Welcome to Tinicum Art and Science

"The aim of liberal education is... the ability

and the disposition to try to reach agreements

on matters of fact, theory, and actions through

rational discussions."

"The Aim of Liberal Education," DiText, September 1, 2003.

We are confident that there is no school in the region like ours. We have twenty-five students from a wonderful variety of backgrounds and experiences and our teachers all double as mentors. Our curriculum clearly emphasizes the expansion of knowledge, the free exchange of ideas, and the great liberal arts tradition.

   We have a low-key approach to teenagers and their educational and emotional needs.  The school day is relaxed but focused and this allows the students to learn at their own pace and depth. We do not believe that it is possible to make a student learn. Instead we have nurtured a community that values learning, questioning, and exploring. The classroom approach is a combination of the college seminar and the individual tutor. We do not believe it is possible to make a person care about others or their community. Instead, teachers and students over the last several years have made this into a place they care about. For example, we all help cook and clean; this is a big part of taking care of people and places. Young people need to practice these things. This school is small enough so that each student has a big effect on the school, either by their actions or their non-actions. Each student is consequential and important. Students spend every school day with teachers who genuinely love teaching and have respect for you and your child.

  

    Most striking about our school is how much of a community it is. Our students learn a great deal about how people work together, solve problems, set goals, change and grow. Students here have a good deal of freedom, yet are with adults throughout the day.

     Our admissions process is three-fold. The prospective student visits for a day or two, interviews with a pair of teachers, and submits an open letter to the school as to what they are looking for and how Tinicum Art and Science can help. Students seeking to join the third and fourth year classes are expected to be able to articulate clearly what they want from school. Generally speaking, what we are seeking is a group of students as diverse in temperament and experience as possible.

  We graduate between four and six students a year. Most are either go directly to college or seriously move that way within three years of graduation. These students find that although the workload is considerably greater in college than in high school, they are emotionally and intellectually prepared for it. We also provide a lot of support for the college application process. Additionally, most of our former students stay in touch with us. They remain part of our community. We have an excellent idea of how well they are doing.

    Please contact us if you have any questions about the education we can provide to your son or daughter.