Focused learning. Room to grow.
Academic classes. Friendships. Movement. Time to regroup.
Predictable routines and support throughout the day help students know what comes next. As they move between lessons, activities, and time with peers, students practice the skills that help them become more independent.
School hours at a glance.
| Program | Monday-Thursday | Friday |
| Elementary, grades 3-6 | 8:10am - 2:30pm | 8:10am - 1:00pm |
| Middle school, grades 7-8 | 8:20am - 2:40pm | 8:20am - 1:10pm |
Arrival begins at the Silver Gate entrance at 8:00am for elementary and 8:10am for middle school students.
All Fridays are minimum day schedule. Check the academic calendar and school communications for minimum days, holidays, and schedule changes.
Elementary school
Elementary students begin with homeroom before moving into academic classes.
Math and English language arts are taught in small groups based on instructional need. The day also includes Social Skills, science or history, lunch, recess, and end-of-day reinforcement time.
Clear routines and guidance help students organize materials, move between activities, and participate in learning.
Middle school
Monday-Thursday begins with Physical Education, followed by homeroom and subject classes.
Students participate in mathematics, English language arts, science, and Communications while practicing planning, organization, self-advocacy, and greater responsibility for their work.
The Friday schedule follows a different rhythm, which whole-school enrichment and earlier dismissal.
Time to connect. Time to move.
Lunch, recess, and movement give students opportunities to build friendships and practice skills outside academic lessons.
Staff help with everyday moments, including joining an activity, taking turns, working through a disagreement, and returning to class.
Our connection to the San Diego Creek Trail also creates opportunities for outdoor exploration. Students in grades 5-8 participate in Riding for Focus, while younger students use the trail for walking-based learning.
Support throughout the day.
A reminder.
Help finding the first step.
A check-in.
Someone to talk things through.
A reset.
Space to pause and regroup.
A way back.
Support returning to learning.
Social learning has a place on the schedule.
Students in grades 3-6 attend Social Skills. Students in grades 7-8 attend Communications.
These classes provide direct instruction in skills such as listening, perspective-taking, problem-solving, managing emotions, and self-advocacy.
Students practice those skills across the school day, during group work, transitions, lunch, and interactions with peers.
Whole-school enrichment
On Friday mornings, all students participate in a shared enrichment experience.
Activities may include art, nature walks, movement, group games, or visits to a local park. Activities vary with the school schedule and student needs.
Fun Day Friday.
Students who meet the weekly goal participate in Fun Day Friday, an earned activity shaped by student suggestions.
Students who have not met the goal continue with their scheduled in-class activity and remain eligible to earn daily reinforcement.
A predictable finish
Daily points shape end-of-day reinforcement time, also called Cash Out.
Students participate in activities suited to their daily reinforcement level, followed by cleanup and preparation for dismissal. Instruction, coaching, and support continue for every student.
The Daily Progress Report gives families a picture of how the day went and a starting point for conversations at home.
Questions families ask.
Do Fridays end earlier?
Yes. Elementary students in grades 3-6 dismiss at 1:00pm. Middle school students in grades 7-8 dismiss at 1:10pm.
Check the academic calendar for other minimum days and schedule changes.
Can someone else pick up my child?
Students may be released only to a parent, guardian, or authorized individual.
Contact the front office in advance to arrange a different pickup person or transportation arrangement.
What if my child will be absent or late?
Notify the front office each day your child is absent. Whenever possible, tell both the teacher and front office about planned appointments or absences in advance.
If you child arrives after the school day begins, you must accompany them to the front office to sign in.
Come see a school day at TCS.
Talk with our team about what daily life could look like for your child.
We'll answer your questions and help you understand whether the routines, instruction, and support at TCS could be the right fit.
