TLC Charter School’s educational program uses traditional public school text and materials and its philosophy is loosely based on the work of Dr. Earnest Boyer and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. As explained in his book, The Basic School, the four priorities are:
a. The School as Community
b. Curriculum with Coherence
c. A Climate for Learning
d. A Commitment to Character

The Basic School strategy provides a frame for tried and true tenets of effective schooling. It pulls learning from cognitive research and developmental theory together with understandings of policy, organizational theory and school change. It is comprehensive and cohesive, yet flexible enough to encourage individual schools to develop their own unique programs.

The goal of the Basic School is not only to prepare students for careers, not only to give knowledge to students, but to also help channel knowledge to develop students’ capacities to live with dignity and purpose, to enable students to judge wisely and to act responsibly in matters of life and conduct. The Basic Schools’ philosophy is to nurture in each student the desire to contribute and make meaning out of life.

Language Arts (K-6)
Language is the foundation upon which all the disciplines draw. With this in mind, our language arts program uses phonics and literature to help children become passionate readers, fluent writers, convincing speakers and careful listeners. Parents are encouraged to become part of this process by reading to their children every evening.
Text: (Harcourt Collections K-6, Harcourt Publishers)

Science (K-6) Our program takes advantage of the natural curiosity of young children by opening up the world of science through hands-on activities and experimentation. Our curriculum is laboratory-based, emphasizing learning by doing. Our campus (including adjacent park), field trips to State and National parks & museums provides many opportunities for science exploration. Classes also use the University of Arizona's Flandrau Planetarium and Starizona Adventures for introductory lessons in astronomy.
Text: (Harcourt Science K-6, Harcourt Publishers)

Social Studies (K-6)
The overarching theme for all our social studies units is communities. Children begin close to home by studying their families, homes and neighborhoods. As they grow older, their studies move farther afield and further back into history. Geography is an integral part of the program.
Text: (Adventures in Time and Place K-6, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill)

Math (K-6)
The goal of our mathematics program is to teach important concepts along with the practice of procedures. Over the years, the curriculum develops concepts concretely, pictorially and then abstractly, encouraging the use of multiple problem-solving strategies. Students are consistently asked to explain the reasoning behind their answers to problems in class and in written work.
Text: (K-6th Grade Math, Saxon)

Fine Art (K-6)
In a studio setting, children learn through making, discussing and exhibiting their work. They are introduced to many forms of two- and three-dimensional art in lessons that combine historical sources, material demonstrations and production.

Physical Education (K-6)
The lower school physical education program emphasizes the development of social skills, gross and fine motor skills, and the value of sportsmanship with particular emphasis on the interaction among classmates in cooperative and competitive activities. Beginning in kindergarten, students are introduced to a variety of basic motor skills, such as running, skipping and jumping. These skills are developed and refined through activities that incorporate space, movement in different directions, creativity and speed. Activities are presented in a sequential manner; each learned skill is the foundation for more refined movements. A wide variety of activities are offered, such as ball skills, cooperative games, tennis, jump rope, dance and rhythmic movement. A fitness component is included at each grade level. Students understand the value of exercise as it is incorporated into the entire educational process. Stretching, strength training and cardiovascular endurance are included.

Middle School (7-8) - A Comfortable Place to Grow Our middle school is a vibrant place. At this stage students have the ability to make impressive academic progress while learning what it means to contribute to the life of the school. Our rigorous program challenges middle-schoolers and supports their growth through a rich and varied curriculum.
Class sizes are kept small. Teachers, students and parents work closely together. Dedicated and talented faculty fosters clear, thoughtful communication between home and school, forming a partnership that values educational excellence.
Student progress is monitored regularly, paying attention not only to academic achievements and challenges, but also to the development of study skills and of broader responsibilities within the school community.

Language Arts (7-8)
TLC offers a literature-based curriculum, aligned with Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Standards, which introduces students to a variety of high-quality works, many which are recommended by Core Knowledge and others as classic pieces of literature. Each course focuses on responding to and analyzing written works both orally and in writing, with strong emphasis on the writing of essays and other full-length products.
In addition, the English department has developed a scope and sequence for grammar study at each level, with additional topics introduced or re-taught as necessary. It is the intention of the English department to provide students with the powers of analysis to make reading and writing about literature a meaningful experience, as well as to create engaging experiences with literature that will foster life-long reading pleasure. Writing instruction will focus on the development of thoughtful content, compelling support, clear and sophisticated expression, organization, technical accuracy and polish.
Text: Grade 7 (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill - Elements of Language, First Course), Grade 8 (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill - Elements of Language, Second Course).

