There is a belief that most people carry about schools like Tien Shan. It's a reasonable belief: that the primary goal is to protect students. But what we experienced tells a different story.
Tien Shan operates like many institutions. Its primary priority? Its own survival. That includes reputation, stability, donor confidence, and organizational relationships. When those are threatened, decisions begin to shift.
Dismissing Prevention
When Sharon spoke with the head of school about TCK advocacy, she emphasized prevention — helping students and their families before harm occurs.
"You can't stop bad things from happening to TCKs."
— Head of School, in response to TCK prevention advocacyThat statement reveals a mindset that sees harm as inevitable — not preventable.
When Sharon was later asked to build a TCK advocacy cohort, the material was rejected immediately. No discussion. No exploration. When she suggested bringing in an external audit of the school's TCK advocacy program, it was dismissed outright.
In 2024, after a session led by an adult TCK describing real and personal hardship, leadership responded: "That doesn't happen here." But it did. To many students over many years.
Missing Safeguards
A staff member reported: "I've been here for months and never had a background check." They were shocked. These were all teachable moments for the school. Instead, they were ignored.
When Harm Is Reported
In Fall 2022, a student disclosed ongoing emotional and physical abuse and neglect. Multiple staff verified the situation.
"Unless there are bruises, there's nothing we can do."
— Head of School, in response to a student's disclosure of abuseThat student remains in that situation to this day.
When Leadership Is Challenged
When concerns were raised about the head of school, board members responded: "We must protect [him]." Not: "We must investigate this." That distinction matters.
Across situations, the pattern is consistent: when faced with a choice between protecting people and protecting the institution, the institution is prioritized. This is not about one person or one incident. It is about a system that minimizes risk until it becomes unavoidable, resists accountability, and protects itself when challenged.
Parents often ask: "Is this a safe place for my child?" A better question is: "What happens when something goes wrong?" Because that is where you see what a system truly protects.