TENNESSEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR DEAF

Tennessee Elementary School For Deaf is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Tennessee Schools for the Deaf school district, located in Knoxville, TN with about 42 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 14 teachers, Tennessee Elementary School For Deaf has a student/teacher ratio of about 3:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Tennessee School for the Deaf (TSD), located on Island Home Boulevard in Knoxville, serves as the state’s primary educational institution dedicated to the needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Founded in 1844, the school provides a comprehensive academic environment that spans from preschool through high school. TSD is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere, utilizing a bilingual approach that incorporates both American Sign Language (ASL) and English to ensure that every student has full access to the curriculum and extracurricular opportunities.

Beyond its core academic mission, the school functions as a critical resource center for the Tennessee deaf community. TSD emphasizes the development of the "whole child," offering residential programs, athletic teams, and various social activities that allow students to thrive within a culturally rich environment tailored to their unique communication needs. By prioritizing self-advocacy and cultural identity, the Tennessee School for the Deaf empowers its students to become independent, contributing members of both the deaf and hearing worlds.

For more information, contact Tennessee Elementary School For Deaf at (865) 579-2500 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.