Now enrolling for 2026-27

A school day that works.

The Craig School is built for bright students in grades 3–8 who learn differently and haven't found the right fit yet.

Real academics stay real. Executive function and daily social skills practice are woven into every part of the day, so the structure your child needs is already there. By design.

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No pressure. No commitment.
Just a real conversation about your child.
TCS Classroom

5:1

Student-to-staff ratio maintained in every classroom, every day.

Grades 3-8

An independent school for upper elementary and middle school students.

NPS

State-certified nonpublic school. Families with an IEP may qualify for district funding.

35 years

Grounded in ADHD and executive function research developed at UC Irvine.

THE TCS INTEGRATED MODEL

Our Day Works For Our Students. Not Against them.

At most schools, support happens somewhere else. A resource period. A pull-out session. A specialist your child leaves class to see.

At TCS, support is the structure. Every part of the school day reinforces the rest, and nothing operates in isolation.

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Academic Excellence

High expectations stay. When the environment fits, capable students show what they know.

Academic Excellence
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Executive Function

Planning, organization, and flexible thinking are teachable skills, built into every school day.

Executive Function
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Social Skills

A daily core class where students learn to understand themselves and build real relationships.

Social Skills
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Family Partnership

Growth does not stop at dismissal. Families stay informed so learning carries forward.

Family Partnership
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ACADEMICS

Strong Academics. Period.

Many families worry that a specialized school means lower expectations. At TCS, the opposite is true. A smaller school does not mean smaller standards..

TCS uses Amplify Literacy, Amplify Desmos Math, and Amplify Science across grades 3-8, delivered inside a structure that helps every student access them fully. mClass assessments help teachers identify individual needs and adjust instruction throughout the year.

The academic model is grounded in 35 years of ADHD and executive function research.

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TRANSITION READINESS

Students leave ready.

 

TCS is not a place where students wait out the hard years. It is a place where they build what they need for what comes next.

Ready to learn. Ready to advocate. Ready to participate. Ready to move forward.

 

THE RIGHT FIT

You do not need a diagnosis to know something is not working.

The Craig School serves students in grades 3–8 in Irvine, California. Classes are small. Routines are steady. Expectations stay high. Support does not happen down the hall in a separate room. It lives inside the classroom, part of how every day is built.

Who tends to do well here

  • Are not reaching their potential in a traditional school setting
  • Do better with clear expectations, steady routines, and built-in support
  • Is ready to learn alongside peers in a small, structured classroom

An honest note on fit

TCS is often a good fit for students on the autism spectrum who can take part in a shared classroom with built-in structure. If your child needs individualized, one-to-one support throughout the entire day, another setting may serve them better. The clearest way to know is to talk it through together. We will be honest with you, and we move at your pace.

"It's like he finally gets to be a kid again. After years of bullying and isolation, he found a place where he belongs."

 

TCS PARENT

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Frequently asked questions

What makes TCS different from a school with a support program?

At most schools, support is a separate service your child leaves class to receive. At TCS, support is the structure itself. The 5:1 ratio, daily routines, and trained staff apply to every student, in every class.

Is TCS a behavioral or therapeutic school?

No. TCS is an academic school for capable students in grades 3-8. It is not a clinical, therapeutic, or behavioral placement.

Can my district fund placement at TCS?

Possibly. TCS is certified by the California Department of Education as a Nonpublic School, so families with an active IEP may be eligible for district-funded placement. Your district must reach out to us to complete the process.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Need-based financial aid is available, up to full tuition, awarded from a limited annual budget. Families who submit an application early tend to have the most options.

Do I need a diagnosis to apply?

No. A formal diagnosis is not required for admission. Many families apply while still working out the full picture of their child's needs.

How do I know if TCS is the right fit?

The fastest way to know is a direct conversation. Tell us about your child, and we will give you an honest read on whether TCS is built for a learner like yours.

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Start with a conversation.

Your child is capable. You know it. The environment has just been working against them.

Financial aid is available up to full tuition. Don't rule us out before you talk to us.

We move at your pace. Now enrolling for 2026–27.

Start a Conversation
The Craig School

A school day that works.

The Craig School is a nonprofit private school in Irvine, California, for capable students in grades 3-8 who need a different kind of school. Real academics stay real. Support is built into every part of the school day, not added on around the edges. Founded on 35 years of research from UC Irvine, TCS is a structured classroom designed to help students learn, belong, and grow more independent.

 

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