About the School
Sewanee Elementary is located atop the mountainous Cumberland Plateau in the southeastern part of Middle Tennessee. Sewanee Elementary School serves grades K-5 in the Franklin County School District.
Demographics (information from TN Department of Education)
Student population - 130
White 91%
African American/Asian/Hispanic/Native American 9%
Economically Disadvantaged 13%
Students with Disabilities 15%
The History of Sewanee Elementary
Our Philosophy
Founded in 1926, Sewanee Elementary School (SES) is a true community school—one that values and embraces strong parental and community involvement. Our wonderfully creative and enthusiastic staff is dedicated to preparing every child not only for the next step in their academic journey, but also for success socially, emotionally, and physically. To this end, SES believes in teaching across the curriculum and teaching outside the four walls.
At SES, the arts are an essential part of educating the whole child. Throughout the school year, every grade participates in a musical skit, giving students the opportunity to explore acting and music while also learning history, culture, and public speaking skills. Students also showcase their creativity and talent by participating in several county-wide art competitions each year.
We also strive to create opportunities for students to take an active role in the life of our school. Extracurricular activities at SES provide enrichment in many forms, with all students given opportunities to participate. During American Education Week, students dress as their favorite book character or author, celebrating and sharing their love of reading. Throughout the year, they engage in academic events such as the Biography Wax Museum, Science Fair, and a variety of other special projects that highlight their skills, creativity, and interests.
A wonderful example of blending the arts, the traditional curriculum, and learning beyond the classroom walls is Friday School. Now in its forty-eighth year (founded in 1977), Friday School brings together volunteers from our local and surrounding community who share their talents and expertise with our students. Over the course of four Friday afternoons, students participate in enriching classes such as ecology, Spanish, gardening, nature, biking, animal care, yoga, dance, baking, folk music, sensory science, arts and crafts, just to name a few of our past Friday School options. It’s such a beloved tradition that our students, teachers and staff enjoy!
Volunteers are an essential part of all that we accomplish at SES. On any given day during the school year, you’ll find an extraordinary group of parents, retirees, college students, and community members giving their time and talents to support our students. Whether they are reading in small groups, assisting with math, or helping students appreciate the natural environment that surrounds our school, these dedicated volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.
At SES, we are proud to be a school with a true family atmosphere—where everyone works together toward a common goal: educating the whole child.
SES serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade, offering a wide range of educational opportunities. In addition to core academic subjects, students enjoy the following “specials” classes: music, art/Discovery, library, physical education, and guidance/social emotional learning—ensuring a well-rounded education that nurtures every aspect of their growth.
At SES, students enjoy a well-rounded schedule that includes music or fine arts instruction twice a week, physical education (PE) twice a week, library once a week, and guidance lessons one to two times each month. Our music program integrates speech, movement, instruments, and singing, culminating in a school-wide musical or play presented to both the school and community—an event in which every student participates. The fine arts program emphasizes artistic perception and creative processes, offering innovative, hands-on activities that connect across the curriculum. Students explore a variety of techniques, tools, and materials, and their work is often showcased during special school and community events.
PE is an integral part of our educational program, designed to prepare and motivate all students to lead healthy, active lives. In addition to regular PE classes, students take part in activities such as “Jump Rope for Heart,” “Punt, Pass, and Kick,” and “Walk to School Day.” The year concludes with our much-anticipated Field Day, celebrating the importance of recreational physical activity. Our goal is for students to enjoy being active, understand fitness concepts, build social skills, and maintain a positive self-concept.
Library is offered once a week, with additional access for students and teachers when the librarian is not conducting classes. It serves as both a curriculum resource and a place of exploration for readers of all abilities and interests. Through weekly lessons and open access, students can discover new places, meet amazing characters, and explore fresh ideas.
Guidance lessons are provided at least once a month for grades 2–5 and twice a month for kindergarten and grade 1. The student advocate conducts classroom guidance lessons and is also available for small group and individual sessions based on referrals from students, staff, or parents/guardians. These sessions help support students’ social, emotional, and academic growth throughout the school year.
A speech pathologist is assigned to SES to support students in the areas of speech therapy and language development. These services are provided twice a week for students who qualify, helping them strengthen communication skills essential for academic and social success.
A full-time special education teacher provides one-on-one and small-group instruction for students with special needs as well as gifted students. Services are customized to meet each student's individual goals as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Instruction focuses on character education, pre-vocational skills, the use of math manipulatives, and the incorporation of SRA programs, including Corrective Reading, Connect Math.
The special education teacher also collaborates with classroom teachers to assess student needs, meets with parents to discuss and evaluate potential services, and coordinates testing and service reviews to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive.
In Conclusion
With a focus on academic excellence, student supports, creativity, character development, and community connection, SES is a place where every child is encouraged to grow, explore, and succeed.