TENNESSEE HIGH SCHOOL FOR DEAF

Tennessee High School For Deaf is a Title I public high school that is part of the Tennessee Schools for the Deaf school district, located in Knoxville, TN with about 57 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th 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 26 teachers, Tennessee High School For Deaf has a student/teacher ratio of about 2:1. 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 meeting the unique needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Founded in 1844, the school provides a specialized, bilingual-bicultural learning environment that emphasizes both American Sign Language (ASL) and English literacy. By offering a comprehensive curriculum that spans from preschool through high school, TSD ensures that students have full access to communication and instruction, fostering an atmosphere where deaf culture and academic achievement are equally prioritized.

Beyond its core academic mission, TSD functions as a vital resource hub for the statewide deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The campus provides a full range of extracurricular activities, residential life programs, and career-technical training, allowing students to develop independence and social connections in a supportive setting. As a state-operated facility, the school is deeply committed to individualized education plans, ensuring that every student receives the tailored support necessary to succeed both within the classroom and in their transition to post-secondary life.

For more information, contact Tennessee High 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.