Touchstone's Story
“I remember when our ideas turned to reality. Each of the founding families showed their support by writing a cheque for $500.00. So, with a great idea, extremely committed families, and $2500.00, Touchstone was born!”
Touchstone Community School opened its doors to its first class in September 2000, but not without the hard work and dedication of a group of parents who were determined to provide the best possible education for their children.
The founding principal of Touchstone Community School, Tasha vanderLinde, spent four years visiting various schools in the United States and Canada and researching curricula and teaching methodologies. Tasha’s passion for teaching and education began at a young age while teaching at her parents’ music school in Bennington, Vermont. This experience, coupled with fond memories of her own primary education at The Prospect School, inspired Tasha to start an independent school here in New Brunswick.
Tasha was fortunate to find nine like–minded parents who shared her educational interests and who were committed to her vision of providing an exceptional learning experience for their children. Tasha and the hiring committee spent seven months interviewing candidates for Touchstone’s first teacher. Success came in the form of Angela Prosser, a dynamic, creative teacher, who was committed to the school’s founding principles. These principles have become the school’s key objectives.
Since its first year in operation, Touchstone has been extremely successful, constantly exceeding parents’ high expectations. The school’s success is based on a true partnership—parents, students, and teachers working together to meet Touchstone’s mission and to provide a strong foundation for future growth.
