At Sheltering Tree, we offer comprehensive education from Early Education to 12th grade through small classes and individualized instruction to meet every child and adult where they are and give them the support they need to succeed. We maintain approximately a 6:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing us to provide focused attention for each student. Students receive a behavior plan unique to them and positive reinforcement to encourage positive behaviors, personal growth, and academic success at every level.
Our experienced staff is passionate about children and adults with special needs and serving God, working hard to provide the very best services, programs, and techniques to help their students learn and grow. In order to provide the best education and care, our teachers are also lifelong learners themselves, regularly attending seminars and workshops to keep up with the latest and most successful approaches and programs.
Because we know that every person is unique, we use a milestone-based class system split into different programs; Building 1 for 2-6 year old Early Education, K-12 for more academic focus, and Phase 2 for life skills based learning. This allows our students to learn with peers at a similar developmental level and practice appropriate social skills and activities in a positive environment.
Phase 1
Early Intervention and Education
Building 1 holds our Early Intervention and Education program for kids ages 2-6 years old. With a focus on helping students with critical developmental milestones we use ABA, Speech, and Occupational Therapy techniques to work on goals related to communication, behavior, eye contact, fine motor skills and sitting still for age appropriate lengths of time. The ABLLS Assessment is used to identify gaps in development and set goals for the school year.
Phase 2
Students who have reached Early Education Milestones but are not quite ready to dive into the academics of K-12 can transition into our Phase 2 program where we continue to focus on behavior goals, self help skills, life skills, and academics.
ACSI Accredited K-12
This academic program is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Students can earn a typical diploma or a special education diploma from this program. Classes are grouped according to academic and social needs and color coded rather than numbered. Each child is an individual, not a number! We meet students where they are in each subject and create individualized plans for academics, behavior, social skills, life skills, etc.
Elementary
After Phase 2, students begin their continued education in the elementary building, with a kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd through 8th grade class. Kindergarten and Phase 2 classes share in daily activities like crafts, exercise, and play to aid in social skill development.
All of our programs currently have a waiting list for admission. To place your child on the waiting list please fill out the student application in the link below. By filling out a student application you agree to be contacted by a representative of Sheltering Tree Ranch to discuss your child and family needs. It is our goal to assist families on the waitlist however we can through resources, advice, etc.
Educational Strategies
Library
Our on-site library is stocked with books for both students and families, with a complete section of books about parenting a child with an autism spectrum diagnosis. Students enjoy library time once a week, with story time for phase 2 and kindergarten students. All students in our phase 2, kindergarten, and 3rd through 8th grade class are able to check out a book that they can read and explore at home.
Accreditation & Assistance
In December 2017, we earned our accreditation through the Association of Christian Schools International. This partnership with ACSI helps us to keep our strengths on track and identify and work on any areas that need improvement as we grow.
Accreditation also opens doors for families that need financial help to make it possible for their child to attend our school. The Individualized Education Account (IEA) program allows eligible families to apply for funds to cover educational expenses for their child. If qualifications are met, the money awarded can be used to pay for the monthly tuition.
To learn more about the IEA program and if you qualify please visit this page: https://www.tn.gov/education/iea.html
Nondiscriminatory Policy
The Sheltering Tree Ranch admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
