FAQs

1. Program Structure and Curriculum

When and where does TLC meet?

• Grace Baptist Church in Monroeville, every Thursday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (optional classes are 9:00 to 11:00 am)

What is the educational philosophy or approach of TLC?

• We provide enrichment via unit studies that fuse Christian values with knowledge, using hands-on projects.

Which subjects and enrichment activities are taught during the TLC day?

• Mostly science, literature, and social studies.

How is the curriculum selected? Are there required materials for home use?

• Teachers work with TLC leaders to select age-appropriate curricula.  
• Some home-use materials may be required, especially for older groups.

How are grade levels grouped (by age, ability, or flexible clusters)?

• Roughly by grade or age, but at the discretion of the parents, and taking into account friendships, siblings, and other factors.  The approximate group breakdown by grade is:

Primary (Christine Lovett) - PreK-1 grade

Junior (Kristie Deemer) - 1-3 grade

Middle (Becky Narchus & Elizabeth Sarber) - 3-5 grade

Adv. Middle (Erika Zajdel & Rose Owens) - 5-7 grade

Senior (Rose Owens & Erika Zajdel) - 7-9 grade

How much homework or outside work is expected from students, by group?

• Primary & Junior - None
• Middle, Advanced Middle & Senior - Up to an hour or two per week

Is the program accredited or affiliated with any educational organizations?

• No

2. Teacher Qualifications and Expectations

What are the qualifications and backgrounds of the teachers?

• Teachers must be professing and practicing Biblical Christians with good references, showing Fruit of the Spirit.  Candidates should have multiple years of teaching background (homeschool teaching counts) - including some at the approximate age level as the position. A teacher must be willing and eager to share his/her faith testimony.

Are teachers paid staff, parents, or both?

• Paid staff, who may be TLC parents

How are teacher performance and class quality monitored?

• Informally - but closely - by the administrators of TLC.  Parents are welcome to occasionally sit in on classes and provide feedback.

What is the teacher turnover rate, and how are new teachers hired?

• Turnover rate is very low; typically, a teacher will teach at TLC for at least five years.  New teachers are usually TLC parents or are recommended by TLC parents.  

3. Tuition, Fees, and Financial Questions

What does tuition cover (classes, materials, field trips, etc.)?

• Classes and most materials.  There is a per-family utilities fee to compensate the hosting church for additional utility costs.  Starting in 2026-27 there will be a per-family $10 annual fee for HomeSchool Life.  There will sometimes be an extra fee for materials or field trips. 
• Before TLC classes start at 11:00, Art optional classes meet from 9:00 - 10:00, and other optional classes from 10:00 - 11:00.  Optional classes typically cost $4 per student per session, which works out to $50+ per semester.  

What is the refund policy if a family needs to withdraw?

• TLC registration fees are non-refundable.  Tuition will be refunded on a pro-rated basis if a student is leaving due to a family move out of the area, serious health issues in the family, etc.

Are there payment plans, financial aid, or scholarships?

• Families can pay their full tuition at the start of the academic year or pay half at the start of each semester.   Need-based scholarships are available. A limited number of “work options” are also available - earning a tuition discount.

4. Parent Involvement and Volunteer Work

Are certain volunteer roles (teaching, administrative, cleaning, etc.) mandatory?

• Yes.  Each family must serve as lunch supervisor or end-of-day clean-up person at least once per semester. Parents are NOT required to teach classes.

What types of volunteer work are there, and can one “earn” a tuition-discount?

• A 1/3 tuition discount is available to teachers, aides, and in some cases for people who help with administrative tasks or projects.

What happens if a parent cannot fulfill the volunteer commitment?

• A parent can swap times or pay someone else to do the job - but he/she is responsible for ensuring the task is completed.

Is there a parent handbook outlining TLC policies and expectations?

• Yes (in development)

5. Student Experience and Social Environment

What is the typical class size and student-to-teacher ratio?

• 8-11 students and one teacher (plus an Aide for Primary group)

How is student behavior managed? What is the discipline policy?

