TLC classes are filled with hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that encourage students to make discoveries. For example, here’s an excerpt from one of Ms. Katherine’s Wednesday letters to parents of her 3rd and 4th grade students:

The 3rd and 4th graders are working on fact extensions using the number 10 through a study about a chocolate shop specializing in truffles. After drawing lots of truffles boxes, the students learned that dividing by 10 is quite easy. So easy, in fact, the answer is right in front of you. If you divide 324 by 10, the answer is 32 with 4 left over. See how the answer is right there for the taking? If I had told them this, it would’ve gone in one ear and out the other. But these students discovered this pattern individually, on their own, making it meaningful and therefore retrievable for the next day’s lesson.

Due to our small classroom size and our low teacher-student ratio, no child can fall through the cracks. The TLC staff realizes that the “one size fits all” approach to instruction is not effective; just as every student is different, each student’s approach to learning is different. Their uniqueness is embraced, encouraged. Students are allowed to develop and grow as individuals.

When my daughter was struggling with writing and spelling, the TLC teachers were knowledgeable and resourceful. They helped us put into place the supports needed for our child to succeed. - TLC Parent

Our low student/teacher ratio gives students the opportunity to excel academically. Academic lessons are held in small groups, and students are continually supported by direct, individual instruction.

I like that I know all of my students on an individual basis. I know what to expect from them in almost any situation... whether we are in a math lesson or on a field study. Because our class size is limited, I get to know their parents well, too, which is something I’ve come to count on! - Ms. Mitzi

Because we are a small community, families get to know each other through various events, such as morning parent socials, Author’s Parties, holiday celebrations, and the all-school musical.

My children are part of a supportive and nurturing school community at TLC. The school is a big part of our family’s everyday life; we know the parents of our children’s friends as our own friends. - TLC parent

In the summer of 2000, The Learning Community School was one of the first schools in the area to adopt a new conflict mediation curriculum developed by the Asheville Mediation Center. Not only does this curriculum involve weekly lessons and exercises/games on developing listening skills, anger management techniques, and conflict mediation skills, but also the TEAM format that is introduced to the children provides a successful mechanism for handling most conflicts or problems that might arise at school. The TLC Board and the faculty feel that the skills learned in the TEAM curriculum support and embrace the community focus of our school; therefore, we intend to continue to utilize and integrate this important knowledge into our school day.

My kids use “TEAM language” at home when working through issues. They remind each other to “talk it out” and “give appreciations, not putdowns". It’s pretty impressive!! - TLC parent

Our multi-age classes give students opportunities to foster their leadership skills during years when they are the oldest in the class. Every student has a buddy in each of the four homeroom classes. These buddies play TEAM games together, honor each other on birthdays and Valentine’s Day, and in general, enjoy seeing each other around campus.

I appreciate my buddy because he always says hi to me and plays ball with me on the playground. - First grader giving an appreciation for his 5th grade buddy

Academic standards at TLC School are set high; students are given the opportunity to work above grade level in every subject. Students are supported in all areas of their academic life. This includes small class size, individualized instruction, and tutoring.

Graduates of our program are prepared for advanced placement courses in area high schools, including Asheville School, Owen High, Reynolds High, and Asheville High.

Our daughter entered Asheville High’s gifted program and was more than prepared for all of her academic classes… in fact, some of them were actually too easy for her. The instruction she received at TLC was above and beyond what I expected. My daughter continues to benefit from the lessons she learned there. - TLC parent

TLC School is located on a 600-acre campus, with organic gardens, mountain trails, three lakes, soccer fields, and tennis courts.

On any given day, my students enjoy the out-of-doors, whether they are reading under a tree, hiking a trail, tagging monarch butterflies, or playing tennis at recess. - Ms. Julie

Each year, our students perform in an all-school musical. This presents a wonderful opportunity for the student body to work as a team, as well as a great chance for the entire community to come together. Every family is involved in some aspect of the musical - from costume design to constructing sets to popping corn at the concession stand, the musical allows all families to plug into behind-the-scenes theater life.

The students benefit from the on-stage experience in countless ways. There is a long journey from the first moment they are handed a script and begin memorizing lines to the final curtain call with thunderous applause. The costume fittings, blocking, choreography, and chorus numbers all require focus and attention from each and every student. While the musical serves as an entertaining event for the community, it is an irreplaceable growing experience for the students.

I couldn’t believe that my daughter was on stage, singing and dancing and smiling! Her confidence grew by leaps and bounds. She can’t wait to return to the stage next spring. - TLC Parent