The Learning Community International School

08/14/2026

What makes The Learning Community International different?

TLCI has been a leader in customized education since 1984, serving families who want more than a standard academic model.

With its unique home education umbrella and learner-centered philosophy, TLCI empowers families to create an education that fits the child — academically, emotionally, and developmentally.
This is education designed with intention, insight, and care using the whole world as the classroom.

We warmly invite parents — whether you are just beginning to consider homeschooling or are currently homeschooling your children — to book a complimentary discovery conference to learn more about TLCI and how we can best support you and your family.

As part of this opportunity, every attending family will receive a free cognitive assessment for their child(ren). This assessment may provide meaningful insight into learning patterns and help guide your planning for the new school year this fall.

To schedule your conference, send us a message today.

08/11/2026

Reframing the Portfolio: A Gift for Your Homeschool Journey

Don’t let the word portfolio worry, confuse, or overwhelm you.
At its core, a portfolio is simply an assortment, a collection of samples showing your child’s learning. Under Maryland’s homeschool regulation (COMAR 13A.10.01.01), you are asked to demonstrate "regular, thorough instruction" in the studies usually taught in public schools to children of the same age. That is all you are required to provide. Keep it simple, clear, and complete. Whether your review is conducted by your local county school system or a Maryland homeschool umbrella, the standard remains the same.

An Archival Treasure for Your Family
When we shift our perspective, we realize that an organized collection of these samples is far more than a regulatory checkbox; it is an opportunity to create a wonderful archival treasure. As you move month by month and year by year through this unique learning journey, these pages capture the living history of your family’s growth.

After decades of home educating my own three children, guiding parents, and supporting high school learners, I have seen firsthand how powerful these archives become. As learners approach high school graduation, it is natural for them to look back and wonder, "What did I really accomplish? What have I learned?"

Having an archival portfolio- old school with photos, ticket stubs, sentimental items, or make it digital alongside a learning diary or journal gives young people a tangible record of their achievement. It allows them to reflect with pride, document their growth, and intentionally plan their next steps on this path of learning freedom. When you invite your children into this review process, engaging in open family conversations about what comes next, you equip them with the skills to own and celebrate their success for a lifetime.

A Sacred Pause for Parents
For parents, preparing a portfolio serves as a vital, intentional vehicle to slow down in a very busy life.

It is entirely natural to experience moments of self-doubt along the way. Did we cover enough? Are there foundational gaps? Where are my children excelling or developing passions, and I want to dive deeper?

Preparing your portfolio offers a quiet time, a moment to sit down with a warm cup of tea to pause and look back. As you review past work, you begin to remember: "Oh, we did that wonderful project! What if we built on that next term?" It is during these calm moments of reflection that the most creative, exciting ideas rise to the surface. Rather than feeling stressed, you will find yourself feeling inspired by the endless possibilities for the upcoming year.

Embrace the Journey
Please don't fear the portfolio review. See it instead as a gift, a dedicated time to reflect, create, and remember why you chose this extraordinary path of living and learning alongside your family.

I have done many things in my life, and as I look back, everything pales in comparison to growing and being with my children and using the whole world as our classroom. Wishing all much success!

08/11/2026

5 Creative Ways to Build Reading Readiness 📚✨

I home educate my three children (K–12), and I’m always reminded that they were truly on their own unique journeys. My son 'cracked the code' and began reading fluently at age 5, while my daughters were 7 and 8. The best part? All of them grew up to be prolific readers and writers!

It’s so important to remember that our children’s readiness is deeply individual—they don’t learn on a 'train schedule.' If you’re looking for ways to foster a love of reading without the pressure, here are five fun, low-pressure ways to build those foundational skills through play:

1️⃣ Be a “Sound Detective”: Turn errands into a game! “Can you find something that starts with the /b/ sound?” or “What sound do you hear at the end of dog?”
2️⃣ Act Out the Story: After reading, use toys/props to retell the story—helping with understanding characters and sequence without it feeling like “work.”
3️⃣ Get Silly with Sounds: Make up silly word games like: “If cat had a baby, it would be cattish!”
4️⃣ Micro-Reading Moments: In a favorite book, point to the words as you read. Let your child find a familiar word or show you where to start—1–3 minutes is plenty!
5️⃣ Letter Treasure Hunts: Skip worksheets—look for letters on signs or make a “letter treasure box” to sort magnets/blocks/cut-out letters at home.
Pick one to try today and keep it joyful 🌟

08/10/2026

The Learning Community International isn’t just education…it’s an opportunity that builds confidence, ownership, and momentum toward future success.

Whether you’re exploring an alternative to traditional schooling or seeking a K-12 experience that truly values individual potential, TLCI is here to help you reach your highest level.

“TLCI has completely changed the way I think about education. The freedom to follow my interests—while receiving tailored support—opened doors I never imagined possible.” TLCI Korean High School Learner)

Contact me now to schedule a complimentary Zoom Discovery Conference to see which TLCI program is the best match for you and your family.

08/10/2026

At The Learning Community International (TLCI), home education is never one-size-fits-all. Since 1984, TLCI has stood apart by offering a highly personalized approach to learning that honors each child’s strengths, pace, interests, and needs.

As a trusted home education umbrella program, TLCI supports families with guidance, flexibility, and a deep commitment to helping parents and their children thrive beyond the limitations of traditional schooling, using the whole world as their classroom.

Whether you are new to homeschooling or already leading your child’s education journey, we invite you to schedule a complimentary discovery conference with TLCI Executive Director and longtime homeschool mom, Nancy De Luca Stempel.

Discover a more thoughtful, customized path to learning with TLCI.
Message us today to schedule your conference.

08/02/2026

TLCI collaborates with you to blend , , and with an accredited K–12 individualized learning plan that travels with you.

📧 Reach out to us to see how this works for expat and international families.

08/02/2026

Home education is a powerful way to honor how your child naturally learns. I homeschooled my three children with TLCI. TLCI’s philosophy is rooted in interest-driven learning so your child can explore what genuinely motivates them and grow with confidence.
And while you’re creating a learning plan that fits your family, it’s also important to stay mindful of your homeschool regulations. When you keep both in view, everything becomes simpler, more balanced, and more supportive.
If you’re feeling unsure about how to put it all together, you’re not alone. Feel free to contact me to chat about possibilities and options to best empower your child.
Wishing you much success!

07/25/2026

As we look ahead to fall, many families are asking an important question:
What kind of learning experiences will help my child truly thrive?

At The Learning Community International, we believe learning should be as unique as the child. For more than four decades, TLCI has provided families with a trusted home education umbrella that combines flexibility, professional support and guidance, and a deeply personalized educational philosophy.

TLCI is a standout organization because it has consistently championed:
1. individualized learning
2. family partnership
3. learner empowerment, and
4. educational paths that honor different ways of learning

We invite all parents, both those new to homeschooling and those currently homeschooling, to a complimentary discovery conference with TLCI homeschool pioneers.

Start the year with clarity, confidence, and support. Contact TLCI today to reserve your discovery conference.

07/14/2026

Global Executive Families. Move often? Live between countries?

Your child’s education can still be stable and global.

TLCI blends Worldschooling and Travelschooling, offering a customized, accredited K–12 private school program that travels with you, using the whole world as the classroom.

Guided by experts and professionals. Contact us to see how this works for expat and international families.

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07/09/2026

"I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn." (Anne Frank)

Teens: join our online writing camp! Jump into new genres of writing and learn from authors, editors, and educators.