The Community School accepts applications from all students, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, immigration status or color, aged 13 through 16, who have completed 8th grade and are committed and self-motivated to advance their education, earn a high school diploma and prepare for college and career.
The Community School is a high school with a unique learning program. Our mission is to be an academic and mentoring high school that concentrates on personal development and growth with a rigorous academic program.
Our students are broadly exposed to the world through daily discussions of local, national and international events, a weekly speaker series, and field trips to various sites and venues.
Discussions in the school are honest and frank with virtually no topic off limits as we strive to create an active learning environment that is relevant to the students’ lives. The structure fosters growth that advances the student’s maturity and prepares them for adulthood.
Each student is expected to maintain a high level of personal standards observing our Honor Code and following the 5 Habits of a successful student – Show up every day, on time, prepared to learn, with a positive attitude, and all of their work. Students are expected to consistently put in their best effort and to work hard at their studies.
Our atmosphere is safe and comfortable with no tolerance for harassment or bullying of any kind. At the same time, it is challenging with the expectation that each student will develop his or her capacity in ways that previously had not been developed.
We are not equipped to offer any special education services. Our existing structure can accommodate students who work best with a small class size with more individualized attention than in a traditional school whether the students had faced academic challenges or was not challenged enough in previous schools.
The kind of young person that thrives in our school is one who has a strong desire to grow and achieve. The student must have a drive to succeed and a willingness to develop the habits and approach that make growth and success possible. A supportive family who will become involved with the school is a major contributor to the student’s success as well.
If you are interested in attending the 2023-2024 term, then submitting a pre-application is your first step.
1. Fill out and submit the Pre-Application online (below). The School will review the pre-application and will contact you to schedule a shadow day.
2. Schedule and attend a shadow day at the school from 7:30-2:45 to learn first-hand how the school operates. For questions regarding shadow days, you can email Admisssions@tcshighschool.org or you may call the school at 410-467-4920. For additional information on shadow days, see the recruitment flier here.
3. The next step is for the student to submit a full application. After the application is reviewed and shadow day considered, the student will be notified if the application is moving forward. If so, the student will receive a date and time for a student interview. This one-on-one interview takes about an hour and will be with the student and the Head of School.
4. If the application process is moving forward, the next step in the process, is that a meeting will be scheduled for the student and parents/guardians.
5. Upon acceptance to the School, the applicant and his or her parent/guardian must complete all applicable admissions forms and submit a $50 nonrefundable registration fee and a $100 book deposit.
6. Transfer papers including transcripts, vaccine records, and a copy of the student’s birth certificate must be received by the School to complete registration.