We want to answer your questions about TCS. Listed below are questions we often field at an Open House or admission’s interview. Please call or email if you have additional questions about attending TCS.
Is TCS a good match for my child?
TCS is not a special education school. Our students are of average to above average intelligence. Our small size allows us to accommodate many different learning styles and accommodations. Attending an Open House or contacting the director can be the simplest way to gauge the appropriateness. The admissions process is designed to be a an in-depth matching analysis between TCS and your child.
What is the student to teacher ratio?
One teacher for every eight or fewer students.
How many students are in a class?
A class is made up of one teacher and eight or less students. A trip and other activities may involve the entire middle or upper school, which is about 20 students. This small size and flexibility allows us to focus on an individual and have a sense of community.
Does TCS have art, music, sports, proms…?
Yes, but modified to be appropriate to the needs of our students. We emphasize the social and fitness aspects of our activities within our smaller setting so that our students can build social skills and have fun. We don’t have our own athletic teams but the length of our school day and homework demands allow our students to participate in team/club sports.
What kind of future will my child have after attending TCS?
Historically most of our graduates go onto post secondary education. Concept School graduates, successful in a variety of careers, include an accountant, airline pilot, carpenter, college instructor, engineer, nurse, landscaper, Pennsylvania state trooper, heating contractor, independent automotive mechanic, investment officer, store managers, sales representatives, social worker, school teachers, welder and youth minister. They are husbands, wives, mothers and fathers, contributing community members — we are proud of them all!
What about the homework wars?
Homework wars are banned at TCS! At TCS, we emphasize the quality of the work, not the quantity. We would rather have our students complete five items correctly than 35 wrong. Directed readings and specific math assignments allow students to effectively manage the amount of homework, generate questions for in-class follow-up, and explore a small portion of material thoroughly before building a comprehensive overview.
My child is below grade level in some subjects and above in others. Can TCS help?
Yes, TCS makes accommodations to academic level, so that students are placed in courses according to individual skills and according to state graduation requirements. Enrichment and remediation are available for all students according to their abilities.
How do you handle inappropriate behavior at TCS?
We view inappropriate behavior as a mistake due to immature coping or social skills. The student’s toolbox didn’t have the proper tool to work in the situation — so he used the tools he had. We coach the students, so that they develop and recognize the right tool for the job. Mentoring and peer leadership are effective motivators for using the new tools.
My child has been teased and ostracized at his current school, is TCS “safe”?
Many of our students have been victims at their old schools and are compassionate. Unfortunately for many of them, it has been implied that it is their fault. That they needed to stand up for themselves or to ignore the situation — that they should be able to deal with someone else’s bad behavior.
At TCS, each student is understood as an individual by the entire staff, providing a nurturing, safe academic and social learning environment. Our smallness works to our advantage — we have the time to know every child and the closeness to see what’s up.
What happens if my son or daughter is teased?
Teasing or bullying of any kind is not tolerated. TCS is a small and close environment. We can and do know what is going on.
My child needs a friend, can you help?
Because of the focus in TCS admissions guidelines, it is very likely that your child will find a classmate they identify with.
Our small school outlook gives us a lot of chances to squeeze in fun. Bringing in restaurant food to the lunch room or the adventure of our many trips build a sense of camaraderie and provides a chance to bond. Going to get their nails done with a teacher was a huge hit with the middle school girls! Being happy has a lot to do with learning, so it is important to us.
If my child needs extra help, what will happen?
TCS builds extra help into its schedule in many ways. With only a few students in the classroom, the teacher will be able to spot students in need of help — and provide guidance. The school day ends with a study hall in which teachers work on homework with students.
TCS profiling is designed to place a student at an appropriate level and identify the need for remediation, which will provide an environment in which the student can be successful.
Is there a dress code?
No uniforms. Casual is OK. There is no need to change for Phys. Ed. We do expect appropriate attire — shoes, no bare midriff or underwear showing… hopefully the usual.
