Become Your Best

At Sumner Academy, we firmly believe that the PreK-8th Grade experience gives students the advantage to grow and learn in a safe, stable environment during their most critical years. Students are known on our campus - not only by their teachers, but by all staff members and students in other grades. We provide multiple opportunities for our students to interact with children in other grades - one day, our 1st graders might be reading to 6th graders. On another, our PreK students are helping with a science investigation with our 7th graders. It is these opportunities that build a deep and meaningful community, where every child can truly feel they belong and they are valued.

We encourage you to explore what makes Sumner Academy your child's best option for education. Click the links below to learn more about what we have to offer and when you are ready, you can submit an inquiry, schedule a tour, or just contact us to learn more. We can't wait to see you on our campus!

Admissions Office

Discover

Diverse opportunities and rich traditions

Ignite

Opportunities that promote passionate learning

Experienced

TEACHING STAFF WITH AN AVERAGE OF 19 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Community

Learning communities that foster relationships

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Expect Unique Experiences

The Arts

We think students should leave Sumner Academy with ample exposure to music and the arts. Our students play instruments, perform Shakespeare, throw clay, create sculptures, perform on stage and more. All students, from our youngest Pre-K students to our 8th grade students participate in a vigorous arts program.

Several young students playing the ukulele

The music teacher teaching students how to stay on beat

Field Studies

We know important learning takes place beyond classroom walls. From local theaters and museums to out-of-state adventures, our students don't just read about their subjects, they learn through first-hand experiences.

Washington DC

Space Camp

Oak Ridge, TN

Students in front of wood fence at Oak Ridge

Instruction

We believe that children's ideas, needs, and discoveries are best heard in a small-group, collaborative setting. These opportunities are embedded within our classrooms, as well as an emphasis on critical thinking, technology use, and enriching experiences. The Middle School schedule allows for study halls and a pursuit of personal interests in a variety of offered clubs.

Two students dressed as revolutionary soldiers

A female and male student performing a science experiment

Learning Communities

Our learning communities enable students from different grade levels to interact and experience life and school together. This fosters important relationships and a sense of family and belonging between the students. This structure also allow our teachers to collaborate within a community instead of just a grade level, ensuring a smooth transition from one grade to the next for all students.

A young boy sitting on the floor doing school work

1st graders sitting together on a map rug

Monarch Manor

In 2023, Sumner Academy received a grant from the TVA to build a monarch pollinator garden on campus. With the help of students, staff, and community volunteers, 'Monarch Manor and Rest Stop' was officially opened on campus on May 19, 2023. This is a place where students can learn about different aspects of nature, conservation, mindfullness, and wellbeing.

The PreK-8 Model

A strong, cohesive PreK-8 school helps to provide the social-emotional support, sense of belonging, and academic challenges that students of this age need. Students at Sumner Academy know they are loved, supported, and valued. We provide them the experience, both academically and emotionally, to be successful wherever their future may lead them.

The Value of an Independent Education

Sending your child to an independent school can be a life-long investment. Sumner Academy focuses on educating the whole child: a values-based approach with high academic standards. We have excellent teachers who provide personal attention to each and every student, a strong campus community, and supportive families. We provide a safe and powerful place to learn and grow.