Charter schools are tuition-free, public schools with more freedom and flexibility to meet the needs of today’s students by providing an innovative educational experience. Charter schools must comply with all the same state regulations and testing requirements as traditional public schools.. Charter schools also give families a choice in public education, allowing them to take a more active role in their children’s education.
Charter schools vary in mission and philosophy, and each charter school is unique. The reasons parents choose charter schools for their children are just as varied as the students themselves.
Charter schools have a long history in Arizona and have existed since a special legislative session in June of 1994. Charter school students make up almost 20% of the public school population in Arizona.
Why Choose La Tierra Community School?
Because quite simply, we have used our charter school flexibility to create an amazing educational experience for our students, staff, and families!
LTCS was founded in 2010 by committed educators who wanted to serve the whole child and inspire a passion for learning. Over the last decade, LTCS has developed a unique curriculum and learning model that both serves and inspires our students.
Serve the whole child & inspire passion for learning
At LTCS, we understand that every child has their own interests, strengths, and learning styles. When we recognize and capitalize on those strengths and styles, and then craft our lessons to address them, our students joyfully gain both knowledge and experiences.
We are committed to the development of good character and thread a rich character education model into all areas of learning. Through character education, we foster an ethic of social and cultural diversity. We learn in an environment where we share ideas and work together to discover our greatest potential.
Academics are as important as personal growth at LTCS, and both are on display when our students share what they’ve learned. Students demonstrate their learning accomplishments through a variety of exhibitions and presentations. Students learn to give and receive feedback from community members, peers and faculty, as their public learning demonstrations become avenues for continued growth.
The teachers and staff of LTCS are lifelong learners themselves, sharing their growth and increased knowledge with each other and our students. There is nothing as powerful for students as an adult role model who emphasizes and demonstrates how they value learning themselves, whether it be inside the classroom or outside in the wide world.
Expeditionary Learning
Our expeditionary learning inspired approach to education encourages our students and staff to learn by applying concepts to the real world, and experiencing the world through the lens of always learning and growing. And the best part of experiential learning is that our students are having fun!
Students of all ages wonder, notice and question their learning. Our learning model is based on cross-curricular thematic units of study (expeditions) that allow students to embrace learning that has real-life applications. Our approach to learning inspires innate connections to content and challenges students to grapple with ideas and apply new skills to real-world matters, inspiring all students to make positive change in their community.
We also embed second language learning as part of each student’s academic experience with weekly Spanish language instruction. Through research we have discovered that learning a second language increases critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility of mind in young children.
Technology competency is increasingly necessary for students in the school environment, and for their futures as 21st Century learners. We equip all our students with one-to-one technology capacity, but also the skills required to use that technology successfully and to their benefit.
Community
Building a close-knit community was a primary goal at LTCS from the start, and we maintain that goal by focusing on community every day. Our students are seen and heard, with a smile and a wave when they arrive at school, a conversation with a teacher at lunchtime, or a check-in during recess. Our students know that they are part of a community that cares about their well-being, their lives, and their success as a student.
We also consider the families of our students a vital part of our community, and our many events that invite families to converse and connect are well-attended. Our school community truly enjoys being together and that deepens our understanding of each other and our shared goal of providing an exceptional education for our students.
Choosing Your School
There are many factors to consider when making the decision about where your child attends school. Many times, the top of that list is how your child will be cared for in their school community. At LTCS, we are thrilled to be on an educational journey with students and families, and we value educating the whole student. We know our students! Every day, we strive to make learning relevant to each student, as well as inspirational and experiential. We are proud of our closely connected community and invite your family to experience all we have to offer.
About La Tierra Community School
At La Tierra Community School, teachers, parents, staff, and students work together to create a school culture of collaboration, respect, and high expectations. Through our expeditionary learning-inspired approach, trust, respect, responsibility, and joy in learning permeate our community and our students know they can impact their world. Enrolling K-7 in Prescott, today!
