A Strong Start: The Benefits of a Small K–8 School
TCPS students, teachers, and parents love the tradition of the annual bubble ceremony when students blow bubbles to carry their wishes for a great school year up to the sky! Traditions such as these help make lasting connections at our K-8 independent school.
Preparing for the Start of School
The first month of school is always an exciting time at TCPS. In preparation, teachers and staff come together for two weeks of collaborative work during summer orientation. We welcome our families back to campus with an engaging student visiting day to help reduce any first-day-of-school jitters and host our annual school traditions such as our spirited Bubbles Ceremony with a fun visit from the TCPS Tiger! As the school days unfold we find that by late September, routines are established, friendships are forming, and classrooms are buzzing with activity and curiosity.
That sense of activity and curiosity is a key ingredient to student enthusiasm and success at TCPS. During orientation, we were treated to visits from both of our founders who reflected ”helping students learn on a deeper level, through hands-on experiences, so they truly comprehend, rather than simply memorizing without understanding, this is invaluable.”
For us, it isn’t just the typical story about getting back into the rhythm of school—it’s about the unique advantages of children learning in a close-knit K–8 community where teachers love what they do and children are known, supported, and challenged at every stage.
Kindergarten: Building Confidence from the Start
For our youngest learners (and their parents), the transition into Kindergarten is a big step! In a small school setting, that step feels safe and exciting rather than overwhelming. Thanks in part to our beginning of the year parent-teacher conferences, our teachers are able to take the time to get to know each child—what makes them laugh, what sparks their curiosity, even what might feel new or a little scary. This personal attention gives Kindergartners the confidence to branch out in their new environment, to embrace independence, and begin their educational journey with joy.
Elementary School: Deepening Curiosity and Belonging
As children move through the elementary grades, the benefits of a small school community shine even brighter. Teachers collaborate across grade levels, ensuring that each student is supported as an individual. Small class sizes allow for flexible instruction and differentiation—advanced learners are encouraged to stretch into new challenges while those who need extra support are guided with care. Just as importantly, our students feel a sense of belonging. Class meetings allow students to continue to grow and learn in their knowledge of one another as they explore social-emotional learning goals that help our small classes work smoothly. Students are working alongside familiar peers and nurtured by trusted teachers, making school a place where they can focus fully on learning and growing. They are getting ready for the next step - three years of middle school with higher expectations and more advanced levels of learning, critical reasoning, organization and planning.
Middle School: Leading with Confidence
By middle school, TCPS students are ready for more advanced work and to step into leadership roles. In our K–8 structure, they aren’t overshadowed by older high school students—instead, they set the tone for the school community while being allowed to remain a little younger, a little longer, rather than racing to keep up with older, more mature students. They mentor younger students in cross-age activities, lead projects, and discover their own voices as leaders whether in their classes, on Student Council, and other activities. Academically, they are doing more advanced work learning algebra, conducting science experiments, writing essays, and more. Trusted teachers encourage students to take risks and attempt new challenges, getting ready for the next step—whether that’s independent high school applications, high school placement testing, or developing the self-advocacy skills that will carry them forward into higher levels of learning after TCPS. So much growth occurs from 6th - 8th grade! Socially and emotionally, they spend three years preparing for all that comes next, not just ready for high school, but ready for life.
A Community that Grows Together
Every Fall at the start of a new school year it is a time of renewal and a time to focus again on the path ahead. From Kindergarten to 8th grade, our students grow up in a supportive environment where they are seen as whole people—learners, friends, leaders, and future citizens, supported by caring teachers and loving parents. This is the unique promise of a small K–8 school: continuity, connection, and a community that celebrates every milestone along the way.
We’re off to a great start! Here’s to another year of growth, discovery, and confidence—for every child, at every stage.