Alumni

Kyla Rafert, Class of 1991, attended NCCL for grades 6 and 7. Afterwards she attended Wilmington Friends School. After graduating high school with honors, she attended the Rhode Island School of Design where she earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Printmaking. Eventually she went on to earn two Masters of Fine Arts, one at the University of Delaware, and another at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, a top program in her specialty of printmaking. She now lives on a homestead in rural Ohio. When she's not spending time with her young children or butchering chickens, she is striving to meet a high demand for her award winning paintings. She is represented by Sarah Gormley Gallery in Columbus, Ohio and last year was one of ten finalists for the Bennet Prize, the highest monetary prize awarded to women artists working figuratively. You can see her work at www.kyla-zoe.com. One of her favorite NCCL school memories is almost killing someone's pet turtle as part of a failed (read, neglected) science experiment. Thankfully, Ray Magnani, upon recognizing her paltry ministrations to the turtle, saved the turtle's life by sending it home. 

Christian Hartranft, Class of 2004, attended NCCL from kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, he attended Archmere Academy in Claymont, DE and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Government from Franklin & Marshall College and his master's degree in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University. Christian currently serves as Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the President at the Aspen Institute, a global nonprofit organization working to promote a free, just, and equitable society. Previously, Christian worked in the Office of the President at his alma mater, Franklin & Marshall College. He lives with his fiancée Hannah in Washington, DC. Favorite NCCL memories include every Workshop Week session in which he took part, especially those involving building rockets and/or computers. 

Sophie Poindexter, Class of 2012, is a graphic designer and social media coordinator based in Philadelphia, PA. She grew up in Newark, DE and attended NCCL from 2004-2012. She went to highschool at Padua Academy and continued her education at the University of Delaware. She graduated in 2021 with a BFA in visual communications. Her favorite memories at NCCL are the camping trips, workshop week, and the close relationships with the teachers.

Hayden Land, Class of 2020, attended NCCL School for 6th to 8th grade. He is currently a senior at Wilmington Friends School. He plans to major in Computer Science at either the University of Delaware or Drexel.

Chris Neunuebel, Class of 2023, attended NCCL from grades 2-8. He then went on to Newark to pursue many different pathways including culinary, business, engineering and theatre. He is playing sports for Newark including soccer and is going to join the track team. A favorite memory of his from NCCL is being the wicked witch of the west in one of the NCCL productions.

François Ballou is the proud father of Joshua Ballou, Class of 2020, and Joseph Ballou, Class of 2022. Both sons embarked on their educational journey at NCCL in 2015, starting in Group 2, and have since continued their academic pursuits at Wilmington Friends High School. Joshua, now a senior, is keenly focused on aviation and has received offers from some of the country's top aviation colleges, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Institute of Technology, and Jacksonville University. Joseph, a sophomore, has established himself as a leader and role model at Wilmington Friends. Here's an excerpt recently received from his home room advisor Mrs. Zug. "As you've heard me say, there is no student event or athletic contest I attend where Joe is not there in the stands or on the sidelines, cheering on his classmates. His generosity, empathy and positive attitude enrich the spirit of Friends."

As a parent, François could easily claim credit for his sons' accomplishments but instead emphasizes the adage " It takes a Village to raise a child".

He's happy NCCL has been and stays a part of their village.