At Sheltering Tree, we offer comprehensive education up to 10th 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 Phase 1, Phase 2, and 3 elementary classes. 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
Our Phase 1 class is designed for students with critical developmental milestones to reach including, but not limited to, communication, eye contact, and sitting still for age appropriate lengths of time.
Phase 2
Students who have reached the Phase 1 milestones progress to the Phase 2 class, where they begin learning letter and sound recognition, writing, and other foundational skills that they will build on throughout their education.
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.
Educational Strategies
Bible Study
In addition to our standard curriculum, which uses Biblical examples throughout, each class also includes a Bible class several times per week and we hold a bi-weekly chapel service to instill Christian values and provide spiritual support for our students. Bible class includes reading and teaching a Bible story, applying it today’s life, and memorizing scripture.
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.