The Children's School

I have two children enrolled at TCS. They're getting a great education, making friends, and really enjoying school. They're learning how they learn best. They're working with great teachers who care about them and see them for who they are. They're encouraged to be themselves. I see my children developing a strong sense of self, empathy, and leadership skills. We visited several other schools before picking TCS. TCS' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational - not a nod to prevailing trends. We wanted an education that developed our children's character as much as their minds, and in TCS we found a place that does both and reflects our values.

TCS is a wonderful environment, they really live their slogan "amplify childhood." My two kids have grown beyond my expectations, both intellectually and emotionally. The academics are set up in a way for students to challenge themselves without feeling competitive or discouraged by being compared to their classmates. The students at the school are bright, curious, and self-assured. The teachers are a great balance of nurturing and demanding. Outside of the academics, I feel TCS is laying the groundwork for my children to be emotionally prepared to enter high school, college, and the workplace through their BCC curriculum. This is woven through day-to-day life on campus, which cultivates EI (emotional intelligence) in a very intentional way.

We have 2 kids at TCS and love it. More importantly, our kids absolutely love it. My 4th grader has developed such a love for learning, that we are constantly impressed by the projects she initiates such as research projects about endangered animals, creative writing projects, book reports, etc.TCS fosters this love of learning while teaching solid academic and social skills that prepare kids to excel in upper school at a wide variety of top private schools. All children are challenged appropriately to gain skills and knowledge, learn how to solve problems, think critically and communicate effectively in a nurturing, loving environment.Speaking to parents of alum and listening to TCS alum talk about their post TCS experience, I am confident that the academic approach is optimal for elementary school children. Despite the unique learning philosophies at Galloway, Marist, Paideia, Westminster, Woodward etc., TCS alum are often at the top of their class despite the fact that the JATP is not used for admission to TCS. I firmly believe kids who have exceptionally high IQ`s do not need to be surrounded only by kids with similar IQ`s to gain the most of out of their education. I have seen both genius kids and kids who are not as strong academically, thrive. In addition, I have heard stories from multiple middle schools about how schools look to TCS students to mediate and resolve conflicts among their peers. This is a critical life skill that can help kids succeed academically, professionally, and socially.The character development program is truly unique and threads through the entire school experience. Children learn how to be kind and compassionate contributors to society. They learn how to mediate, resolve conflicts and stand up for themselves.They also are involved in age appropriate and increasingly complex community service projects. Kindergartners set up a store to raise money for a homeless shelter (and learn how to market products, count money and make change). The 6th grade curriculum is centered on long term projects that touch on the critical academics (history, science, writing, research, etc.), but which also include developing a deeper knowledge about complex issues such as the refugee crisis, world hunger and human rights.The teachers are amazing and love the kids. The administration constantly evaluates strengths and weaknesses and makes changes when needed to best support our kids (e.g., switching to Singapore Math this year to enhance math skills, taking project based learning to the next level).

We have two children at TCS: a rising 5th grader who has been with TCS since kindergarten and a rising 1st grader who has been with TCS since Pre-Primary. To date, we as a family have had a terrific experience. We find that TCS strikes the perfect balance between teacher-centered learning and child-centered learning. Additionally, the building character program is the best we've seen at the elementary school level. Faculty and Staff make good use of Piedmont Park right across the street and play is incorporated into learning. Finally, each teacher our children have had has truly embodied the parent/teacher partnership and are consistently available and willing to share ideas about how to continue learning at home.

My husband and I could not have asked for a better educational environment for our 3 year old and five year old. The teachers are dedicated to each student and are truly masters in the art of teaching. We love how children are taught to be independent, collaborative, and self-aware. TCS's approach to learning uses a hands-on, project-based approach that teaches and develops necessary skills rather than focusing on content. This is not a school that is traditional in their approach. They are innovative and intentionally in their approach. We also love how character education is not an add on but an infused part of the daily curricula. There is never a day that our sons do not look forward to going to school!