Tate's School

We are an international family used to the expat lifestyle from several countries. Finding a school with high academic standards and yet very grounded in values and ethics (independently of backgrounds and beliefs) is not always easy. At Tate's School, learning happens so naturally through multiple projects, academic studies, and even non-academic activities that it feels like an integral part of their daily experience. The various projects that the students develop throughout the school year are meticulously devised to not only deliver knowledge but also to give students the opportunity to train a multitude of very practical skills. Tate's School expects student commitment, while educators and staff members deliver teachings of high quality. Tate's approach aligns with what AI and the highly technology-led future require to successfully thrive in the new era that we are entering into. In addition to giving students strong mental and moral pillars, the school provides advanced technology classes. Beyond the stunning campus, which serves as an extension of the mountain cabin classrooms, something very special at Tate's is the sense of community. Students are provided with plenty of opportunities to interact with peers from different grades as friends and examples to each other. All staff members are a part of the community, respected and well regarded by the students, regardless of their role at the school. Tate's School has given my two children a sense of community and home, difficult to gain otherwise while we are far from their extended family. For the parents, the school is a network that eases the navigation in our new home.

Tate's School has exceeded our expectations. Tate's excels in academics while fostering a strong sense of community. The dedicated staff and engaging curriculum empower students to reach their full potential. A standout feature is the emphasis of outdoor time on the breathtaking campus, seamlessly blending nature into learning and development. Tate's creates a welcoming, supportive environment where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally-a true second home for our families.

As an educator myself, I can confidently say that choosing Tate's School has been the best decision we've ever made for our son's education. From the moment he started in the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program to now, as he completes his final year in 8th grade, we've watched him thrive in an environment that's perfect for whole-child development. The staff at Tate's take an individualized approach to education that sets them apart. They recognize and nurture each child's unique potential. Walking through the campus of Tate's, you'll see students genuinely engaged in their learning. The curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for knowledge that extends far beyond the classroom. One of the most impressive aspects of Tate's is their amazing outdoor component. They understand the importance of connecting with nature in a child's development, providing experiences that cannot be replicated within four walls. Over the years, we've watched our son form valuable friendships that we believe will last a lifetime. The students at Tate's have a remarkable respect for one another, creating a family-like atmosphere. It really is a special community! Choosing Tate's School has been a great investment in our child's future. The skills, knowledge, and values he's gained here have laid a strong foundation for his future academic and personal success. If you're looking for a school that will nurture your child's intellect, creativity, and character, look no further than Tate's School. It's not just an education; it's a transformative experience that will shape your child's future in the most positive ways imaginable.

I spent the first years of my education at Tate's School in Knoxville, TN. I started kindergarten there and left after 4th grade because, at the time, that was the highest grade I could attend at Tate's. It was a fabulous education and instilled in me a continuous appetite for learning that still exists today. What I remember about Tate's is a quality education, interspersed with a love of the outdoors and extracurricular activities, and teachers and parents who cared tremendously for their pupils. Tate's taught me so well, that when I attended public school afterward, I was two grades ahead of my peers in several classes. I remember having to walk over to the middle school from my intermediate school to get questions answered in subject areas I was studying on the side. I also remember as many outdoor memories as indoor ones, from learning about animals to sports with my classmates to performances at the Bijou and the local mall. As for my teachers, thankfully, I still interact with them occasionally today, and they show the same loving care as they did when I was a kid. I loved to learn as a child, and would happily sit in front of an encyclopedia set for hours. Tate's nurtured that in me and challenged me, as well. One of my favorite memories was the days we all received the books we ordered from the Scholastic Book Club - never ordered enough, though! The foundation Tate laid in me left an indelible impression on me and set me on a course of lifelong learning that guides me to this day. I last attended Tate's about 44 years ago; since then I've completed post-secondary education and have had two successful careers. If success is built on a great foundation, I had the best - I have nothing but the fondest memories of Tate's school and its care for children. I've periodically followed the school through the years because Tate's is much more than a school; it's also a family. From the campus grounds to the facilities, the summer camps, the modern technological investments, and the growth of subjects and staff, they've only improved upon the great start they had with me nearly half a century ago. I give Tate's School my highest endorsement!

Tate's is such an incredible place for children and families! The teachers have such a true passion for kids and innovative/creative academics. Children have a blast while learning without knowing how advanced their lessons really are. Every single employee on campus is so caring, compassionate, and friendly. They make you feel like family all the time. Everyone here truly cares about the children and families who attend here and you feel it consistently. The kids have so much fun that they never want to leave! Safety is always a concern regarding children and I feel so confident in their safety plans. There was a false alarm/school lockdown in the area. The children on Tate's campus were cared for and protected without fearing the situation. I love how much time kids spend outside and even have swim classes. The classrooms are all in separate buildings around campus creating friendships between students of all grades. This campus is truly a family environment which both students and parents love dearly!! I can't praise every single employee here enough!

