Flexible, family-first education
About TLA Online
Our Purpose
At TLA, we know learning begins at home. And we also know that some families need alternatives to typical public schooling.
Our flexible, family-centered programs empower you to design your child’s education around your values and lifestyle. With BC-certified faculty and individualized plans, our program offers a fresh option for families. Learning can happen anytime, anywhere, while still meeting BC’s curriculum standards.
Bridging The Gap
TLA began as an independent school, supporting those who wanted to incorporate faith in education. Since opening our doors in 1991, and throughout our evolution, we have given families new ways to shape their children’s education.
Nearly a decade after establishing TLA, we saw an opportunity for a new chapter. Along with our founder, Allan Garneau, we joined the growing group of voices lobbying the Ministry of Education to offer Distributed Learning as an option to independent schools—and in 2002, we launched one of the first independent DL schools in the province. TLA Online created a new possibility for families to educate their children from a position of faith, while still studying a BC-certified curriculum.
Under the leadership of Allan Garneau and Grace Jorgensen, TLA Online opened its first office in Surrey, sharing space with the BC Homeschool Association. Early on, we provided home learners with resources through our One-Stop Learning Bookstore, and offered a unique combination of remote and on-site education through our Exploratorium program.
In 2013, we launched our Blended program from our new Cloverdale campus, affording even more flexibility to families who want to combine online and on-campus learning. Since then, we’ve piloted a new BC K–9 curriculum, expanded our Blended programs to Prince George, Dawson Creek and Castlegar. Today, TLA Online Principal Gabe Linder sits on the board of the Federation of Independent Schools Association, and our team proudly serves families throughout BC and abroad. The strength of our community is apparent in the strong ties we’ve forged both online and offline.
A Legacy of Success
Students graduate from TLA primed for success in demanding academic and professional programs. They are regularly awarded scholarships, and excel in a variety of fields—from the creative arts, to social sciences, to STEM programs. To date, TLA graduates have attended top universities across Canada, Europe and the United States—including a number of Ivy League institutions.
Becoming a home learning family can be a bit intimidating, but I’ve never felt like my kids weren’t getting a great education because I’ve had so much support. And my children are thriving. They’re meeting the goals set out for them in record time and having a blast doing it. Learning isn’t a chore for them, it’s just a part of their day.
- Carolyn, TLA Parent
Working with our Blended program teacher, Amy, has been a highlight. She is so supportive and has taken a ton of the anxiety out of school for us.
- Vanessa, TLA Parent
If you have dreamed of home learning, you must try it! You will deepen your family relationship, and with the help of TLA you will soon be confident, creative, relaxed, and involved with your child’s life in a more substantial way than our conventional school system would ever allow.
- Tiffany, TLA Parent
Passionate People, Working Together
Every day, our committed team of BC-certified teachers brings their expertise and enthusiasm for education to our students and families. Whether teaching online courses, blending the best of home-based and online learning, or personalizing programs for each learner, we are driven by a shared goal: instilling a love of learning in students and strengthening bonds within families.
We strive to facilitate learning within each family’s unique setting and philosophy, working to create individualized plans that fully support parental leadership in the educational process. Guidance, support, and professional curriculum advice empowers students to meet and exceed provincial learning standards.
Honouring the role of the family in the education of the child, TLA’s team of office staff serves parents of all faiths and backgrounds. We strive to facilitate supportive, collaborative, and professional working relationships between staff, teachers, parents, and students, building an effective learning community across BC.
Join Our Team
If you’re passionate about partnering with families to foster quality learning at home, we’d love to hear from you! Traditional Learning Academy is a non-denominational Christian school serving families across BC.
Join our multi-disciplinary team of teachers and staff.
Support TLA
As a not-for-profit organization, we rely on community support to deliver the quality programs and services we’re known for. Partner with us today!