River Academy (Beacon School before)

🌟 Key Highlights: Beacon School

Beacon School is a private, co-educational Christian school in Greeneville, Tennessee. It is committed to providing a personalized, project-based learning environment that emphasizes holistic development and Christ-like character, preparing students for life through a unique educational model.

🏫 Overview

• Type: Private / Independent Christian School (Often categorized as an Alternative School)

• Location: Greeneville, Tennessee (Greene County)

• Grades Served: Typically 1st Grade – 12th Grade (Some reports indicate 5th–12th)

• Enrollment: Small student body (reported between 41–66 students), leading to a highly favorable student-teacher ratio (reported at 8:1 to 13:1).

• Core Mission: To provide every student with an education that honors them as unique individuals by fostering curiosity, collaboration, and personal growth through a Christ-centered approach.

• Affiliation: Christian (General); Some sources suggest it is associated with Holston Home for Children (though operating an academic program distinct from therapeutic residential care).

• Accreditation: Operates as a Licensed Non-Public School in the State of Tennessee.

• Focus: Blended learning model and a unique Project-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum designed to allow students to take ownership of their education, focusing on character and real-world application.

✅ What Makes the School Unique?

Beacon School is distinguished by its innovative instructional model, character focus, and small learning community:

• Unique Educational Model (Four Pillars): The curriculum is built around four guiding principles that are integrated into every aspect of learning:

  1. Questioning: Fostered through Socratic-style discussions.

  2. Exploring: Through Voyage Projects (six-week collaborative, project-based learning experiences).

  3. Discovering: Core academics developed through self-initiated, self-paced learning centers (Beacon Achievements).

  4. Sharing: Culminating in Exhibition Evenings where students present their work to the community.

• Blended Learning & Personalization: Intentionally partners classroom time with technology to provide a personalized learning platform that meets individual academic needs and allows students to track their own growth.

• Strong Character Development: The school is committed to the total development of students by focusing on key character traits: Leadership, Perseverance, Integrity, Curiosity, and Kindness. Students demonstrating these are recognized weekly.

• Curriculum Focus: Instruction often prioritizes a unique breakdown of time and focus: S.T.E.M. (30%), Arts and Culture (30%), Leadership (15%), Wellness and Sports (15%), and Academics (10%)—emphasizing a broad, skills-based approach.

• College Prep: Graduates go on to attend a variety of colleges and community colleges, including the University of Tennessee, East Tennessee State University, and Milligan University.

• Small, Nurturing Community: The intentionally low student-to-teacher ratio creates a tight-knit community where staff can provide close support and guidance as students develop independence.

📞 Contact Information