How Do We Give Children Agency In Their Learning?
These Are The 3 Pillars Of The Village School’s Learning Design:

Learner-Centered

Our learner-centered approach is designed to nurture self-directed learners who are leaders of themselves and their communities. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” curriculum, we respect each child’s unique path to growth through a flexible learning plan that allows them to identify, pursue, and accomplish their goals. With the support of guides and 21st century learning tools, children work to master reading, writing, and math skills, as well as pursue individual passions.

Play- and Project-Based

Playful learning is a goal of ours each day, not just for our youngest learners, but for learners of all ages. Research shows play has enormous learning and social benefits across all ages, but, by the time children are in conventional classrooms, they’ve been taught to suppress their natural play-based curiosity. At TVS, kids learn to engage in real-world experiences through material amounts of time at play and creative, hands-on projects. Every experience encourages collective problem-solving, trial and error, failure, and reflection. Whether engaging in hours of unstructured play, launching a start-up business, programming a robot, or planting a garden, our students build real-life skills every day.

Community-Driven

In our community, children work closely with peers on collaborative projects, engage openly with educators on their goals, connect meaningfully with community members, and grow alongside parents who partner rather than direct. This creates an environment that balances freedom with responsibility, where young people feel truly seen, supported, and capable. In response, they take risks, dive deeply into their interests, and develop the confidence that comes from being truly trusted.