When does the school day begin and end?
Our school day begins promptly at 8:20 a.m. and ends at 2:40 for K/1 students, 2:50 for 2/3 students, and 3:20 for 4/8 students. On Friday, our school day ends 2:50 for K/8.

When does the school year begin and end?
School typically begins at the end of August and ends in late May.

How many students attend TLC?
Enrollment is 65-70 students each year.

How far is TLC from town?
TLC is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Black Mountain and 20-25 minutes from Asheville.

Does TLC offer financial aid?
There is a limited amount of funds available for financial aid to attend TLC. Students must first be admitted to TLC before the process of applying for aid can begin.

Does TLC require standardized testing?
Because we are an independent school, we are required by the state to test at the end of the 3rd and 6th grades. End-of-year standardized testing is optional for students in the 7th and 8th grades.

What is the student/teacher ratio?
Our student/teacher ration is 10:1 or better.

How much time do the students spend outdoors?
TLC students spend a great deal of time outdoors. Children get a 15-30 minute mid-morning break and a 30-minute lunch break, during which the vast majority of children eat their meals outdoors. Many of their morning and afternoon learning activities take place outside when possible. Students often complete reading assignments, skits, and science lessons outdoors, in addition to art, PE, organic gardening, and sometimes even music!

Do you offer after-school care?
TLC offers an after-school homework club and after-school recess club that runs from 3:30-4:30 Monday - Thursday for a fee of $3-$4/day. There are a variety of other after-school clubs that meet once a week. These club offerings often include choices such as yoga, art, chess, and math. After-school club sessions last approximately 6-8 weeks. Please note that there are no afterschool options on Friday.

Do you accept visitors?
We would love to have you visit our school! Please see “Visit TLC” for visiting information.

How do TLC graduates perform in public high school?
TLC graduates do extremely well upon entering high school. With a firm understanding of TEAM and conflict resolution, they seem self-assured in handling differences with their new peers and are routinely more academically advanced.