Science (7-8)
Science is a natural and cumulative outgrowth of human curiosity and the need to interact with the environment. Learning science involves process and problem-solving skills that use one's rational powers and fosters development through logical and imaginative thinking. Science is also a way to organize knowledge in the forms of concepts and content. It expands upon the attitude of inquiry and develops the ability to use scientific principles and processes appropriately in making personal decisions.
Text: Grade 7 (Glencoe - Science Voyages: Exploring the Life, Earth & Physical Sciences II), Grade8 (Glencoe - Science Voyages: Exploring the Life, Earth & Physical Sciences III).

Social Studies (7-8)
Social studies classes at TLC Charter Schools are based on the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Standards. Students are encouraged to ask "big questions" and build critical thinking and writing skills.
American History picks up where the Age of Exploration ended, as European explorers encounter the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Thinking critically about the balance of rights and responsibilities in the formation of the new nation, students survey the great ideas, heroes and "sheroes" of our American past. From the American Revolution to the Cold War, students examine the complex interactions of people, environment, and government.
World Geography and International Relations provides opportunities for students to assess the complex interrelationships of a global community from the Cold War forward. Using historical perspective and geographic themes, students study the realms and regions of the modern world. A capstone project in international relations provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate mastery of three years of critical thinking and knowledge of history.
Text: Grade 7 (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill - The American Journey), Grade 8 Glencoe/McGraw-Hill - Geography: The World & It's People).

Math (7-8)
Students are placed in the appropriate math classes based on ability and track record. Students are encouraged to take the most challenging course in which they can succeed, but care is taken to avoid putting students in a situation where they may feel over whelmed. Students will have completed at least Algebra by the end of 8th grade.
Text: Grade 7 (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill - Mathematics: Applications & Connections II; Algebra I: Concepts & Applications), Grade 8 ( Saxon General Math, Algebra; Geometry)

Technology & Computers (7-8)
The Middle School Technology Education Curriculum will build on the skills learned at the elementary level. Students in the middle school will meet the outcome of being able to type twenty-five words per minute at 90% accuracy. The middle school will integrate typing throughout the curriculum to reinforce these skills. Students will further their knowledge by completing courses in word processing, multimedia and database and spreadsheets throughout their middle school experience.
Across the curriculum in all content areas, middle school teachers will integrate the technological skills that students have learned in their elementary years. Teachers will integrate word processing skills into their courses at the sixth, seventh and eighth grade levels. The seventh grade courses will integrate multimedia wherever possible, exposing students to the more advanced features of multimedia as a communication tool. The eighth grade courses will integrate database and spreadsheet applications wherever possible. Therefore, students will leave the middle school having improved their typing and multimedia skills, word processing, database and spreadsheet applications. They will also have a greater understanding of the World Wide Web as a pre-existing database and a research tool.

Fine Arts (7-8)
The Visual Arts program is designed to allow students the opportunity to explore their individual interests and develop their talents in the visual arts. The visual arts classes are a vital part of the high school program and have a significant role in the life of the school. Theatre performances and musical concerts occur throughout the year, as well as an annual art exhibition. Student photography and artwork is displayed in the school throughout the year. The courses, as well as their related activities, encourage and strengthen the development of our students' aesthetic value and appreciation of the arts. Students must complete one credit to meet graduation requirements.

Physical Education (7-8)
The middle school physical education program emphasizes the development of social skills, gross and fine motor skills, and the value of sportsmanship with particular emphasis on the interaction among classmates in cooperative and competitive activities. Students interpret how rules affect and govern team, dual, and individual sports. They will analyze the benefits of lifetime activities and fitness. Cooperation and responsibility are illustrated within teams in competitive and recreational activities. Proper use and care of equipment are taught and practiced, as well as safety, rules, and procedures.
A wide variety of activities are offered, such as ball skills, cooperative games, tennis, and rhythmic movement. A fitness component is included at each grade level. Students understand the value of exercise as it is incorporated into the entire educational process. Stretching, strength training and cardiovascular endurance are included.

High School (9-12) - Choices & Challenges Our upper school provides students with a rigorous academic experience in a fully supportive atmosphere. We believe that an essential part of a rigorous college preparatory education is to help students discover what kindles their passion for learning. To this end, TLC Charter School's curriculum provides students with a broad base of academic knowledge and experience, and at the same ime stimulates them to develop the habits of mind that ensure future success. The presence of talented faculty and equally talented students creates an intellectually challenging campus environment.
Along with these challenges come many choices - of elective courses, extracurricular activities, even mentors. Taken together, these allow each upper school student to shape a highly individualized experience. Similarly, our guidance program assists each student in finding the college choices that match his or her interests, aptitudes, goals and personality.

