Carbondale New School

Serving Southern Illinois since 1974

The mind is a fire to be kindled, not a vessel to be filled

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Announcements

Summer Camps! CNS summer care runs June 3 through August 2! Download your summer enrollment form here.

Registration is open for the 2024-25 school year. Download an enrollment form here.

Mission Statement

Carbondale New School provides quality, student-centered education that inspires confidence and a lifelong love for learning. We respond to each student's unique abilities and learning style within an inclusive and supportive community that values the intelligence, worth and creativity of all children. We empower children with knowledge, skills, compassion and a sense of responsibility for self and others.

PreK

Benefits

Kathy & Student

History

Carbondale New School is a progressive, independent, not-for-profit private school for students from PreK through fourth grade. We are not a new school; we have been here since 1974 when a small group of dedicated, determined, and visionary parents founded CNS. At New School, we understand that students have a variety of learning styles and children's individual personalities are cultivated and respected. Children are allowed to develop at their own pace. Education is not a one-size-fits-all process.

Studies have shown that empathy, self-discipline and persistence are better predictors of academic success than either IQ or socioeconomic background. CNS is unique in that its faculty and staff address these character issues daily using Love & Logic® classroom techniques.

Vision

As a parent-owned and operated not-for-profit corporation, we are committed to providing a diverse and dynamic learning environment as a leader in educational innovation. We will provide the autonomy and support to inspire excellence in the students, staff and parents of our school.

Student in Misty's Class

Learning Environment

CNS has small classes. Our commitment to small class size provides an intimate learning environment and promotes close bonds within the school family. CNS is a place where everybody knows your name. Learning comes to life through theme-based, hands-on experiences as well as many field trips. Our playground includes a small pine and hardwood forest and a big grassy area. Yes, CNS students get dirty! CNS students are passionate about fresh air and learning about nature, animal care, and becoming good stewards of the land.

Experience

For over four decades, CNS has provided creative, quality education to students in a safe and nurturing environment. Working together, students, teachers and parents create a community that fosters and maximizes students' intellectual, social, and emotional growth.

This sense of community has powerful and profound implications for its members. Students feel at home in their school. It is a place where they learn, grow, and feel respected and accepted. Parents know their opinions and input are not only welcome but also necessary to the school's success.

Choosing to enroll your child at CNS means you are joining a family of people who will genuinely care about your child as a whole person. We help educate them into caring and loving citizens of the community and the world.

Non-Discrimination

CNS is not affiliated with any religion & happily includes families of many faiths & cultures.