Touchstone Community School's mission is to cultivate a joyful learning community committed to creating a more innovative, just, and sustainable world.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 62 students
- Yearly Tuition: $19,900
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1981
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
62 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
12%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
12 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$19,900
Tuition Notes
Financial aid is an important value in the school. 40% of our families receive support. The tuition rate of $19,900 is for first through sixth grade, different rates apply for other grades.
% on Financial Aid
40%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Sally Kent
Admissions Associate
Juliana Fuchs
School Notes
- We are a PK-8th grade independent school, accredited by the Association of Independent Schools In New England, committed to nature based education, anti-bias curriculum, stewardship, and joyful and meaningful work.From mud kitchens to Socratic Seminars to woodwork to watershed mapping, our 2.9-14 year old students are exchanging ideas, listening to other perspectives, thinking critically, advocating for themselves, justifying their choices, and taking risks as they take part in project-based learning in mixed-age classrooms. They demonstrate a true sense of purpose, a deep involvement, and great pride in their endeavors as they engage in authentic work. Faculty are committed to maintaining an integrated program where learning is hands-on and new information is accessed through in-depth investigations. We believe in following student interests and providing each individual with voice, choice, and a strong sense of feeling known.Our program provides students with robust literacy and mathematical skills so that they become strong readers and writers. We meet students' needs with challenging curriculum and support from our literacy and math specialists. Additionally, all faculty are trained in the Orton Gilligham approach, which is a structured, multisensory, sequential, and prescriptive way to teach literacy.Through many hours of outdoor exploration, including caring for our chickens and goats, hikes in the White Mountains, and kayaking at our 5-acre Island at Lake Wildwood, our students build interdependent relationships with the natural world and understand their positions of environmental stewardship. Our Ecoliteracy curriculum allows students to build the communication skills to advocate and innovate for sustainability.Touchstone students build caring relationships as they engage in authentic discussions. Our social studies and social emotional curriculum supports them as they learn to identify bias and value diversity in all of its forms. Our students become both independent and collaborative learners as they recognize their own abilities, the capabilities of others, and how they support each other's growth.Touchstone's progressive education is made possible with a community and a social fabric where children feel known and safe to make mistakes. We are continually looking for ways to thoughtfully pursue new ideas, new possibilities and new approaches to engage, empower and inspire our students and partner with families. Adaptation and innovation are what a progressive education is all about. Embracing diversity and inclusiveness makes us a stronger and wiser community.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Touchstone Community School cost?
Touchstone Community School's tuition is approximately $19,900 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Touchstone Community School?
The acceptance rate of Touchstone Community School is 80%, which is higher than the national average of 70%.
When is the application deadline for Touchstone Community School?
The application deadline for Touchstone Community School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 8/1/2019
I cannot say enough positive things about our experience at Touchstone. We enrolled because we were seeking a more positive, enriching and supportive environment for our son, who was unhappy in our local, public middle school. Touchstone's fantastic teachers and its friendly, accepting environment transformed him from a bright but unenthusiastic student to a kid who loved to learn and could not wait to get to school each day. The small learning environment allowed him to get more one-on-one time with teachers than what was possible in the previous public school setting, and he was also able to pursue individualized projects that suited his unique interests and learning style. We easily felt like the community was family right from the outset of our time at Touchstone and our son quickly made wonderful friends. Now, as they head off to high school, I'm confident these friendships will last a lifetime. And my son is headed to a top-tier private high school in the region - a challenge the education at Touchstone has prepared him for going forward. Touchstone was life changing in the best of ways for my son and enrolling him there was one of the best decisions we ever made.
5 11/2/2018
This is my son's second year attending Touchstone. He's grown so much since he began attending--academically and socially. He went from a kiddo whose curiosity and drive was being dimmed in public school to having a zest for learning re-kindled. His teachers have cared deeply about his social/emotional growth and development as well. He can be a quiet kid who has found his voice. Amazing school.
5 10/6/2018
We love the warm, caring, community way that Touchstone nurtures and cares for our children and family. Integrated project based learning is a great fit for clever, inquisitive children. Who want to delve deep into subjects and follow their passions. Highly recommend this school!
5 10/6/2018
I'm in the fortunate position of having been a parent at Touchstone as well as being an educator. I've seen schools all over the country and the combination of true in-depth learning of curriculum along with a deep commitment to the development of social skills is rare and is extremely valuable. During their Touchstone education, my children gained the ability to follow their passions, to not be afraid to learn from their mistakes, and to navigate social dynamics. Touchstone is not for every child. Because the goal is to help children develop internal discipline in order to meet their goals in life, there is not an emphasis on heavy top-down control. I believe that children who need that heavy outside discipline may do better somewhere else. But when my children left Touchstone and went to other schools, their teachers were amazed at their ability to be self-directed, excited learners. Their ability to navigate a wide range of environments has stood them well in their lives as successful adults in their fields.
5 3/9/2018
Amazing program for kids. The learning here is deep and meaningful. My child loved to go to school and looked forward to returning after vacations. Doesn't that tell you that this school is doing it right.
5 3/9/2018
Exceptional, committed teachers, kind, thoughtful students, and a dedicated administration make this school a wonderful educational community. Everyone, including other parents, make you feel welcome from day one, and my son has never been happier or more engaged in his learning, than at Touchstone Community School.
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