Admissions Frequently
Asked Questions
Class size is limited to 8-11 students (Preschool), 16 students (K-5), and 20 students (6-8).
Preschool (8:15 am – 1:00 pm)
Kindergarten (8:15 am – 3:00 pm)
Grades 1-8 (8:00 am – 3:20 pm)
Yes. Early Care begins at 7:30 am and After School ends at 6:00 pm. Participating in After School is similar to our summer camp because the students are outside engaged in a fun activity, weather permitting. The majority of our instructors are trained summer camp staff that are enthusiastic, joyful, and utilize our entire campus.
Tate’s School has a rolling admissions process which means we accept applications all year based upon availability. We encourage parents to complete the online application before February 1st each year. This priority deadline ensures we have enough time to assess each student’s capacity to be successful in our academically advanced environment.
Students should be on grade level, above grade level, or gifted to adapt to the accelerated curriculum which begins in preschool and culminates in rigorous PRE-AP coursework in middle school. Soft skills such as communication, kindness, respectful behavior, a positive attitude, and interpersonal skills are vital predictors of success.
Your child must be three years old by August 15th of the year he or she would begin school.
A shadow day is a wonderful way for your child to explore life as a Tate’s Tiger. The shadow experience is a half day on campus that allows your child to attend classes with their peers, meet the teachers, talk to our coaches, and enjoy lunch on campus. Once you have toured campus and the admissions committee has reviewed your online application, the admissions team may contact you to schedule a shadow day for your child.
Yes, based on availability. We enjoy helping families relocating to Knoxville, students interested in switching schools, or homeschool families seeking a new solution.
If your child is placed on a waiting list due to availability, the admissions office will contact you if a space becomes available. If we are not able to accommodate your child, we will meet with you to personally discuss the results of the admissions assessment and our recommendations.
We give special consideration to siblings of current students, children of alumni, and children of the faculty and staff. However, the student’s fit at Tate’s is the ultimate deciding factor.
All children are required to be fully toilet trained before they can start school. “Pull-ups” are not allowed during any part of the school day.
No. With our focus on outdoor education and hands-on learning, uniforms can be restrictive and costly.
Tate’s School is a private, independent PreK – 8th grade school founded on Christian beliefs. Christmas and Easter are celebrated, and students pray at the start of the day and before meals. We have welcomed all faiths and ethnic groups for over 50 years and will continue to do so.
No. Daily lunch is included in tuition fees and is enjoyed outdoors, weather permitting. Preschool and Kindergarten students have their lunch delivered to their classrooms. Grades 1-8 are served lunch in the Athletic & Dining Hall on inclement weather days.
Tate’s does not have special education faculty to accommodate students with special needs.
Have another question? Email us at [email protected] and we will have the appropriate staff member get back with you.