TRCA blends the best of homeschooling and traditional schooling through a shared instructional model that unites teachers and parents. This approach preserves the biblical responsibility parents hold for their children’s learning while providing the strength and stability of a unified curriculum.
What a Collaborative School Is
A collaborative school is a real school with professional teachers, a headmaster, an established K–12 curriculum, and a cohesive educational vision. This approach is sometimes called a “hybrid” or “University-Model®” school.
TRCA provides curriculum, lesson plans, assessments, and instructional leadership, while parents serve as co-teachers throughout the week.
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Deuteronomy 6:5–7
How the Model Works
At School
Professional teachers lead full days of instruction two or three times per week. Students benefit from:
- Small classes and structured expectations
- A full range of subjects taught by professional teachers
- Modeling of Christian character and habits
- Meaningful interaction with peers
- Consistent pacing and progression across grade levels
At Home
Parents serve as co-teachers, guiding assigned lessons according to plans prepared by TRCA faculty.
- Lesson plans provided by classroom teachers
- Workload aligned with academy days
- Parent-led instruction, practice, and coaching
- Ongoing communication and support from teachers
Together
Teachers and parents share an intentional weekly rhythm created for consistency and growth.
- Shared responsibility that strengthens relationships
- A balanced rhythm that supports both learning and home life
- Space for meaningful family time
- Connection to church, community, and family priorities
Weekly Rhythm
The collaborative model follows an intentional pattern of academy days and home days.
This rhythm provides structure while giving families meaningful time together.
Sample Schedule at a Glance
| Day | Lower School (K–6) | Upper School (7–12) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Academy Day | Academy Day |
| Tuesday | Home Day | Home Day |
| Wednesday | Academy Day | Academy Day |
| Thursday | Home Day | Independent Coursework |
| Friday | Flex Day / Academy Day | Academy Day |
Home Day Workload Estimates
| Grade Levels | Estimated Time per Home Day |
|---|---|
| K–1 | 3–4 hours |
| 2–4 | 4–5 hours |
| 5–12 | 5+ hours |
What TRCA Provides
Unified Curriculum
Teachers select curriculum according to TRCA’s classical and Christian distinctives. Materials are age-appropriate, rigorous, and unified across grade levels.
Detailed Lesson Plans
Teachers prepare lesson plans for both classroom and home days, laying out assignments and expectations so parents know exactly how to guide instruction.
Support for Families
Parents receive ongoing communication, training opportunities, and mentoring support. The result is a strong partnership marked by clarity and shared purpose.
What This Model Is Not
To avoid common misunderstandings, TRCA clarifies what collaborative education is not.
Although students sit under classroom teachers twice a week, education occurs five days per week using a unified curriculum and plan. Some days are on campus, and some days are at home.
Though we celebrate the tremendous success of the homeschooling movement and of classical homeschooling options, collaborative education is something different: a comprehensive, unified curriculum under the co-teaching of professionals and parents.
Tutoring is specific to one subject or area. By contrast, a collaborative school functions from a holistic paradigm of education that seeks to shape students in every area of learning.
Though we will work in a spirit of partnership with private schools throughout our community, collaborative education is different – and requires a larger commitment of time and effort from parents in the direct education of their students.
A True Partnership
Collaborative education allows TRCA to offer rich academic resources while honoring the central role of parents in their children’s discipleship and development. In this shared model, teachers provide expertise and structure; parents bring deep knowledge of their children and daily, personal investment. Together, we work toward raising competent, virtuous students prepared for lives of learning and service.