Both of my kids have attended Tate's for since Kindergarten. Our experience has been exceptional in that we truly feel a partnership with the teachers. The emphasis on the out-of-doors has provided my children with a far better environment than what my wife & I experienced as children. The small classes ensure each kid is getting the support they need to excel. And it's not just the teachers. The principal, administrators, and all other support staff have become a part of our extended Tate's Family.

Tate's School is extraordinary, and the teachers and staff are wonderful! We are from out of state and enrolled our 12YE in Tate's middle school last year. She was made to feel welcome in the group from the start which is so important at this age. We are constantly impressed by the quality of care and education, as well as the focus on personal growth and character development. The teachers are phenomenal mentors who show a passion for education and a real respect for the students. We love the hands-on learning and campus approach at Tate's, which is so vital and valuable for teens. Advanced academics are imperative, but the HOW of teaching and learning is where Tate's excels! I really think our daughter's life has been enriched by attending Tate's and highly recommend it to others. The campus is stunning, the teachers are outstanding, and the faculty is caring and compassionate. Your child will be well educated AND cared for at Tate's. There is a real sense of community here! My only regret is that we missed the elementary school years here.

We absolutely LOVE Tate's. The small classes help teachers focus on the needs of each child. There is so much hands-on learning and my children are both thriving here. I also love that they get to have time outdoors and they are not stuck inside behind a desk all day. Tate's is truly a learning experience for students.I would highly recommend it to anyone. My kids love going to school here.

My son recently transitioned to Tate's for 6th grade and our family could not be happier! The campus, staff, and learning environment are truly unique and amazing! The small classes and familial environment cannot be beaten. We are so blessed to have discovered Tate's!

We have three children attending Tate`s School, spanning first grade through middle school. Tate`s is a unique place of love and learning, truly a class of its own. Tate`s is a place where we feel that the teachers know and truly care for our family. Tate`s provides the necessary resources and tools to teach our children the fundamentals combined with just the right amount of difficulty to motivate and challenge them. For example, when our youngest daughter came to Tate`s in first grade she was starting to learn how to blend letter sounds and read phonetically. By the 2nd grade, she was reading on a 4th-grade reading level, getting fantastic marks on her spelling tests, and loved going to school each day. Not only are we impressed by our children`s educational and emotional growth and development, but at Tate`s, our children are taught non-academic lessons such as life skills, civility, and character building. Tate provides a more in-depth experience of how to overcome adversity, a much-needed skill. At Tate`s, we are no longer concerned that our children may miss the basics of a new concept being taught or fall behind due to an exorbitant amount of emphasis placed on the results of a standardized test. At Tate`s, we can rest assured that its staff, teachers, and leadership are intentionally striving to gain a better understanding of each of our children individually and actively partnering with us as parents to provide additional opportunities to ensure maximum growth for our children. Tate`s ability to utilize this customized approach is largely attributed to its smaller class sizes and top-notch educators and enrichment programs. Tate`s has been an incredible experience for our family. Each year, we are in awe as our children fully immerse themselves in sports, performing arts, choir, and science fairs all while having the freedom of hands-on outdoor learning. Each day our family reflects on how blessed we are to have found such a beautiful environment where our children are thriving.

Our child attended Tate`s School and Summer Camps for her entire education prior to heading to High School this year. I can emphatically state that Tates School was both academically and emotionally, the perfect fit for our daughter. We are proud of the loving, kind, and conscientious honor student she has become.

Wow! My family LOVES Tate`s. The teachers are outstanding. The facilities are second to none. The curriculum is one of a kind and my child is thriving! My 4-year-old loves going to school every day! He has so much fun that he doesn`t even know he is learning. I am so impressed with this school. Best decision my husband and I have ever made for our child!

Tates School has been fantastic for both of our kids. My daughter is in her 5th year there and my son in his 4th year. The stuff these kids learn is amazing but more than that is how they learn it. The faculty make a point of using the 52 acre campus to make learning fun, interactive and hands-on. For instance, the 4th graders have a garden they take care of all year and even bring home some of the vegetables they grow. My daughter was so happy and proud when I made dinner using the onion she grew at school. With the small class size, kids at Tates School get a lot of individualized attention so if they need a little extra help with something, the teacher is available to do so rather than not having time because she is dealing with 30+ kids. Every teacher seems to know every kid, not just the ones in her particular class, because every single teacher there truly cares about kids and teaching in general. My kids love school so much they spend the entire summer asking me when they can go back to school because they miss it so much. That, in and of itself, makes every penny of the tuition we pay worth it.