Language Arts (9-12)
Text: Grade 9 - Elements of Language 2001, Third Course (Holt, Rinehart & Winston), WWW High School English Resources; Grade 10 - Elements of Language 2001, Fourth Course (Holt, Rinehart & Winston), WWW High School English Resources; Grade 11 (American Focus) - Elements of Language 2001, Fifth Course (Holt, Rinehart & Winston), WWW High School English Resources; Grade 12 (World Focus) - Elements of Language 2001, Sixth Course (Holt, Rinehart & Winston), WWW High School English Resources.

Science (9-12)
Science is a natural and cumulative outgrowth of human curiosity and the need to interact with the environment. Learning science is an active process. It involves process and problem-solving skills that use one's rational powers and fosters development through logical and imaginative thinking. Science is also a way to organize knowledge in the forms of concepts and content. It expands upon the attitude of inquiry and develops the ability to use scientific principles and processes appropriately in making personal decisions.
The primary purpose of TLC's science program is to develop an appreciation of science as well as deepening the scientific and technological literacy of its students. The level of literacy is influenced by the changing needs and demands of society; therefore science education is dynamic rather than static.
Text: Grade 9 - Integrated Science 9 (Merrill), Human Body (Prentice-Hall Science Series), Science Voyages I - Blue Book (McGraw-Hill); Grade 10 thru 12 - Science Voyages II - Red Book (McGraw-Hill), Science Voyages III - Green Book (McGraw-Hill), Biology - The Dynamics of Life (Glencoe), Modern Chemistry (Holt, Rinehart and Winston), Holt Physics (Holt, Rinehart& Winston).

Social Studies (9-12)
History, Government, and Economics are the focus of the ninth through twelfth grade Social Studies program. The courses will examine the variety of ways in which people strive to deal with the forces that shape their lives. The curriculum addresses significant events, critical moments, key individuals, and the political, social, economic, and aesthetic/cultural dimensions of history.
Special attention has been given to the ten themes established by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) in developing the curriculums for the following courses. Other elective programs concentrate on student personal growth, understanding, and self-direction.
Text: Grade 9 - World History, People and Nations (Holt, Rinehart, Winston); Grade 10 - The American Journey (Glencoe); Grade 11 thru 12 - American Government (Holt, Rinehart & Winston), Economics - Principles and Practices (Glencoe), Psychology: Principles & Practice (Holt, Rinehart & Winston).

Math (9-12)
Text: Grade 9 thru 10 - Algebra 1 - Interactions (Holt, Rinehart & Winston), Algebra I - Integration, Applications & Connection (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill), Geometry - Concepts & Applications (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill); Grade 10 thru 12 - Algebra II - Integration, Applications & Connection (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill), Pre-Calculus: A Graphing Approach (Holt, Rinehart, Winston), Practical Mathematics (Holt, Rinehart & Winston), Accounting: Concepts, Procedures, Applications (Glencoe).

Technology & Computers (9-12)
Our technology department offers a range of courses to meet both our students' needs and their interests in this popular area. Either Keyboarding or Computers & Information Management is a prerequisite for all other computer science courses. After completing the C&IM course, students may focus on courses in the Computer Science Branch or the Computer Applications Branch. Note: Students can test out of the Computers & Information Management classes so they can immediately enter higher-level Technology classes. Students who test out of C&IM will still be required to complete 1.0-technology credits.

Fine Arts (9-12)
The Visual Arts program is designed to allow students the opportunity to explore their individual interests and develop their talents in the visual arts. The visual arts classes are a vital part of the high school program and have a significant role in the life of the school. Theatre performances and musical concerts occur throughout the year, as well as an annual art exhibition. Student photography and artwork is displayed in the school throughout the year. The courses, as well as their related activities, encourage and strengthen the development of our students' aesthetic value and appreciation of the arts. Students must complete one credit to meet graduation requirements. Class participants can expect homework. Courses include all art, music, drama, and photography.

Physical Education (9-12)
The high school physical education program emphasizes the development of social skills, gross and fine motor skills, and the value of sportsmanship with particular emphasis on the interaction among classmates in cooperative and competitive activities. Basic and tactic of team, dual, and individual sports are taught and practiced. Students assess the benefits of lifetime involvement in physical fitness activities. Sportsmanship is applied and supported in competitive and recreational activities. Proper use and care of equipment is emphasized. A wide variety of activities are offered, such as ball skills, cooperative games, tennis, and rhythmic movement. A fitness component is included at each grade level. Students understand the value of exercise as it is incorporated into the entire educational process. Stretching, strength training and cardiovascular endurance are included.