• The teacher is the authority and has the right to impose or allow consequences for bad behavior.  See below.

How are conflicts or bullying handled?

• Refer to the Kindness / Anti-Bullying Policy.  For young or immature children, teachers will generally resolve conflicts.  For older children, Biblical principles will be used, particularly as found in Matt 12 and 18. 
• Bullying will not be tolerated.  We will follow a “3 strikes and you’re out” policy:
• First offense - Teacher or administrator intervenes to provide a warning and possibly a time out.  Reconciliation is required and parents are notified.
• Second offense - Same as with First, plus Teacher and administrator meet with child(ren) and parent(s) to explain that the child(ren) is/are on probation.
• Third offense - Same as with Second plus possible suspension or expulsion.

Can a parent shadow a student who may need a little extra help?

• Yes, on a temporary basis - to be worked out with the teacher.

What time is allotted for lunch, breaks, and bathroom use?

• Each group is assigned to a half-hour lunch slot, such as 12:00 or 12:30.
• Each group is assigned to a half-hour recess slot, such as 2:00 or 2:30.
• Students must get permission to have a bathroom break, although teachers of older classes can choose “blanket permission.”  No more than one student at a time per group may be on break (barring extenuating circumstances)

What opportunities are offered for socialization outside of class (clubs, field trips, etc.)?

• Occasional field trips.  Many parents help their children cultivate TLC friendships through non-TLC parties, excursions, etc.

What is the policy towards: modest dress, PDA, use of AI, and cell phones or other electronics?

• See the TLC handbook.  In brief:
• Out of courtesy to others, and to help preserve holiness, everyone at TLC must dress modestly - males and females.
• Teachers have the authority and responsibility to determine whether a child’s particular attire is immodest and may contact the parents to request a change.
• No boy-girl PDA beyond a quick hug.
• Use of AI is prohibited for students EXCEPT as granted by the teacher.
• Cell phones, tablets, and laptops may not be used by any child during class-time, except for emergencies, or as permitted by a teacher.  Teachers may temporarily confiscate any electronics.

6. Governance and Communication

How is TLC structured legally (nonprofit, LLC, unincorporated group)?

• LLC - run as a nonprofit

Who makes decisions about curriculum, teachers, and policies?

• The teachers are responsible, and the Leadership Team (consisting of David & Sally Coleman, Erin Roberts, and Whitney Patterson). critiques and advises.
• A few additional individuals are Advisors to the Leadership Team, and parents are welcome to share opinions and ideas.

How are parents able to give feedback or participate in decision-making?

• Feedback can be provided on the HSL website.  Any parent can talk to anyone on the Leadership Team or request time with the Leadership Team as a whole.

How is information communicated to families (online portal, email, meetings)?

• Online portal : HomeSchool Life (HSL) 
• Email or texting

7. Safety and Logistics

What background checks or clearances are required - and for whom?

• All teachers, aides, and other paid staff must have 3 PA clearances: 
• Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance
• Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check
• Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)
• See https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/educators/clearances 
  Unpaid volunteers (including all parents helping with lunch supervision) need the first two clearances, but not the third; they need:
• Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance
• Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check

What are the security, evacuation, and emergency procedures at the facility?

• (Well-developed by GBC; TBA)

Is liability insurance carried by TLC?

• Yes

What is the drop-off and pick-up policy?

• Drop-offs are not allowed for TLC. A responsible teen or adult must take the student to class or wherever he/she belongs.
• Students will wait in designated locations for after-class pick-up.

What are students to do when on site but not in class?

• There are designated Study hall / lounge areas

How are snow days handled?

• Each family is responsible to check the TLC website (HSL) before leaving for TLC but after 8:00 am.  Email will be used as a backup.

8. Fit and Flexibility

Can families visit or observe a TLC class before committing?

• Yes, as coordinated with the teacher.

Is there flexibility for families with special circumstances or learning needs?

• Yes, but within limits… so as to improve the classroom experience for all.