Leading national operator of private schools demonstrates commitment to incorporating technology and innovative thinking into the classroom

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (Feb. 23, 2009) - Nobel Learning Communities, Inc., a leading operator of private preschools, elementary and middle schools, today announced that the organization has become an affiliate of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills supports the integration of 21st century skills into all aspects of teaching and learning. Nobel Learning Communities is one of the first networks of private schools to become an affiliate of the partnership, which encourages schools, districts and states to infuse 21st century skills into education, and provides tools and resources to help facilitate and drive change.

To successfully face rigorous higher education coursework, career challenges and a globally competitive workforce, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and Nobel Learning Communities believe that U.S. schools must align classroom environments with real-world environments by infusing skills such as life and career skills; learning and innovation skills; and information, media and technology skills. As students gain core academic knowledge, they should also develop abilities such as critical thinking and systems thinking; problem solving and creativity; interpersonal and self-direction skills; financial, economic, business literacy and entrepreneurial skills; and global and civic awareness.

"Nobel Learning Communities and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills share a commitment to equipping our students with the skills and learning experiences they need to be successful citizens and workers in the 21st century," said Susan W. Race, Ed.D., Senior Vice President of Education for Nobel Learning Communities, Inc. "This affiliation will help us create professional development programs for our teachers that encourage students to acquire academic knowledge and the skills needed to apply that knowledge to real life situations."

One of the ways in which Nobel Learning Communities, Inc. currently demonstrates its commitment to 21st century skills in the classroom is through its unique Learning Without Walls program. Learning Without Walls is a program in which elementary and middle school students participate in online learning teams with sister schools in other parts of the country. Students research and present finding on topics such as global warming, entrepreneurship, and architectural design, and share their findings through teleconferencing and blogging.

"We are very pleased to have Nobel Learning Communities affiliated with our efforts to help educators receive the professional development required to build the knowledge and skills necessary to ensuring students succeed in postsecondary work and life," said Ken Kay, president of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. "The Partnership commends Nobel Learning Communities for its commitment and hopes that nation's other leading professional development providers join us in this mission."