Academics
Personalized Learning Pathways
TNCS students enter with specific skill or processing challenges that affect how they acquire knowledge and demonstrate what they know. Standardized testing often reveals difficulties in reading, spelling, and math computation, while other essential skills—such as written expression, organization, and study habits—can be harder to quantify but are just as critical for success at the secondary level.
To help students overcome these challenges, our academic departments integrate targeted strategies that help them develop strong organizational and study techniques. As students build these foundational skills, we gradually adjust support structures, empowering them to take greater ownership of their learning and preparing them for future academic success.
Middle School
Our Middle School program is thoughtfully designed to present learning experiences that are relevant and challenging in an environment that cultivates skill development and self-advocacy.
The core academic focus includes reading, handwriting, spelling, composition, math, and study skills. A typical Middle School schedule includes English, math, history, science, physical education/health, an elective, and Language Fundamentals. Placement in math and Language Fundamentals is determined by diagnostic skill assessments, ensuring that each student receives the appropriate level of support and challenge.
Fifth and sixth-grade students explore electives on a quarterly basis, while seventh and eighth-graders engage in semester-long elective courses, allowing for a deeper exploration of their interests.
Upper School
Our Upper School offers a dynamic academic program designed to prepare students for success in college, career, and beyond—wherever their path may lead.
Students can get a head start on their post-secondary education by earning college credit through dual enrollment courses and Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities.
Navigating the college search process involves many considerations, and our dedicated college and career counseling program provides personalized guidance tailored to each student’s interests and goals. Juniors and seniors also extend their learning beyond the classroom through job shadowing experiences, gaining valuable real-world insight as they prepare for the future.
Aligned with our Portrait of a Graduate pillars, students continue to develop key skills such as effective communication, innovative thinking, adaptability, community engagement, wellness, and strategic reading.
Our language fundamentals curriculum continues to address skill deficits while also emphasizing reading comprehension and writing, culminating in the Academic Research and Writing course, where students conduct research and refine the analytical skills that will serve them in higher education and their future careers.