Educational Approach

At Anniston Academy, we blend evidence-based academic and therapeutic practices to meet the unique needs of every learner. Rooted in Montessori principles and nature-based learning, our curriculum fosters an inclusive, engaging environment where all students can thrive.

What We Offer: Whole-Child Support at a Private School and Autism Center in Cookeville

We go beyond academics to provide a rich, therapeutic, and inclusive learning experience that supports every aspect of your child’s development. As a therapeutic private school in Middle Tennessee, our approach is grounded in research-based practices, individualized education, and community-centered care.

Individualized and Whole-Child Education

Our student-centered, inquiry-based curriculum is inspired by Montessori philosophy and designed to foster independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Through hands-on, play-based experiences, students learn to think critically, solve problems creatively, and grow into confident, capable learners.

Integrated Therapeutic Model

Our therapeutic services are integrated directly into the school day. This naturalistic approach promotes consistency across settings, supports generalization of skills, and reduces the stigma often associated with traditional pull-out models. Our goal is to nurture confident, curious learners who feel supported in every aspect of their development.

Anniston Academy provides a wide range of onsite and partner-supported services, including:

Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Music Therapy
Physical Therapy
Early Intervention Services

Family and Community Support

We believe education is most effective when it’s a partnership between school and home.
Families are an essential part of our community through:

Parent education workshops
Learning strategy sessions
School events, service projects, and family engagement opportunities
Extended school daycare and weekend respite care

This collaborative approach strengthens home-school connections and empowers families to support their child’s success both inside and outside the classroom.

Classroom Essentials: A Sensory-Smart, Student-Centered Environment

Our classrooms are intentionally designed to promote focus, regulation, and comfort, particularly for neurodivergent learners. Each space reflects our commitment to creating an optimal learning environment for children with unique sensory and developmental needs.

Key Classroom Features

Visual Aids: Support routines, transitions, and expectations with clarity.
Flexible Seating: Bean bags, floor cushions, and alternative seating encourage comfort and body awareness.
Soft Lighting: Reduces overstimulation and promotes a calm, focused atmosphere.
Emotional Regulation Tools: Sensory materials and calming visuals help students manage emotions effectively.
Multi-Sensory Learning Materials: Engage tactile and visual pathways to deepen understanding.
Nature-Based Learning: Encourages exploration, mindfulness, and connection to the natural world.

At Anniston Academy, every detail—from our curriculum design to our classroom setup—is built around one goal: helping children feel safe, seen, and successful.

Curriculum and Instruction

While we maintain a strong and consistent curricular foundation, we recognize that no two students are alike. Teachers are encouraged to adapt and differentiate instruction based on each child’s strengths, interests, and support needs—ensuring every learner is both challenged and celebrated.

Curricular Tools and Training Utilized by Our Staff

This comprehensive yet flexible framework equips our educators to create meaningful, individualized learning experiences that promote academic excellence, emotional resilience, and a deep sense of belonging.

An Inclusive, Nonreligious Environment

Anniston Academy is not affiliated with any religious organization and does not incorporate religious instruction into its curriculum. We are committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for families of all faiths—or none at all—where every child is valued for who they are.

DAILY SCHEDULE

At Anniston Academy, each day is intentionally structured to balance academic instruction, therapeutic integration, enrichment, and plenty of movement and play. Every part of the day is designed to meet students’ developmental needs while nurturing curiosity, independence, and emotional well-being.

Morning Meeting (20 minutes)
Morning Meeting is a structured, predictable start to the school day based on the Responsive Classroom Morning Meeting approach. The purpose is to build a strong classroom community, strengthen social-emotional and communication skills, create a sense of belonging, and prepare students to engage successfully in learning. Morning Meeting lasts approximately 20 minutes and includes the four components of Responsive Classroom Morning Meeting: Greeting, Sharing, Group Activity, and Morning Message. Greetings may be verbal or nonverbal and can include waving, signing, using AAC, fist bumps, or other comfortable forms of acknowledgment. Students are encouraged to participate without requiring eye contact, physical contact, or spoken language. Students have an opportunity to share something with the group and respond to or learn about their classmates. Sharing may involve answering a simple question, discussing an experience, showing an item, selecting from visual choices, or communicating through AAC or other preferred communication methods. The class participates together in a brief, engaging activity. Activities may include movement, songs, rhythm activities, cooperative games, partner activities, regulation exercises, or short academic review games. The teacher presents a brief written or visual message welcoming students and previewing the day. The message may include the date, schedule, important changes, upcoming activities, a question of the day, or a brief academic connection.

