Wainscott - The Child Development Center of the Hamptons (CDCH) this year celebrates the 10-year anniversary of their Charter. The development of the school, and its achievement of academic success, is a great testament to how a small group of dedicated educators and parents can change "business as usual" in the world of public education.

In 2000, CDCH was the first school in the nation to apply for, and receive, a public charter as a school designed with a fully-integrated model. Classrooms at CDCH are made up of gifted, typical and special needs students learning together. The school's success with this model is attributed to both individualized learning plans for every student, as well as custom curriculum planning for each and every classroom.

"While it is wonderful that we can now celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we are even more proud of our recently confirmed academic success," said Richard Malone, CDCH's Head of School. Malone is referring to the recent achievements of his students in New York State and other standardized exams, proving the education offered at CDCH is anything but standard.

The small, publicly-funded school performed in the top two quartiles of the 2009 New York State standardized tests. In English/Language Arts and Mathematics, 75 percent to 80 percent of CDCH students achieved levels three or four (state standards). In Social Studies every student, 100 percent, achieved this level of success. "CDCH students often return to their home school districts at or above grade level performance in math and reading," explained Malone.

It is important to remember that these figures are inclusive of those children at CDCH who have been diagnosed with special needs - a significant percentage of the school's student body. Lindajeanne Schwartz, the school's director of Clinical Services and ABA explains, "Our results attest to the dedication and hard work that have gone into delivering a unique education program which emphasizes small classrooms and individualized learning."

As a Charter school, CDCH provides families from across Suffolk County with a public school choice. Families from more than 20 different East End school districts have elected to send their children to CDCH, taking advantage of the progressive school programming offered to them at no cost.

"We are really excited about where we have come to be," said Malone, "Now that we have established ourselves as an organization, and developed an innovative, successful educational program, our vision is to serve more students. We know there are many who need us, and we are here for them."

For those interested in learning more about CDCH, call 631-324-0207. CDCH is planning a public, 10th Anniversary Celebration for January 2010.