Tidalwood School
Shaped by nature, driven by discovery
Welcome to a school designed for discovery — where learning is active, personal, inspiring, and rooted in community.
Our mission is to provide a transformative K-8 learning environment where evidence-based academics seamlessly integrate with real-world, hands-on experiences. Through student-centered, place-based education, we spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and build lifelong learners who are engaged, confident, and prepared for success in a rapidly evolving world.
When learning is lived, it lasts.
Tidalwood provides a rigorous, evidence-based curriculum that integrates core academic instruction with hands-on, experiential learning.
We use an integrated curriculum model, ensuring that subjects are not taught in isolation, but are instead woven into meaningful, cross-disciplinary experiences.
Character education is naturally embedded in our core program elements and in our work with community-based partners. At Tidalwood, we emphasize the importance of shared human principles rooted in universal values.
Discover the difference of a microschool education at Tidalwood
At Tidalwood, we believe every child is unique and deserves an education that honors their curiosity and creativity. With small class sizes, hands-on learning, and a focus on character, we help students grow into confident, compassionate learners.
What Is a Microschool?
Microschools are a growing movement in education, offering a fresh alternative to traditional schooling. With small class sizes and mixed-age groups, students benefit from personalized attention, flexible learning, and a close-knit community. Learn more about microschools here.
Learning with us goes beyond the classroom walls.
The Community Becomes the Classroom
Through partnerships with local organizations, students spend part of each school day learning by doing — exploring the community, engaging in hands-on projects, and bringing academics to life through real experiences.
Trusted Community Organizations as Partners
Through partnerships with organizations such as New England Science & Sailing (NESS) and Yellow Farmhouse Education Center, students dive into real-world experiences that are designed by experts, fully standards-aligned, and directly connected to their daily academic lessons.
Where Community and Tradition Meet
Tidalwood School is nestled in the heart of Stonington, CT — a community steeped in maritime and agricultural traditions that continue to shape innovation and learning today.
Tidalwood is education reimagined.
Flexible Schedule
Tidalwood offers full-time, part-time, remote, and hybrid learning paths, giving families the flexibility to create a balance that supports both their child’s growth and their family’s needs.
Unique Curriculum
We blend evidence-based academics with hands-on experiences and character development, nurturing the whole child — mind, heart, and curiosity.
Expert Educators
We are expert educators with more than 40 years of combined experience as teachers and administrators across two states. Our depth of knowledge and passion for innovation ensure that every child benefits from a thoughtful, well-designed education.
Address
903 Pequot Trail
Stonington, CT 06378
Office Hours
M-F
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Tidalwood School is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
It is our policy to never share or sell the names, addresses, emails, or phone numbers of our donors, our students, or our students' families. © 2025 Tidalwood School, Inc. All Rghts Reserved.
Non-Discrimination Policy:
Tidalwood School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, and family background to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in the administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, or school-administered programs.
Accessibility & Inclusion:
Tidalwood School is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment. We welcome students with diverse learning needs and, in partnership with families, will make reasonable efforts to provide appropriate supports and ancillary services as needed.