Academic Blocks
- Math (60 minutes) – Hands-on, conceptual learning built on real-world application.
- Science, Technology, & Forest Learning (60 minutes) – Students explore nature daily—rain, snow, or shine (safety permitting)—building observation, inquiry, and environmental awareness. Technology is a course designed to build students’ digital literacy, problem-solving, creativity, and responsible technology use. Students develop age-appropriate skills in computer use, typing, digital citizenship, coding, research, multimedia creation, and other technology applications.
- Literacy & Social Studies (120 minutes) – Integrated reading, writing, and history lessons emphasizing comprehension, critical thinking, and connection to the world around them.

Enrichment (60 minutes)
Includes Yoga, Culinary Arts, Music Therapy, Spanish, and Appalachian Crafts.

Lunch (30 minutes)
Recess (60 minutes)
Unstructured play that supports creativity, sensory regulation, and peer connection.

Nap (60 minutes) – PreK only
Rest time to support self-regulation and healthy routines.

Before & After Care (Optional)
Structured supervision, play, and enrichment opportunities for working families.

ENRICHMENT

We believe that a well-rounded education extends far beyond academics. Our weekly schedule includes dedicated whole group enrichment blocks that nurture creativity, emotional intelligence, leadership, and lifelong learning skills.

Whole Group Music Therapy (1 day per week)

Led by a licensed music therapist, students engage in rhythm, movement, and song to strengthen communication, social connection, and emotional regulation in a joyful, therapeutic setting.

Whole Group Yoga (1 day per week)

Yoga Enrichment provides students with a supportive opportunity to explore movement, balance, breathing, and body awareness through developmentally appropriate activities. Students practice simple yoga poses, stretching, mindfulness, and calming strategies that can support self-regulation, coordination, and overall well-being. Activities are adapted to individual abilities and comfort levels, with an emphasis on participation, enjoyment, and developing healthy strategies students can use throughout their day.

Whole Group Culinary Arts (1 day per week)

Culinary Arts provides students with hands-on opportunities to develop cooking skills while intentionally strengthening executive functioning skills such as planning, sequencing, organization, time management, task initiation, working memory, and flexible thinking. Students learn to follow recipes, gather and measure ingredients, use kitchen tools appropriately, prepare foods, and complete multistep tasks with increasing independence. Kitchen safety is embedded throughout the program, including safe food handling, hygiene, appropriate use of appliances and utensils, recognizing hazards, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace.

Whole Group Spanish (1 day per week)

Spanish Enrichment introduces students to the Spanish language and culture through engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction. Students build foundational vocabulary and communication skills through conversation, music, games, stories, movement, and hands-on activities. Lessons emphasize practical language use, cultural awareness, confidence, and exposure to a second language while allowing students to participate at their individual learning and communication levels.

Whole Group Appalachian Crafts (1 day per week)

Appalachian Crafts introduces students to the traditional arts, skills, and creative heritage of the Appalachian region through hands-on projects. Students explore activities inspired by regional traditions such as weaving, quilting, fiber arts, woodworking, pottery, and nature-based crafts while learning about the history and cultural significance behind them. Projects encourage creativity, fine-motor development, patience, problem-solving, and an appreciation for the traditions and craftsmanship of Appalachia.

Small Group Intervention & Enrichment/Genius Hour (varies by need)

Students receive targeted academic intervention in small groups or participate in interest-driven, creative projects—ensuring each learner is both challenged and supported.