Student Experience
Dynamic and flexible
At Tidalwood School, our learning model blends strong academic instruction with rich, experience-driven learning. Students spend half of the day engaged in evidence-based academic studies and the other half immersed in hands-on programs with our community partners, where classroom concepts come to life. By connecting academic skills directly to real-world topics explored through our partner organizations, students see the relevance of their learning and build deeper understanding. Our dynamic and flexible approach—offering full-time, part-time, remote, and hybrid options—ensures that each family can find the model that best fits their needs while students thrive through curiosity, connection, and discovery.
Rolling Admission
At Tidalwood School, we accept applications throughout the year. This flexible approach allows families to join our community when the timing is right for them, as space allows.
Flexible Scheduling Options
Scroll for descriptions of Tidalwood’s unique scheduling options, designed to fit the needs of every family.
Schedule Options
Full-Time
M-F 8:30 – 3:30
Full time students participate in both the core academic instruction and experience-driven learning, daily.
Part-time
Two to three days per week
Students join us two or three days per week for core academics and hands-on experiences, while keeping flexibility for homeschooling, other programs, or family time.
Partner Program Option
Part-day
Students can join us just for partner programming time, beginning with a short mini-lesson that sets the foundation before heading out for engaging, hands-on learning at our partner sites.
Remote Learning
As-needed
When circumstances make in-person learning difficult, Tidalwood offers a flexible remote option. Students can join classes virtually, stay connected with teachers and peers, and continue their learning through engaging projects adapted for home. This option is designed to support families as needed, while keeping students fully part of the Tidalwood community.
Hybrid Learning
as-needed
For families seeking added flexibility, Tidalwood offers a hybrid option that blends on-campus and at-home learning. Students join us in person on select days and continue their studies remotely on others, ensuring continuity, connection, and a learning rhythm that works for each family’s needs.
Academic excellence meets real-world experience.
Student Outcomes
Strong Academic Foundation
Mastery of core subjects through evidence-based instruction by certified/licensed teachers with experience
Applied Knowledge
Ability to connect academic concerpts to real-world settings such as marine science, agriculture, sailing, and the arts
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Confidence in analyzing information, asking questions, and developing creative solutions
Self-Confidence and Independence
Growth in self-advocacy, leadership, and personal responsibility
Creative Expression
Opportunities to explore and develop individual talents through the arts and project-based learning
Collaboration and Communication
Skills for working effectively in teams and expressing ideas clearly in both written and verbal forms
Adaptability and Resilience
Comfort navigating new challenges and environments, both in the classroom and in hands-on experiences
Cultural Appreciation and Community Engagement
Respect for diverse perspectives and active participation in the local and global community
Environmental Stewardship
A deepened appreciation for nature and a sense of responsibility for caring for the environment
Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
A genuine love of learning sparked by exploration and discovery
Compare Tidalwood with Traditional Schools
Tidalwood School
Learning Approach & Philosophy
Student-centered, inquiry-based, experiential; learning by doing and exploring
Curriculum Design
Flexible, interdisciplinary and tailored to local context; integrates nature, community, and real-world themes
Assessment
Teacher designed and evidence-based benchmark assessments as needed; portfolios and flexible methods to demonstrate individual growth
Campus
Community is the campus; one central building serves as a flexible home base
Student to Teacher Ratio
10-12 students to 1 certified/licensed teacher
Class Size
Very small (typically 5–15 students), allowing for personalization
Grade Level Grouping
Mixed-age groups; focuses on developmental readiness over grade level
Social-Emotional Learning
Embedded in daily experiences and community interactions; strong focus on relationships and emotional literacy
Family and Community Engagement
High involvement; families and local community are co-educators and integral to curriculum
Student Support/special education and related services
Highly personalized, woven directly into daily learning. Teachers quickly adapt instruction due to small class sizes and can provide individual instruction and close family collaboration. Ancillary services and supports available as needed and appropriate.
Traditional Schools
Teacher-led, content-driven; emphasis on instruction and skill acquisition
Standardized, strict adherence to state/national standards within grade level; subject-specific and structured
Frequent standardized testing to measure proficiency and meet state accountability requirements
Standardized, strict adherence to state/national standards within grade level; subject-specific and structured.
20+ students to 1 certified/licensed teacher
Larger class sizes (20–30 students), limited individual attention
Grouped strictly by age/grade; progression based on chronological age.
Often taught through designated programs, instruction is isolated
Often limited to PTA, events, or parent-teacher conferences
Large caseloads and services that are bound to school district structures
What Families Have Shared About Our Work
Thank you for your thoughtful teaching ethos. I’ve lost count of how many different stories [my child] has told me about different historical and impactful figures in history that she’s learning about. She talks about them with such pride and curiosity and passion. She’s really listening to you. And, when she shares, my heart is bursting because so many of them are women and/or people of color. This is SO important to our family – so THANK YOU for celebrating & representing all kinds of different human beings.
The needs of the children clearly come first. What a wonderful environment for youngsters to grow and thrive.
As always thank you for taking the time to pay special attention to [our child]. Thank you, again, for being the best!
Every child is happy and engaged. What a wonderful, warm climate!
Thank you for being an amazing teacher. [Our child] consistently talked about what she was learning with excitement and genuine curiosity. You provided an environment where these kids not only learned skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, but they learned how to be better humans. That’s the mark of a true teacher.
Thank you for seeing my kid for who she is and knowing how to help her work through her own heart and mind.
Thank you for everything you’ve done for [my child] this year. I thought starting this school year was going to be tough for not only [my child] but for me too; but because of you amazing [staff] it was the total opposite. You brought so much brightness to my boy’s heart, and you definitely made an impact on him.
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.