have the right and ability to educate their children. We believe that learning begins with curiosity.
Clonlara sees the world as a boundless classroom and considers the learning environment integral to the learning process. Academic teaching and mastery of skills are not limited to a space or location. At home, at school, and beyond, there is fertile ground for learning.
We believe that a school should allow students to participate in the design and implementation of their curriculum. When students' personal interests drive their educational activities, their motivation grows, and their learning is deeper and longer lasting. Every aspect of a student's development deserves attention: physical, spiritual, mental, and psychological.
Our approach to education leads to a lifelong love of learning.
How are groups organized at Clonlara?
Clonlara School accepts students from 6 years old. Students are grouped according to their age:
Youngers (6 to 11 years);
Middles (11 to 14 years old);
Olders (14 to 18 years old).
What does learning look like at Clonlara?
Whether on our campus, at home, or anywhere around the world, learning at Clonlara is personalized, and it begins with the student. Our Campus Program teachers and Off-Campus and Online Program advisors meet with students and their families to discover their strengths and interests, then help them plan their learning using our Full Circle Learning process. With a plan in place, students direct their own learning with support from teachers and mentors, working together to create authentic, relevant, personally challenging learning experiences.
How can Clonlara families get involved?
In addition to the fundamental role of families in the development of children, the families of students at Clonlara School – Idanha have the opportunity to get involved in the educational community not only by participating in activities, study visits or field trips, but also by supporting the dynamics of the day-to-day school.
Is Clonlara School accredited?
Clonlara School is proud to be accredited by the following organizations: Accreditation International (Ai), Middle States Association of Colleges and School (MSA-CESS), and the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA).
1289 Jewett, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 769-4511 (Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm)