Exploring the saw grass marsh at the Everglades National Park provided an in-field opportunity for Clark Advanced Learning Center (CALC) students to develop their knowledge of Florida's unique ecosystems. The 24 environmental science students identified plants and animals and learned about Everglades restoration efforts under the direction of Mrs. Melinda Cottrell, science teacher, and Mrs. Susan Roark, Assistant Director of the CALC. The recent Everglades field trip is one of many real-world experiences which motivate and inspire Clark Advanced Learning Center students. CALC students have earned the highest regional FCAT scores in science and, in 2008, earned the highest passing rates on the FCAT in reading and math on the Treasure Coast.

The national model high school is located on the Chastain Campus of Indian River State College in Stuart and provides students with the advantages of a college campus. CALC students earn college credits for free while still in high school and are able to focus on their career interests through internships. About 200 high school sophomores, juniors and seniors attend the charter high school where they receive personal attention in a small school setting. Students at the Clark also build advanced technology skills, and each student is assigned a laptop computer for research while enrolled at the school.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2009/2010 school year. Call (772) 419-5750 or visit clarkadvancedlearningcenter.org for more information.