We know our students by name, we meet with them regularly, and we listen to them. We support our students to ensure they are successful at both the high school and college level.
As parents, you are vital partners in the educational process. The supportive role that you play in education supports student achievement and your perspective is valued as it enhances our school community.
We listen to parents and engage them in the decision-making process. We are collaborative and welcoming, and to us, every student matters. We also provide parent support, including workshops on various topics and learning opportunities in order to support your student at home.
We encourage you to get involved by being part of the School Advisory Committee and PTSO. Together, we can work to ensure your scholar is Future Ready.
View TCA Bell Schedule
View TCA Student Handbook 23-24
View Fall 23 - Spring 24 TCA School Calendar
Curriculum and Instruction
TCA will use two instructional strategies as part of our commitment to our students: Project-Based Learning and Place-Based Education.
Project-Based Learning
Hands-on engagement is key to giving students the knowledge, skills, character, and attitudes needed to succeed. Project-based learning may start with the teacher assigning a topic to investigate or presenting a problem to solve rather than a topic to study. Students themselves may generate the question or challenge based on their own concerns and observations.
Core components of Project-Based Learning at TCA will include the following:
- Standards-Content Knowledge and Skills
- Student-driven and teacher-guided PBL ensures that the specific content and skill-based standards are covered, practiced, and mastered.
- Authenticity and Relevance – Real-World Challenge, Need, Problem, or Concern
- PBL community-driven issues. TCA will combine PBL and workplace skill development in order to impact real-world challenges in our local community.
- Collaboration
- PBL focuses on group interactions and allows students to engage in cooperative learning activities that promote interdependence, individual accountability, and positive interaction among students.
- Employability Skills
- PBL improves workforce skills (e.g., critical thinking, communication, collaboration, innovation, technology use, self-direction, persistence) that are practiced and assessed both formatively and summatively throughout projects.
- Community Partners
- PBL involves community partners who provide feedback to assist students in the learning process and in their overall growth.
- Feedback and Revision
- Students receive timely and frequent feedback and use the feedback to revise and improve their end products.
- Reflection
- Throughout the course of a PBL unit and afterward, students take time to reflect on their learning, their mastery, and their overall effort and progress toward the goal.
Place-Based Education
Place-based education plays a significant role in successful, meaningful Project-Based Learning.
It considers the physical surroundings and the larger community to be part of the learning environment itself.
It emphasizes learning through participation in service projects that address social, environmental, and economic needs within the community.
Core ideas:
- Learning takes place in the local community and environment as well as in school
- Learning focuses on local themes, systems, and content
- Learning is personally relevant to the learner
- Learning experiences contribute to the community’s vitality
- Learning is supported by strong and varied partnerships with local organizations, agencies, businesses, and government
- Learning is interdisciplinary
- Learning experiences are tailored to the local audience
- Learning is grounded in and supports the development of a love for one’s place
- Local learning serves as the foundation for understanding and participating appropriately in regional and global issues
- Place-based education programs are integral to achieving other institutional goals
TCA will offer a range of educational and career pathways targeting regional workforce needs. It will form community partnerships to complement the degree pathways and provide opportunities for experience during our STEM Immersion week each spring.
Examples include:
- Cyber Security
- Computer Programming and Web Development
- Engineering Technology
- Dental Hygiene
- Nursing (RN)
- Building Automation Systems
- Coming Soon: Video Game Design
College and Career Prep:
Students will take part in various elective courses at the high school level, including:
- Critical Thinking and Study Skills
- Career Research and Decision Making
- Leadership
- Personal Financial Literacy
In these interactive elective courses, students will:
- Explore different career and education pathways
- Study interview techniques and networking tips
- Learn how to develop a resume
- Learn high-stakes testing skills
- Learn proven study techniques
- Learn time management, goal setting
- Learn how to save and spend wisely
- Learn how to take action in learning, in the workplace, and in life
These courses are designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and the necessary skills to excel in the dual-enrollment pathway they pursue. The skills learned will also be a great addition to their resume, making them competitive in future education and workforce pursuits.
Student ID Cards
Students must always wear their ID cards on a lanyard while at school. We will provide the ID card and the designated lanyard. The ID card will be their library card, their lunch card, and their identification card while on campus, whether in TCA classes or TCC classes. Students may also use their ID card throughout the city as an identifier to ride the Star Metro bus for free and receive other discounts. When attending field trips, community events during school hours, or while on TCC’s campus, students must have their ID card visible.