TLC FAQ Page

What is The Learning Center?

TLC is an alternative program that provides a nurturing environment for at-promise students via intentional mentoring, relationships, and career-focused exploration.  

Mission:  To empower each member of our learning community to seek, seize, and sustain opportunities, achieve at high levels, and graduate prepared to lead productive and meaningful lives.

What is TLC known for?

Notoriety:  Awarded ‘Alternative School of Distinction’ by the KDE for multiple years.  2019 State Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) champions!  

PBL:  TLC is known for it's career oriented Project Based Learning (PBL) and off-campus work experiences.  

Who does TLC serve?

Population: TLC serves FCPS students (8-12 grades) who are not finding success in the traditional learning environment.  These students need a little extra support and coaching to find success.  We try to keep our school-wide student enrollment at just under 200.

Target:  Students who have fallen behind in school, who will respond well to additional mentoring supports.  

How do get into TLC?

Admissions:  The TLC application can be found on this website to complete electronically.  If you're a parent initiating this process, please contact your school’s guidance department.

Deadlines:  TLC accepts applications through our online portal all year long, however we do have admission timelines that you should be aware of.  For August placement consideration app deadline is March 1st.  For January placement consideration app deadline is November 1st.  

Acceptance:  If the TLC admission team selects an applicant they will receive an invitation phone call from the home school guidance counselor or from TLC directly.  

Is there transportation?

Bus:  Yes, TLC is a FCPS program and as such there is provided bus transportation to and from school.  Students catch the morning bus to their districted home high school, then catch the TLC shuttle bus that will be waiting there for them.  In the afternoon, TLC students are bussed from TLC to their neighborhood drop off locations.  You are welcome to drop your student off or pick them up in the car line each day.  Students with a valid driver's license and a car may also drive themselves to school.

Does TLC accept students with accommodation plans?

IEP, 504, & GT:  Yes, TLC accepts and serves students with a variety of accommodation plans.

Can TLC students also enroll in a tech school?

Tech Centers:  Yes, TLC students can be duly enrolled at TLC and a tech school.  The FCPS tech schools are an amazing resource for our students to gain skills in a trade.  FCPS has 3 tech centers: Southside, Eastside, and Locust Trace.  

What are the hours of the TLC school day?

Hours:  TLC coursework begins at 9:00 am and ends at 4:10 pm, the school is open at 8:30 am.

Does TLC offer breakfast or lunch? 

Food Services:  TLC is proud to serve breakfast & lunch for free to all students.

Can my student graduate & participate in athletics with their districted high school?

Dual Enrollment:  Yes, TLC students are also still enrolled with their districted high school.  As such, they can participate in "normal" high school athletics, events, and clubs.  Graduating students will also be given the opportunity to "walk" in their districted high school graduation ceremony.