Tennessee School for the Deaf Upper School

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.