FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING
What is Foundational Learning?
The Skills That Unlock Everything Else
At TVS, we teach to mastery — not to the test, not to the calendar, and not to the pace of the class in aggregate. Before a learner moves forward, they truly own what came before. Reading, writing, math, critical thinking — these aren't subjects to survive on the way to the next grade. They're the foundation that makes every other kind of learning possible. When learners truly own these skills — not just recognize them on a test— they're ready to go deeper, pursue accelerated paths, and choose their own direction. The foundation isn't the destination. It's the launching pad.
Math
Learning to learn math is prioritized over memorization. We accomplish this by weaving math into three areas of our learning design: interdisciplinary projects, individualized learning paths supported by adaptive software platforms, and collaborative math labs.
Reading
Learners progress through scientific-based systems focused on phonetic awareness, decoding, and critical reading. Learners build these skills through ample time for choice reading and exposure to various genres, emerging as confident, lifelong readers.
Writing
Writing is a powerful tool for thinking, exploring ideas, and developing an intellectual identity. We prioritize writing to learn instead of learning to write. Our approach creates space for learners to learn about themselves and the world through reflection, and experimentation with different modes of writing such as persuasion, information, and research.
Social Studies
Learners develop a curiosity about themselves, their communities, and their world through in depth exploration of other cultures from the beginning of time to current events. The curriculum weaves together multiple lifeworthy skills such as research, writing, discussion, and reflection resulting in one of our most transformative learning experiences.
Science
The most meaningful learning occurs through real-world, open-walled, authentic experiences. Project time delivers hands-on learning experiences centered around learners’ emerging interests, STEAM, learning from failure, and process over product.
Play
We believe that play is the work of the child and fosters the type of character development at the heart of our learning model. Learners of all ages spend at least half of their week at school engaged in both structured and unstructured play - many times outside in all weather conditions.
Health and Wellness
We believe that who you become is more important than how much you know - and that transformational learning is only possible when learners feel a sense of belonging. Learners spend dedicated time each week learning about themselves and discovering who they are.
Art and Music
Making - art and music - is woven into the learner experience through structured projects and unstructured creative activities. We believe artistic expression through making is a vital part of creative risk-taking and authentic self-expression.