THE THIRD TEACHER
Designed for Discovery At The Clifton School, we believe the physical environment acts as a “third teacher”.
Every element of our campuses—from the lighting to the architecture—is intentionally designed to invite exploration and foster connection.
Classrooms
At The Clifton School, we see the environment as a third teacher. Our thoughtfully designed classrooms and shared spaces encourage curiosity, exploration, and meaningful engagement.
Philosophy
While each location is unique, all reflect our shared philosophy and commitment to child-centered design. Classrooms support ongoing learning and collaboration, with additional spaces throughout each site that foster connection beyond the classroom.
ABOUT CLIFTON
Our Staff
We invest deeply in the professional growth of our educators. Ongoing professional development includes weekly planning meetings, monthly faculty meetings, conferences, in-service training, and classroom coaching with consultants. Collaboration is central to our culture — teachers plan, reflect, and grow together.
Qualifications: All lead teachers meet the standards aligned with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation, holding a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
Curriculum Coordinators: In our constructivist approach, we believe children are naturally curious and capable learners. They are not empty vessels, but active participants who grow through meaningful exploration.
Our Curriculum Coordinator partners with teachers to design engaging learning opportunities based on children’s interests. Through long-term projects and guided inquiry, children investigate real-world ideas, ask questions, and test their theories across subjects like math, language, and science.
The Curriculum Coordinator also collaborates with staff and families to support reflection, problem-solving, and continuous growth across the school community.
Our Teachers:
- Build nurturing, respectful, and encouraging relationships with each child
- Create inviting, thoughtfully designed environments that emphasize natural materials
- Observe children closely, document learning, and use those insights to guide planning
- Support children in expressing their knowledge and ideas through a variety of representational media
