The Lake Tahoe School Difference

Originally published in the Bobcat Newsletter – ‘Bob’ Cat News

Inevitably, people ask the question of many of us – what makes Lake Tahoe School so special or different from other schools? My initial response is always what drew me to LTS during my first interview for the interim Head of School position eight years ago. Throughout my interview, everyone spoke about the strong sense of community in the school. From my first day on the job, our community has proven time and again the validity of these words as a strong, vibrant, caring, and supportive assemblage of parents, students, faculty, staff, and others, all dedicated to providing the best learning environment for our students. At times, difficult to quantify, this sense of community is palpable to those already members and even to our visitors and guests.

Beyond the positive relationships that underpin our community, several other programs and commitments define us as Bobcats and are the key qualities of an LTS education. In addition to our strong academics, among the most compelling characteristics of the education we offer is our dedication to providing a myriad of opportunities and challenges to all of our students – opportunities in terms of offerings, and challenges that ask our students to explore the world beyond themselves and stretch their own experiences to try new and different things.

• Enrichment Classes – Topping our list of opportunities and challenges for our students are the enrichment classes available to all students. In an era where more schools are cutting similar programs, LTS stands by our commitment to the broadest possible education by requiring our students from PreK to 8th Grade to take courses in Spanish, Physical Education, Art, Music, Makerspace, and in the Lower School, Science. In addition, as more school libraries morph into computer centers or disappear altogether, LTS has students from all grades regularly visiting our thriving, reading-focused library every week.

• Outdoor Education – Beginning as early as PreK with field trips and walks around our campus, LTS offers our students a comprehensive approach to learning about the outdoors surrounding them. From our three outdoor classrooms to walks to the Lake, and trips next door to UC Davis’s TERC labs on the UNR Tahoe campus, our students learn to understand and appreciate the environment around us. Second grade marks the beginning of our overnight experiences with a campus sleepover, and later, Lower School grades participate in overnight opportunities, including rafting trips, visits to the California Coast, and the Gold Country, all with the intention of enhancing classroom learning through experiential activities. By the time our students reach Middle School, they are well-prepared for the challenges of extended trips locally as well as to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Washington D.C, and Costa Rica. With a focus on history, environmental awareness, and sustainability, spliced with an emphasis on teamwork and cooperation, students are challenged far beyond the classroom walls.

• Drama – Over the past several years, we have witnessed a “dramatic” – pun intended – expansion of our drama experiences. With the Doyle Family Stage as a centerpiece and under the excellent direction of Ms. Amory and crew, more students are acting, singing, and dancing than ever before. Although not a required activity, the joy of seeing our students jump in and perform live for the first time in front of their friends and family is always a highlight for both them and the audience.

• Competitive Athletics – With a participation rate of nearly 95% among students in grades 5-8, competitive athletics are thriving at LTS. Much like the drama program – both are non-required elective opportunities – our students are encouraged and often choose to participate in a sport for the first time. Supplemented by our commitment to fitness in our PE classes, our athletes are supported by a caring and supportive coaching staff. Throw in our Ski Program each season, and students have a wide variety of opportunities to participate and excel in the sport of their choice.

When our trimester-based after-school Activities – including our highly successful Chess Team – and Middle School elective courses such as Coding, Photography, and others are added to the mix, threads of student opportunities and challenges run through the entire Lake Tahoe School educational experience. Opportunities abound for all – young students or older, new to LTS or grizzled “veteran” – to experiment and try new things, strengthen previously learned principles, and have fun while doing so. 

Tying each of these essential threads together are supportive teachers and staff that care – from the front desk to the classroom to the stage, playing field, or court, and beyond. All of which are supported in kind by the ongoing vision of our founders, the preeminence of our mission, and the positive partnership of the entire school community. Thanks for being with us.

Bob