TAWCS Takes a Unique Approach to Education, One Where Creativity and Curiosity Will Shape the Leaders of Tomorrow

TAWCS is redefining what it means to learn, breaking away from the rigid structures of traditional schooling to create a holistic, child-centered, and community-driven approach to education. 

In the borough of New York—away from the rigidity of the traditional school—is a micro-school that is reconceptualizing the education model. The Art Of Words Community School (TAWCS) isn’t just a place where children learn; it’s a space where they can thrive, create, and develop into the next generation of leaders, scientists, and innovators. 

Founded during the pandemic by former public school teacher Lisa Scott, TAWCS was born out of a vision to offer a holistic, hands-on, and deeply engaging education—one that nurtures curiosity rather than confines children to the factory model of traditional schooling. “I saw a massive need for community-based schooling, something that integrates students, parents, and the extended community,” Lisa explains. 

Now in its fifth year, TAWCS is a small yet powerful force in education, offering kindergarten through fifth grade (soon expanding to sixth grade) with a low-cost, high-impact approach. Education is more than just academics for them—it’s an immersive, exploratory experience. The school integrates multiple learning philosophies to create a well-rounded curriculum, including Waldorf-inspired methodologies and its own CLAP system: Community, Literacy, Art, and Project-Based Learning. “We believe that learning should be engaging, hands-on, and deeply connected to the world around us,” Lisa explains. “That’s why we take our students outside, bring in guest speakers, and incorporate real-world projects that foster independence and confidence.” 

The Waldorf approach—rooted in experiential learning, artistic expression, and outdoor exploration—is seamlessly woven into the CLAP method. This sows the seeds of an environment where children not only learn core subjects but also develop critical thinking, imagination, and collaboration skills. Whether painting a mural, crafting a business idea, or studying environmental sustainability, students are encouraged to explore their interests in ways that traditional schooling often stifles. 

Lisa, who is soon to take training in Montessori education as well, is determined to expand the school’s methodologies even further. “I love both Waldorf and Montessori as they emphasize hands-on learning and respect for a child’s natural inquisitiveness. We’re blending these philosophies to set in motion a truly integrated approach to education.” 

One of TAWCS’s most defining aspects is its commitment to fostering a tight-knit, supportive community among students, parents, and educators. From family-style monthly dinners to collaborative projects that extend beyond the classroom, the school is built on the idea that education is a shared responsibility. 

“Parents don’t just enroll their children in a school; they become part of a community,” Lisa shares. “They help each other out, they support each other, and their kids build friendships that go beyond the classroom. That’s exactly what I wanted—an environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to be themselves.”

The school’s small class sizes allow for highly individualized attention, ensuring that each child’s unique learning style and academic needs are met. TAWCS even embraces mixed-age learning and personalized instruction. “I know exactly where each of my students is academically,” Lisa assures. “Some are ahead of their grade level, while others need extra support—and we can give that to them in a way that a traditional school simply can’t.” 

TAWCS encourages students to think globally, embrace diversity, and develop skills that will serve them in real life. Art and literature are central to the curriculum—the students’ version of tools for expression. “Kids should be in beautiful spaces,” Lisa says. “They deserve an environment that inspires them. We don’t have standard desks—we have handcrafted wooden tables. Our classrooms are designed to feel warm, inviting, and ingenious. When children feel comfortable, they can truly thrive.” 

One of the school’s most unique features is its dedicated “work time”—a period between 1:00 and 2:30 p.m. when students are free to explore their interests. Whether painting, storytelling, or building something new, this self-directed time fosters independence and innovation. 

As TAWCS continues to grow, Lisa envisions the model being replicated across the country. “We need more schools like these—schools that focus on developing well-rounded individuals,” she affirms. “With the challenges our world faces today, we don’t need people who follow instructions; we need problem solvers, innovators, and trailblazers.” 

The success of TAWCS proves that there is a demand for alternative education models that break away from rigid, outdated structures. As more parents seek personalized, hands-on learning environments for their children, a school like TAWCS is a true beacon of what’s possible. 

For many families, the decision to enroll their child at TAWCS is an easy one. Parents frequently comment on the school’s welcoming environment, the level of individual attention their children receive, and the strong sense of belonging. “One of the biggest things we hear from parents is that their kids don’t want to leave,” Lisa says with a smile. “This feedback tells me we’re doing something right and need to keep going.” 

The school’s commitment to fostering a safe and accepting space is evident in its day-to-day interactions. Whether it’s a child arriving in a knight’s costume or a student arranging stuffed animals at lunchtime, individuality is celebrated rather than suppressed. “We let kids be themselves,” Lisa shares. “There’s no judgment—just encouragement. As long as they’re being kind and respectful, they have the freedom to express who they are.” 

For someone looking for an alternative to traditional schooling, one that nurtures the child’s curiosity, creativity, and leadership, TAWCS may be the perfect fit because education should be more than memorization and test scores.