Center for Teaching & Learning

The Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) is an innovative PK-12 private school.
We are located at 10431 Hufsmith in The Woodlands area. CTL is a school of inquiry that encourages and nurtures children`s innate curiosities.
The instructional approaches attend to the varied learning styles of our students and provide opportunities necessary for learners to be challenged in meaningful ways, to be truly engaged in critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity through project-based learning. At CTL we focus on educating the whole child with attention to all of the developmental domains: cognitive, social, emotional, and physical.
CTL is a place where all students can reach their full potential - a vision that may be clouded in a more crowded, tradition-bound, and conventional setting.
We work with students where they are, differentiating instruction so they won`t just succeed but will advance to new heights of achievement.
CTL students discover their giftedness and develop habits of mind necessary for a productive, meaningful, and successful life. Students benefit from the CTL's private school model in the following unique ways: Small School and Class Size Multi-age Classrooms Positive, Caring Environment Conducive to Learning Highly-Qualified, Dedicated Teachers and Leaders Inquiry/Project-Based Teaching and Learning Differentiated Instruction Performance Assessments Character Education and Leadership Development Parental and Community Involvement Professional Development School Model CTL's innovative model is designed to serve the whole child.
Our students learn to read and think critically, communicate effectively, seek to understand, share and care, solve problems, take responsibility and persevere. They become passionate learners who are truly prepared for success in learning and life.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked TX School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 181 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $14,800
  • Acceptance rate: 95%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Center for Teaching & Learning ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Texas for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
2014

Student Body

Total Students
181 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Center for Teaching & Learning Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
99%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Sibling discount Referral discount
Acceptance Rate
95%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Dr. Linda Ellis
Admissions Associate
Amelia Maia

Sports

Total Sports Offered
4 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
American Robotics, Coding Club, Yoga Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club

School Notes

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) provides an intimate, personalized environment tailored to each student`s needs. We group students in multi-age classrooms and limit class sizes to twenty, allowing teachers to build stronger relationships with individual students and differentiate instruction accordingly.

We use paper-and-pencil tests less frequently than traditional schools, instead relying on alternative forms of assessment such as projects and portfolios that paint a more complete picture of each student`s abilities and needs.

We encourage community and parent involvement to develop children`s understandings of the connections between classroom and real-world experiences and invite parents to be partners in the education of their children.

We establish an environment that encourages independent thought, expression, and creativity. Students are given ample time to grapple, conjecture, follow their passions, ask questions, and find answers with the guidance of dedicated, highly-qualified teachers. We believe that all children thrive in an environment that acts as a catalyst for their natural curiosity and encourages them to develop, share, and feel proud of their individual abilities.

CTL is a school of inquiry that encourages and nurtures our students' innate curiosities. The instructional approaches attend to the varied learning styles of modern children. We provide opportunities necessary for learners to be challenged in meaningful ways, to be truly engaged in critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity through project-based learning.

