Located in West Knoxville, just off Cedar Bluff Rd, Tate’s School’s Executive Management Team celebrated the completion of a new Middle School Math Building. This 1,000 sf facility is located on a recently dedicated middle school campus and showcases the updated look of an old-time schoolhouse.

 

Benjamin Builders and Falconnier Design Company worked closely with Tate’s to ensure the facility would work well on their 54 acre campus that is filled with unique, rustic structures. Nestled between the climbing tower and the outdoor amphitheater, this building is a modern tribute to the one room school house of yesteryear, complete with school house lighting , a fireplace, and a bell tower.  It features one entire wall of glass that opens onto a covered porch where middle school students roll their desks outside to learn ….practically in the tree canopy!

 

“For the past 50 years we have intentionally focused on ways to integrate learning and the outdoors. This room is the latest iteration and the middle school students love it,” said Lou L Tate, Founder & CEO. The classroom also sports a hidden bookcase, a fireplace, a large photograph of a mule which is a tribute to Maudy, a mule that lived on campus for many years.

 

The brief ceremony included Joe Tate playing America the Beautiful on his coronet, a blessing, and a dedication to the parents of Joe & Lou L Tate who helped them purchase the original land parcel. The custom-made bell was rung in their honor and will be used to signify the start of classes each day. Students participating by ringing hundreds of personalized bells in unison!

 

“We are in year three of our five year expansion plan and are pleased to be on track. It is simply an exciting time to be at Tate’s, said Kaye Simmons, Principal.  Tate’s School will graduate its’ first class of 8th graders in May. This fall Tate’s School will be celebrating its’ fiftieth anniversary.