Who We Serve

PEER Academy accommodates students with the following: ASD, Autism, Aspergers, Intellectual Disabilities, Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, and other types of learning disabilities.

Academics

At PEER Academy, we believe every child is entitled to a learning environment that promotes their fullest potential academically, socially, and emotionally.

PEER Academy is one of the first schools in our region to offer a comprehensive, individualized program for students with developmental disabilities. We provide a special education classroom atmosphere that incorporates small-group instruction, one-on-one teaching, and independent classwork.

Our goal is to offer students a customized academic plan grounded in research-based strategies, designed to meet each student’s individual learning profile. This highly personalized approach encourages students to unlock new and varied learning capabilities. While academic progress is important, we also emphasize functional communication and social skills.

PEER Academy provides our students with:

  • Low teacher-to-student ratio
  • One-on-one sessions
  • Specialized teachers and teaching assistants
  • Use of visual aids and schedules
  • Increased repetition to master skills
  • Support for the varying sensory needs of our students
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Admission Process

PEER Academy is now accepting applications! We serve students in grades K–12.

We would be delighted to arrange a personal tour of PEER Academy. During your visit, you will experience our philosophy, meet our staff, and observe a day in the life at PEER.

PEER Academy is a tuition-based school.

We are also an approved participating non-public school in the Individualized Education Account (IEA) Program through the Tennessee Department of Education. Approved IEA participants may be eligible to use their annually granted funds to help cover the cost of tuition and fees. Please contact the IEA Program at the Tennessee Department of Education for more information.

To learn more or to schedule a school visit, please call (865) 293-1158 or email our office at c.grosso@knoxpeeracademy.org.

Intake Procedures:

  • Families and/or school district personnel visit the school for a tour.
  • Members of the educational team meet the child for an initial assessment.
  • The educational team reviews the child’s previous IEPs, progress reports, and other relevant documentation.
  • The educational team works with the family to determine whether PEER Academy would be a beneficial learning environment for the child.
  • An extended visitation period is discussed and agreed upon by the family and educational team. A timeframe is established for the student to participate in classroom routines and activities alongside other PEER students.

Post-Admission Process

After the admissions process is completed—and depending on classroom ratios and the availability of openings—students will be admitted and enrolled based on a combination of the application, interview, assessments, and visitation period. Our goal is to ensure that PEER Academy can provide the appropriate environment and necessary support for each child.

If placement is approved and enrollment is completed, a customized educational plan will be developed collaboratively by the educational team and the student’s family to support the student’s needs.