Tate’s School is widely recognized for its hands-on academics and commitment to outdoor education, but did you know that physical education plays an integral role as well? At Tate’s, students from Kindergarten through 8th Grade receive weekly swimming instruction in one of the school’s three saltwater pools. This unique program typically runs for 4 to 6 weeks at the start of the school year, providing an enriching physical education experience before the cooler weather sets in. Remarkably, Tate’s is the only private school in Knoxville that offers swim instruction, a program that both students and parents eagerly anticipate each year.
This week, Tate’s Middle School swimming program is thrilled to welcome a special guest instructor, Jennifer Pagnard. With 23 years of service in the Air Force, Jennifer now dedicates her time to teaching aqua fitness. She holds a Group Exercise Certification from SCW Fitness Education and an Aqua Fitness Certification from Fort Sanders Health & Fitness Center. Students will have the opportunity to learn from Jennifer’s expertise on Monday and Thursday this week, making this an exciting addition to their regular swim instruction.
“Our school is like a blend of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ and MIT,” said Kaye Simmons, Principal of Tate’s School. “Swimming not only helps students improve their skills, but it also gives them a break from their rigorous Pre-AP classes. It’s a small slice of summer fun that makes their time at Tate’s truly special.”
LouL Tate, CEO & Founder of Tate’s School, emphasizes the school’s commitment to integrating outdoor experiences with a robust academic program. “We’ve been a highly academic environment from the beginning. Our campus features a teaching garden, forest learning areas, zip lines, and saltwater pools where students receive swimming instruction each fall. Our Middle School students have a love for the outdoors, and many participate in our adventure and snow skiing clubs. We like to embrace the weather, and the students benefit greatly from it. These are memories they are creating today.”
The benefits of swimming are well-documented. According to the National Institute of Health, swimming can improve general health, mental health, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. Additionally, it provides children the opportunity to interact with peers of similar abilities, develop new skills, and socialize.
For 56 years, Tate’s School has embraced the outdoors as an essential part of its curriculum. The campus boasts 15 buildings, including unique log classrooms, 20+ outdoor learning areas, and open-air classrooms. Each teacher is equipped with a camping chair to conduct lessons anywhere on campus, fostering an environment where education is as dynamic as the landscape. With a rigorous academic program in place, students are tested prior to admittance to ensure they are prepared for the challenges ahead.
