RIDGEDALE ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL

Ridgedale Alternative School is a Title I public school that is part of the Knox County school district, located in Knoxville, TN with about 79 students offering grade levels from 1st 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 22 teachers, Ridgedale Alternative School 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.

Ridgedale Alternative School, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, serves as a specialized educational facility within the Knox County School District. Unlike traditional K-12 campuses, the school is designed to provide a structured and supportive environment for students who may struggle in a conventional classroom setting. Its primary mission is to offer an alternative path to academic success by focusing on behavioral intervention, individualized instruction, and credit recovery, ensuring that students remain on track toward graduation despite personal or academic challenges.

The school’s programming is characterized by smaller class sizes and a heightened emphasis on student discipline, social-emotional learning, and accountability. By fostering a controlled environment, Ridgedale aims to help students develop the self-regulation skills and academic habits necessary to either return to their base schools or successfully complete their secondary education. Ultimately, Ridgedale serves as a critical resource for the district, providing a focused, remedial approach to education for students who need a more personalized and intensive support system to thrive.

For more information, contact Ridgedale Alternative School at (865) 909-9099 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.