In 1989, the Integrated Day Program of Norwich, Connecticut was established within the existing public school system. In 1997, Joan Heffernan, June Morrone, and Joyce Werden helped to create an alternative school, as a free public school choice, for all members of the Norwich community and surrounding areas. The charter was awarded in February 1997. The school opened its doors August 1997 with 175 students and a sizable waiting list. In 1999, the school expanded its enrollment to 240 students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade. In 2000, the number of enrolled students increased to 264 students and increased again in 2001 to 286 students. In June 2001, early renewal of the charter was awarded. Integrated Day Charter School (IDCS) is now at its full capacity with 300 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 8th grade.
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The staff at IDCS(Integrated Day Charter School ) holds high expectations for all students. It is the school's objective to have all students reach, or exceed, level 60 proficiency in all areas of the Connecticut Mastery Test as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
According to IDCS' mission statement, the school firmly believes parents and caregivers are the first teachers. Parents are involved in a multitude of projects at the school including: arranging after school activities for students, volunteering in the classrooms and on trips, and contributing and chaperoning at the school dance. In 2005, there were over 1,594 entries in the volunteer blog.
IDCS is a demonstration school for learning. The Connecticut State Department of Education awarded IDCS a dissemination grant to publish manuals for two facets of the charter school philosophy.
Integrated Day Charter School is located at 68 Thermos Ave. Norwich, Connecticut 06360.