HISTORY
The Institute of Children’s Literature has over 50 years of teaching writing for children and teens, writing for magazines, and writing and selling short stories and articles. Its sister school, Institute for Writers, has over 30 years of teaching the basics of writing stories and articles for publication and how to shape, write, and sell your novel for an adult audience.
In 1969, ICL Founder Douglas Chouteau combined his years of experience in publishing and his aspiration to create a writing school, and founded the Institute of Children’s Literature.
In 1975, a longtime friend of Chouteau’s brother, Bryan Judge, became the President of the Institute of Children’s Literature, and served in that position until 2015.
Under his leadership, the Institute of Children’s Literature formalized its educational model, developed a more robust body of course offerings, and earned approval from the state of Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
In 1989, Long Ridge Writers Group (later renamed Institute for Writers) was founded. A sister school to the Institute of Children’s Literature, it focused on training writers for the adult novel, nonfiction, and magazine markets using the same proven method of instruction; a customized, one-on-one course with a professional, published instructor.
In 2015, the Institute found new leadership, with Jerry Davis serving as President, and Katie Davis serving as CEO and School Director. Their combined experience in children’s publishing, youth markets and digital media brought new energy to the Institute with a focus on the publishing marketplace and the changing demands on writers in the digital age.
Under their direction, the Institute of Children’s Literature and Institute for Writers have expanded digital offerings, added support services for students in both schools while upholding the tradition one-on-one instruction to writers. Katie and Jerry were innovative in expanding resources to support writing goals for aspiring writers and published authors.
In 2016, Long Ridge Writers Group officially became the Institute for Writers. Though it has a new title, the Institute for Writers upholds the legacy of Long Ridge Writers Group as the successful sister school of the Institute of Children’s Literature.
Direct Learning Systems (DLS)—a full-service distance education and publishing company dedicated to providing solutions for students in the e-learning community—acquired the Institute in 2020. DLS owner and operator Kevin McCloskey, with decades of experience in distance education, accreditation, and business operations, plans to take the Institute into the next generation of online course delivery.
Today, Douglas Chouteau’s vision in 1969 has become an important, sustainable institute. Our esteemed instructors have worked on-on-one with writers of all kinds, including teachers needing continuing education credits to those looking to write a family history. Welcome to the family.
We’re very excited about the first 50 years, and we’re ready for what the next 50 will bring!