Children who attend CTL are guided by expert teachers. The definition of an "expert" teacher can be complex and multilayered (Berliner, 2001). We believe that expert teachers are also committed learners. Our expert teachers will:
  • hold college degrees and certifications specific to their teaching assignments;
  • engage in ongoing professional development to hone their craft;
  • read professional journal articles and books; and
  • share their teaching experiences through publishing journal articles and books, presenting at conferences, and mentoring teacher candidates and teachers who intern at CTL.
Our dedicated faculty builds a relevant curriculum based on the diverse needs and interests of each student rather than deliver a pre-packaged program. Because of our small-school atmosphere, CTL faculty is better able to align the curriculum on a continuum through the grades. Furthermore, because of our small-class size, teachers are better able to differentiate for each student.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Center for Teaching & Learning cost?
Center for Teaching & Learning's tuition is approximately $14,800 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Center for Teaching & Learning?
The acceptance rate of Center for Teaching & Learning is 95%, which is higher than the national average of 85%.
What sports does Center for Teaching & Learning offer?
Center for Teaching & Learning offers 4 interscholastic sports: Flag Football, Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
What is Center for Teaching & Learning's ranking?
Center for Teaching & Learning ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Texas for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Center for Teaching & Learning?
The application deadline for Center for Teaching & Learning is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (10 reviews)
5  
CTL provides excellent support for children to succeed emotionally and academically. Small class size allows more individualized attention to each student and potential for growth. Project-based learning allows greater creativity for children who can take greater ownership of their own education.
- Posted by
5  
We love CTL! We strongly believe that having a passionate, engaged teacher is one of the most important factors for having a successful year. Without a doubt, the teachers at CTL are amazing. We appreciate that they are experts in their field and are continually learning and growing, always trying to create the best learning experiences for their class. The hands-on learning style and small class sizes have also been key for keeping my child eager and excited about learning every day! Our goal is to have children that never stop learning, and we feel CTL will help instill this passion in them.
- Posted by
5  
We have been with CTL for 3 years now. It is genuinely a warm, creative and stimulating place for our boys. We originally sought out a school for our older son because he was getting lost in the shuffle of the large public schools in the area. Teachers at the public school did not handle his anxiety very well, misunderstanding that he was very capable of learning. Once we moved him to CTL he flourished in a way we never thought possible. We (and he) learned what a great writer he is, and how much the calmer environment improved his ability to attend to class. The founder and director of CTL is passionate and committed and absolutely loves running the school. She truly was called to teach children. Situated next to a horse farm, the location is beautiful and inspiring for the children. It`s simply a wonderful place for our children and we are so happy to have found this gem of a school.
- Posted by
5  
The recent years our child has spent at CTL have been transformative. The school possesses an exceptional staff and incredible resources, both of which supply the tools for an exemplary education. But the greatest benefit to a child at CTL stems from the single vision the school has toward a lifetime of learning. Since enrolling our child's level of enthusiasm, curiosity and passion for learning has been both reignited and fueled by the teachers that surround her each day. These are benefits that every child enjoys each school day and then takes with them - both at day's end and when their days at CTL come to a close. We cannot overstate our appreciation for the enduring impact this has had on our child, and on all children who dedicate their formative years to an education at this school.
- Posted by
5  
I have a 5th and 7th grader here. We come from public school where the kids were buried with busy work and I felt that school was more focused on memorization and practice for standardized tests. At CTL, there is truly a focus on learning. They spend so much more time on reading and writing, which are fundamental to being lifelong learners. It is also very project based where the kids work in teams and lead their projects. The smaller class sizes mean the kids get more individual attention from the teachers and have more opportunity to be challenged and move at their own pace.
- Posted by
5  
This is our second year at CTL and our now first grader is thriving. We love the new campus and so glad the school is fully open with in-person classes. The teachers worked so hard to get things ready for safe and effective learning. We are so fortunate to not be doing at-home learning and COVID-19 will not stop CTL! CTL's learning style is phenomenal and is based on the fundamental love of reading. Our child is challenged but not overburdened. Her portfolio from last year was amazing, which included all of her writings, math, Spanish, and other school work. We cannot wait to see what this year brings.
- Posted by
5  
Great school with hands on project based learning. Every child should have a school like this. I love all that they do to promote creativity and the love of lifelong learners.
- Posted by
5  
CTL is an amazing non traditional school. The concept is all about the love of learning. The teachers and staff are highly passionate and love what they do. My kids are happy being at CTL.
- Posted by
5  
This school is phenomenal. I have 3 children here and I was a teacher in Australia. I had high expectations about the school I wanted my kids to attend when we relocated to Houston. This school is founded on academic research of how kids learn and how you can empower them to succeed. I have seen first hand the power of the teaching and learning at CTL and it surpasses anything I have seen in my decade teaching. The engagement, knowledge and critical thinking the teachers deliver are fundamental to what education research says are the vital skills for 21st century learners. This school is the future of teaching and learning.
- Posted by
5  
I have registered my sixth-grade son for this brand new school in The Woodlands. I can't wait to see him thrive in this wonderful, rich, student-centered environment!
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked TX School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 181 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $14,800
  • Acceptance rate: 95%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Harris County, TX is $14,672 for elementary schools and $16,817 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Harris County, TX is 82% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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