Campus and Grounds

TCS is located on a ten-acre property, five of which is a dedicated nature preserve. Classes often take advantage of this area for environmental study and other academic activities.

All classes are contained in one building, allowing for easy transition between classes, as well as social interaction among all grade levels. Two full computer labs, a dedicated science room, all purpose room and library are available to all students.

Trips and Travel

Experiential learning is incorporated with academic subjects across the curriculum. Thus, the many field trips enrich and reinforce classroom learning. Our students may travel into Philadelphia or out to the beach. Once each year, interested upper school students travel to Europe. In the past,we have traveled to Germany, Switzerland, France, England, Canada, Italy, Greece, Scotland, Spain, Austria and Ireland.

Alternative Teaching Strategies

A multi-sensory, multi-intelligence approach is utilized in all classes and all subjects. Our aim is to teach and engage students, not just require memorization of facts. Practical projects across curriculum content reinforce classroom lessons and allow for creative expression of student ideas.

At TCS, we believe that it is the teacher’s job to instruct and create a learning environment. All classes allow sufficient in-class time to begin and develop projects and daily assignments. Study halls are conducted by teachers, allowing students to ask questions and complete assignments throughout the day.

Homework

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.

Students are exposed to the entire curriculum, easily managed in related and organized portions which facilitates true learning, not simple memorization. The middle school attends a required last period study hall to bring closure to their day, reinforce learning and organize remaining homework. This bridges the gap between home and school in an effective manner. Communication between parent and teacher assists in this process.

Positive Environment

TCS staff endeavors to create a safe and nurturing environment through positive individual relationships. An understanding of each child’s academic/social needs and wants is the foundation of every classroom experience. Self advocacy becomes an effective tool for each student, replacing less effective (and often inappropriate) problem-solving attempts. Our students develop a toolbox of techniques, skills and strategies and learn to select and use effective and appropriate tools. We view misbehavior as errors in problem-solving, coaching each individual to find personally satisfying and effective coping mechanisms and solutions to difficult situations.