Frequently Asked Questions
What is a day in the life of a TVS learner?
What is self-directed learning?
We believe self-directed learning is when young people have the opportunity to choose the process, content, skills, learning pathways, and/or outcomes of learning, with the guidance, accountability, and support of others, in service of learning about themselves and learning to live together. Our definition is inspired by the research from the Institute of Self Directed Learning. Read more about what the learners have to say here.
How do you teach reading?
We follow the science of reading and members of our guide team are trained in the Orton Gillingham approach. Read more details about our reading curriculum here.
How do you teach math?
Learners learn math badges/credits at TVS through completing courses on Khan Academy. Learners in all studios are supported by a math specialist who is available several hours per week. Read more about our early childhood approach here, and read about learning to learn math in our elementary and middle school studios here and here.
How much is tuition and are there scholarships?
Information about tuition can be found here and scholarship opportunities here.
Is The Village School accredited?
TVS is accredited by Cognia and was named a Cognia School of Distinction for the 2024-25 school year.
What is the TVS school calendar?
The TVS school year typically goes from the last week of August until mid-June with six week sessions followed by a week off and a two week winter break.
How diverse is The Village School?
Our community values diversity and believes that learning is better in a diverse environment. As a community our goal is to continually improve our diversity across the following through-lines: race, socioeconomics, gender, age, religion, politics, and school background.
Will my kids be on their computers all day?
Learners in Spark are not permitted to be on tech with the exception of older learners who are preparing to transition to Discovery Studio. Learners in Discovery and Adventure are only on their computers about 25% of the time. Read more about our approach to tech here.
What is the difference between a guide and a teacher?
We believe that young people should be trusted to learn from their own experiences - even failures! The role of the guide is to create an environment where young people feel empowered to be self-directed, learn about themselves, and learn how to live together. While the traditional belief of a teacher suggests that the teacher holds knowledge to impart on others, a guide believes that young people are capable of creating their own knowledge and understanding. Read more about the role of a guide here.
If there are no grades, how will I know if my learner is progressing?
At TVS we are interested in individual learner growth, rather than comparison to others. We believe the best way to determine how a learner is progressing is through multiple data points - the most important being a conversation with the learner.
Journey Reviews or learner-led conferences are offered twice a year when families are invited to a learner-led meeting sharing progress towards their goals and reflections on their learning experiences.
Spark (early childhood) families
Discovery (elementary) and Adventure (middle) school learners and their families have access to our school online learning dashboard at any time that shows a learner's progress and upcoming goals and tasks. Guides also update this dashboard with notes from one on one guide meetings for parents to check-in. Learners in these studios have individual badge plans that are also markers for progress and growth.
Once a year learners will take a standardized test to be used as just one data point that shows growth over time. Read more about our approach to standardized testing here.
What does being an all-weather school mean?
We believe there is no such thing as bad weather and will go outside with learners unless the weather conditions are dangerous. Read more about our all weather approach here and read here about how much we love dirt!
Does TVS assign homework?
TVS does not assign homework in the traditional sense however many learners choose to work on their goals outside of school hours and might need to work outside of school depending on the goals they set for themselves. Read more here.
What do learners do at the park?
Learners spend time at the park or with our community partners in nature and unstructured learner-led play. We believe that spending time outside in all weather is important to the growth and development of young people. Read more about this time here.
What does a TVS transcript look like?
Graduating and middle school learners will receive a transferable transcript with letter grades. Younger learners (early childhood and elementary) will receive a narrative transcript that corresponds with the core subjects in traditional school.
Does TVS serve children with special needs?
We are not trained or staffed to serve children with serious learning disabilities, special needs, or who need specialized attention. If you believe TVS is a good fit for your learner please inquire and we will personally assess your unique situation and the fit of your learner.
How do learners adjust in high school after they leave a school like TVS?
Our graduates are thriving across various types of high school experiences. Read all about their reflections and post-TVS experience here.
How does TVS approach discipline?
At The Village School, we utilize Positive Discipline in response to negative behavior. We believe that learners at all stages of development need Belonging, Kindness, Validation, Respect, and Encouragement. Often, when behavior is not congruent with our look-fors, studio contracts, and social norms, there is a need that is not met.