Frequently Asked Questions
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. Most importantly, here is what our learners have to say about what it means.
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 when we bring together a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences. We are proud that approximately 20% of our 2025-26 cohort of learners comes from multicultural backgrounds, and we recognize this as both a strength to celebrate and a foundation to build upon. As a community, our goal is to continually grow and 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? And how often will I hear from them?
The difference comes down to where knowledge is believed to live. A teacher traditionally operates from the assumption that knowledge is something an adult holds and passes down to young people. A guide starts from a different belief entirely — that young people are capable of constructing their own knowledge and understanding when given the right environment and support.
In practice, this means a guide's role is not to stand in front of the room but beside the learner — coaching, encouraging, and stepping in when needed, rather than directing from the front. They create the conditions for young people to be self-directed, to learn from their own experiences (including their failures), to discover who they are, and to learn how to live well with others. It's a shift from delivering learning to enabling it.
While we encourage you to empower your learner to communicate directly with their guides when they have questions or need support, you can reach out to guides anytime! The learner's experience is strengthened when there is a clear partnership between guides and parents.
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 are updated on a digital platform highlighting photographs and captions that communicate growth and progress on academic, social, and developmental goals.
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. 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.
What do learners do at the park?
At least once a week, our learners head to local parks for outdoor play — and at The Village School, play is never an extra. It's an essential part of how our learners develop resilience, teamwork, creativity, flexibility, compassion, and so much more! Park time also doubles as an opportunity to explore our Health & Wellness curriculum and learn more about who we are. Learn more about how our learners engage in play here and our Health & Wellness approach 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. Here is a transcript from an alumni panel and more about their reflections and post-TVS experience are here.
How does TVS approach discipline?
The Village School adopts a model of positive discipline. We believe that all children are well intentioned. When behavior does not align with our honor code or studio contracts, our guide team, Head of Counseling, and Head of School partner with the learner and parents to create a plan of action.
The Village School is committed to cultivating a learning environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive for all learners and guides. When behavior causes harm - through racism, discrimination, harassment, or actions that jeopardize the emotional or physical safety of others - we respond with care and urgency. These behaviors are incompatible with our shared agreements and School Promise.
How does The Village School support the social and emotional development of children?
The Village School supports the social and emotional development of children through our Health and Wellness team and curriculum.
Our team includes our Head of Counseling and a Health, Wellness, and Art Guide. They are supported by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with 25 years experience working with children and in schools. The Health and Wellness team meets bi-weekly with studio guides to discuss the health of the studio and individual learners. We utilize the American Academy of Pediatrics definition of a social-emotional competence and the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) mindsets and behaviors as guidelines for determining when a child is thriving socially and emotionally.
Our curriculum is created to curate our profile of a learner character traits: resilience, teamwork, curiosity, creativity, meta-strategic thinking, and communication. Our curriculum inspires learners to encompass each of these characteristics through the stories around us. We explore the stories they tell themselves, the stories of others, and the stories they are told about who they are (Ackerman, 2017).
We give every learner the opportunity to realize their value, full potential, and positive impact on the world. Combining character education and learner-centered education, discovering one’s true authentic self is the heartbeat of our program, ensuring our learners find their value, potential, and success in an ever-changing world.