History
The Dutch and Swedish colonists who settled the Delaware region in the 1600's made education an important part of their lives. Most of their early schools were run by churches. The English gained control of the region in the 1660's, and built schools of their own. But many wealthy English sent their children to schools outside the colony. Poorer children were taught in church schools or by their families, friends or traveling teachers.
Public education began in the Delaware Region after the Revolutionary War. A public school fund set up by the state legislature in 1792. The legislature established a system of public education in 1829.
Today, the state allocated 44.5% of its budget to education. Delaware ranked 9th among all states in the nation for expenditures per pupil.
New Castle County
New Castle County's 183 public, private and specialized elementary and secondary schools offer first-state programs. The pupil/teacher ratios are lower than the national average. Standardized test scores demonstrate that the average level of pupil achievement is consistently above the national norm.
Four colleges and two universities offer associate, bachelor and advanced degrees. Programs include an accredited law school, library and continuing education.
New Castle County has five public school districts. They are Appoquinimink, Brandywine, Christina, Colonial and the Red Clay Consolidated School District.
APPOQUINIMINK SCHOOL DISTRICT
1259 Cedar Lane Road
Middletown, Delaware 19709
Phone: (302) 378-5010
The towns of Middletown, Odessa and Townsend; which are located in the lower portion of New Castle County, are included in the 100 square mile area served by the Appoquinimink School District.
The district includes four elementary schools, and one high school with an enrollment of approximately 2,600 students. In the Appoquinimink School District there is a concentrated effort to emphasize the basic skills of reading, writing, mathematics, and physical education.
There exist unique programs for both the remedial and gifted student. Computer education is available as well as a course study in arts, sciences and many other elective courses. During the spring, the Appoquinimink School District participates in the statewide spring testing program where the SAT is administered.
High school students are given the opportunity to enroll in vocational and college preparation courses. Special PSAT/SAT training courses are also available.
BRANDYWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Administrative Center
1000 Pennsylvania Avenue
Claymont, Delaware 19703
Phone: (302) 793-5000
Website: Brandywine School District
The Brandywine School District is located in the northeastern section of New Castle County, bordering the State of Pennsylvania and the Brandywine Creek. The District includes the northern section of the city of Wilmington. Approximately 100,000 people live in the area comprising the Brandywine School District. The District consists of eleven elementary schools, three junior high schools, three senior high schools, and two special schools with about a 11,400 student population.
A comprehensive educational program is offered in kindergarten through twelfth grade, emphasizing academic achievement, as well as a variety of supplemental, enrichment and extra-curricular activities. Each curricular area is designed with specific learner objectives in mind. Learning activities are developed in the classroom to assist students in attaining the instructional objectives. A strong basic skills program exists at both the elementary and secondary levels.
CHRISTINA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Administrative Offices
83 East Main Street
Newark, Delaware 19711
Phone: (302) 454-2000
Website: Christina School District
The Christina School District serves the southwestern portion of New Castle County plus a portion of the City of Wilmington. The Christina School District is a comprehensive K-12 public school system stressing scholastic achievement with a broad range of programs for all children. There are fifteen elementary schools, five middle schools, three high school and one special schools with a total student population of approximately 18,708.
The Kindergarden Program offers experiences in many areas including pre-reading skills. There are many word and number experiences for the child. An integrated resource program for Gifted Studentsis operated at the primary, intermediate, middle and high school levels. There is a full offering of FINE ART classes in all secondary schools which include music, art, drama and band. Instruction is provided in music and art in grades 1-12. Students may participate in band and choral groups at all district intermediate, middle and high schools. District high schools offer programs in dramatic arts. The District is committed to a program which insures each child will become "computer literate" at a level consistent with his/her ability. Computers are used to provide skills at the literacy, competency and advanced levels. Special Education Programs are offered for eight categories of exceptionalities. There is a full range of Intramural and Interscholarstic sports and a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including newspapers, yearbooks and student government.
COLONIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
318 East Basin Road
New Castle, Delaware 19720
Phone: (302) 323�2700
Webiste: Colonial School District
The Colonial School District has approximately 10,000 students with a certified staff of 725. The District has two special schools � John G. Leach for students with physical handicaps or health impairments and Wallace Wallin, a state supported vocationally oriented facility that serves the severely and moderately mentally handicapped.
The elementary program is divided into two grade level groupings: Primary (K-2) and Intermediate (3-5). The core basic skills program, scheduled on a daily basis, consists of reading, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Library, art, music and physical education periods are scheduled on a weekly basis.
The Colonial School District is proud of its strong basic skills program in which specific, measurable grade levels must be mastered in order to qualify for promotion to the next grade level.
A total middle school concept consist of core basic programs scheduled on a daily basis for all students in reading, mathematics, language arts, science and social studies; with a comprehensive arts program consisting of music, art, foreign languages (two are required: Spanish and French), industrial arts, home economics, health, physical education, computer education plus additional elective programs. Guidance counselors, a school psychologist and a student advisor assist students with personal concerns.
A full range of college preparatory, business and vocational programs are provided with advance placement courses for gifted students in all major subject areas with an extensive selection of course offerings in most subject areas for all students.
Graduation requires the mastery of 17 state competencies in reading, mathematics and language arts and 19 credit hours which include 4 in English, 3 in Social Studies, 2 in Mathematics and 2 in Science.
Red Clay Consolidated School District
P.O. Box 869
1400 Washington Street
Phone: (302) 651-2600
Website: Red Clay Consolidated School District
The Red Clay Consolidated School District is a comprehensive K-12 public school system and has excellent educational opportunities for students of all levels. The instructional program begins with the battery of basic skills by all students and is centered around individualized programs to meet the needs of each student, from the least able to the most gifted. All Red Clay schools have well-stocked libraries and there are planetariums and observatories, swimming pools, science laboratories, industrial arts shops and theatre and music facilities in the District. A computer assisted learning program offer literacy and programming courses in all schools at all grade levels.
The District offers college preparatory, vocational/occupational, business and agricultural courses. Programs for gifted students are available from age four through grade 12, including early graduation and early college enrollment opportunities. There are special courses for the scientific/technical and banking/financial service fields and free and appropriate programs for the children requiring special education, based on the least restrictive environment and mainstreaming; a separate school for the moderately severely handicapped and deaf/blind students.
All high schools in the Red Clay Consolidated School District are accredited and 100% of the teachers are state certified. Special preparation courses are available for PSAT/SAT exams. Foreign languages include Latin, French, German and Spanish.
Instrumental music instruction from grade four through grade twelve and a full range of intramural and interscholastic sports are available. Registered nurses are present in all schools and active parent groups and 1,200 citizen volunteers work in the schools.
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