Best Special Needs Schools in Knoxville, Tennessee (2026)

Knoxville Adaptive Education Center is a Knox County Schools specialized day program at 5719 Kingston Pike. It serves selected kindergarten through grade 12 students from across the district who need a structured setting with a strong mental health component. Placement is through the IEP team. Instructional hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The program works toward a return to the student's zoned school. Richard Yoakley School is a separate alternative assignment campus and is not this program.

• Public special education school
• Emotional/behavioral support
• Mental health support needs
• IEP intervention

PEER Academy is a nonprofit private school dedicated to providing a tailored educational experience for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Founded in 2016, PEER Academy's core mission is to foster an individualized learning environment that emphasizes peer interaction and collaboration, empowering each child to achieve their fullest potential. The academy offers a comprehensive K-12 curriculum designed to meet the unique needs of its students. Key programs include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to support behavioral development, speech and language therapy to enhance communication skills, and occupational therapy to improve daily living skills. Additionally, PEER Academy provides social skills groups that focus on building interpersonal relationships and community engagement. The holistic educational approach ensures that each student receives personalized attention, promoting academic, cognitive, and social growth in a nurturing setting. What sets PEER Academy apart is its commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, allowing for individualized instruction and support. The campus is equipped with specialized technology to enhance learning experiences, and the school emphasizes the development of self-advocacy and life skills. PEER Academy also offers vocational training and summer programs, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future independence and success in their communities.

• Special education school
• Autism
• developmental disabilities
• Private school

Tennessee School for the Deaf is a state-operated campus at 2725 Island Home Boulevard in Knoxville. It serves deaf and hard of hearing students from the Toddler Learning Class through grade 12. The Knoxville campus has both day students and a residential program. It also houses the Comprehensive Adult Program. West Tennessee School for the Deaf in Jackson and Tennessee School for the Deaf Nashville are separate campuses.

• State-operated school
• Deaf
• Hard of hearing
• Deaf education