At Sheltering Tree Ranch, we offer comprehensive education from Early Education to 12th grade through small class sizes and individualized plans to meet every child where they are and give them the tools they need to succeed. We maintain a maximum of a 6:1 student-teacher classroom ratio, allowing us to provide focused attention for each child. Students receive positive reinforcement to encourage positive behaviors, personal growth, and academic success at every level. Behavior plans are created on an as needed basis and can cover school or home behaviors.
Our experienced staff is passionate about serving God by educating children with special needs. We strive to provide the very best services, programs, and apply the best 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 child is unique, we use a milestone-based class system split into different programs. Building 1 for 2-6 year olds in Early Education, K-12 for more academic focused goals, and Phase 2 for life skills based learning and goals. 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.
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
Bible Study Biblically Integrated Education
In addition to our standard BJU academic curriculum, which uses Biblical examples throughout, each program also incorporates a Bible class. The Bible is taught in various ways so that each child can receive the good news of the gospel, no matter their ability level! We also hold regular chapel services with guest speakers to broaden the experience from which our students receive the Word.
Library
Our on-site library is stocked with books for both students and families, with a section of books about parenting a child with an autism spectrum diagnosis. All students and families are welcome to check out a book that they can read and explore at home.
Summer Program
Summer is an exciting time at Sheltering Tree, packed with tons of fun activities and education! This event is open to current students first, and then if spots are still available waiting list families are contacted. The summer program lasts for the 4 weeks of June from 9am-3pm Monday – Thursday. Families can choose to participate for 4 days, 3 days, or 2 days of fun activities for kids that enhance learning in both academic areas and social skills.
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.
Our Goals
