Business Details
30 Years
experience
K-8 Experiential Learning in Asheville NC
Learning Community School inspires children to realize their true selves through experiential learning, outdoor education, and social-emotional development. Founded in 1996, our program nurtures curiosity and creativity alongside academic rigor for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Our small class sizes enable personalized learning pathways, integrating core academics with arts, service, and nature-based experiences. We cultivate critical thinking and resilience through our TEAM conflict-resolution model and multi-grade classrooms.Faculty members bring decades of expertise in innovative pedagogy, including Orton-Gillingham literacy instruction and National Board-certified Spanish educators. Our 28-acre campus features outdoor classrooms, gardens, and trails that support hands-on science exploration and environmental stewardship. Committed to inclusivity, we serve diverse learners with specialized support and adaptive teaching methods. Accredited as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we maintain strong community partnerships and offer financial aid programs to ensure accessibility.
Services
Outdoor Learning
Multi-Grade Academics
Arts Integration
Spanish Courses
Physical Education
After-School Programs
Student Support Services
Summer Programs
Admissions Consultation
Community Musical Productions
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized learning pathways for diverse learners
- Our faculty includes National Board-certified educators and Orton-Gillingham trained specialists
- We integrate outdoor education into core academic instruction
- Our 28-acre campus features dedicated outdoor classrooms and gardens
- Small class sizes enable individualized attention and relationship-based learning
What people say
Experiential learning
Caring teachers
Outdoor classrooms
Small class sizes
Strong community
Services
Outdoor Learning
Our 28-acre campus provides outdoor classrooms for hands-on science exploration, environmental stewardship, and nature-based learning. Students engage with ponds, gardens, and trails to connect academic concepts with real-world experiences. This approach develops environmental awareness and observational skills through curriculum-integrated activities.
Multi-Grade Academics
Our mixed-grade classrooms allow students to progress at their own pace while building community across age groups. This model supports differentiated instruction in core subjects while maintaining academic rigor through individualized learning plans and peer mentoring opportunities.
Arts Integration
We incorporate visual arts, music, theater, and movement into core academics to enhance learning and self-expression. This includes instrumental music programs, school musicals, and art curriculum that connects with classroom studies to develop creativity and critical thinking.
Student Support Services
Our support team provides individualized strategies for diverse learners including Orton-Gillingham literacy instruction, social-emotional learning support, and academic accommodations. We maintain low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention for children with various learning needs.
Community Programs
We offer volunteer opportunities, parent education workshops, and community events to foster family involvement. Programs include trail maintenance projects, campus beautification days, and collaborative arts initiatives that strengthen our educational community.
People
Holly Baugartner
Operations Director
Managing school operations since 2004, Holly has remained dedicated to TLC's mission after her children graduated. With experience in business management and community building, she ensures smooth administrative functioning. A enthusiast of outdoor activities, she contributes to maintaining our natural campus environment.
David Bird
Academic Director
With over a decade in education, David brings innovative teaching methods and National Board certification in Spanish. He focuses on creating immersive language learning experiences through authentic resources. His international experience enhances cultural understanding in the curriculum at TLC's middle school level.
Karen Howell
Student Support Director
Karen specializes in supporting students with learning differences, holding Orton-Gillingham and Academic Language Therapy certifications. With ten years' experience in specialized education, she develops tailored strategies for student success. She integrates her expertise in language-based learning support across grade levels.
Andy Unguris
Outdoor Education
Bringing 16 years of environmental education experience, Andy leads hands-on science programs in natural settings. His background includes teaching from kindergarten through college and developing curriculum that connects classroom learning with outdoor exploration. He maintains our ecological learning spaces throughout Western North Carolina's diverse environments.
Nikki Young
Admissions Director
With two decades of educational experience, Nikki guides families through the admissions process while teaching Spanish. She fosters community connections and cultivates relationships that reflect TLC's values. As both educator and parent within our community, she offers unique perspective to prospective families.
Questions
What grades does The Learning Community School serve?
We educate students from kindergarten through 8th grade in a personalized, multi-age learning environment.
What makes TLC's educational approach unique?
Our approach combines experiential learning, outdoor education, arts integration, and social-emotional development with academic rigor.
Is TLC accredited?
We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational institution accredited by the North Carolina Department of Education.
What outdoor learning opportunities are available?
Our 28-acre campus includes gardens, trails, and outdoor classrooms where students explore science, math, and literature in natural settings.
What is the admissions process like?
Our process includes a campus visit, application, academic records review, and family meeting to ensure we can support each child's needs.
Do you offer after-school programs?
We offer after-school art clubs, sports coaches, and community musical program opportunities beyond regular school hours.
