The City is Their Campus

Wilmington offers learning opportunities of all kinds for all kinds of people. If you’re looking for challenge and stimulation, this is the place.

by Susan Oates Published September 16, 2010 at 01:15 PM

(page 1 of 6)

Though a city in size and scope, Wilmington has community spirit that gives it a small-town feeling, and that feeling pulses through its educational venues. Schools help each other by lending facilities, faculty or student tutors. Arts institutions open their doors to broaden learning. Parents walk from work to school to have lunch with their children. And retired professionals share their experiences so that others may enjoy learning for life.

Wilmington’s educational offerings are as diverse as its people. In addition to fine public and private schools, there is a stimulating mix of alternatives, from charter schools for creatively or scientifically gifted youth, to an art college, to technical colleges and continuing education for older adults—all within two square miles. For students of all ages, the city is their campus. And for some, the city is their canvas.

Child Development Center

Delaware Technical & Community College
333 Shipley St., Wilmington, 571-5300

At Delaware Technical & Community College some of the youngest Wilmingtonians are getting a jump on their educations at the Child Development Center. At the center, the children of DelTech faculty, staff, and students are cared for and taught by early childhood education students, who benefit from experiential learning as they prepare for their careers. The center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It accommodates children from three months old through preschool.

Delaware Tech also has a wide array of summer camp programs for grade-school kids, including a “CSI” Camp taught by forensics officers from the Wilmington Police Department.

“During the summer you’ll hear kids say, ‘Yeah, I’m going to college’ because they’re here on campus,” says Steve Martelli of DelTech. “It’s cool because they really get the connection between being here to learn and ‘going to college.’ It plants that seed.”

Page 2: The City is Their Campus, continues...