The Peer Academy

09/03/2026

IMPORTANT PEER ACADEMY FACEBOOK UPDATE! 📣

We’re moving to a NEW page!

Our current page will be closing soon, and we want to make sure you continue to stay connected with PEER Academy Knoxville for school updates, announcements, events, photos, and all the exciting things happening in our community.

👉 Follow our NEW page — PEER Academy Knoxville:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594125506904

Please like, follow, and share our new page with your PEER Academy family, friends, and supporters so no one misses an update!

Thank you for being part of the PEER Academy community and for your continued support. We’re excited to connect with you on our new page!

Be sure to follow us at our new home!

06/02/2026

We are honored to receive a 2026 Arts Fund grant from the East Tennessee Foundation and the Katherine Davis Moore and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Davis Foundation Fund.

At Peer Academy, we see every day how the arts help our students build confidence, discover their talents, and connect with others in meaningful ways. This grant will help us continue offering creative opportunities that support self-expression, personal growth, and community connection.

We are thankful for the East Tennessee Foundation’s commitment to supporting organizations that make a difference across our region. Their support helps more people access meaningful arts experiences.

Thank you for believing in our mission and in the power of the arts. We are excited for what this support will make possible and congratulate all of the 2026 grant recipients!

Congratulations to the 20 organizations selected to receive 2026 arts-related grants through the East Tennessee Foundation’s Arts Fund for East Tennessee and the Katherine Davis Moore and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Davis Foundation Fund!

These grants will enrich lives through music, theatre, dance, visual arts, storytelling, arts education, and cultural traditions across East Tennessee.

We are proud to support organizations that expand access to the arts, inspire creativity, and strengthen our communities.

Read the full announcement here: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/news/the-east-tennessee-foundation-awards-more-than-271000-to-strengthen-arts-and-culture-across-the-region/.

06/02/2026

Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville is now offering a new Respite Housing Program at the Historic Rule House. Located in East Knoxville, the five-bedroom, three-story house has been transformed into a welcoming home designed to support adults with disabilities in developing independent living skills within a safe, nurturing environment. The Rule House is thoughtfully staffed to meet individual needs, offering support with daily living activities while fostering engagement in meaningful and enriching experiences.
To learn more about Respite Services, please visit breakthroughknoxville.org.

04/20/2026

Fun event happening this Friday at We Rock The Spectrum - Knoxville!

04/15/2026

You're Invited to Our Open House!

Join us on Tuesday, April 21, from 6:00–8:00 PM to learn about the exciting changes coming to our program!

Beginning next school year, we will be transitioning to a Homeschool Educational Cooperative, continuing our commitment to supportive, engaging learning for our students. We will also be offering a part-time option available Monday–Wednesday to better meet the needs of families.

Come meet our team, ask questions, and learn how our new co-op model can support your child’s educational journey.

We would love to see you there!

03/28/2026

Important Update for Our Caregivers

Our application period will be open April 1st – June 30th, and we’re excited to welcome caregivers across Tennessee to apply for respite support.

Each year, our waitlist resets. All caregivers, including those currently on the waitlist, must submit a new application during this window to be considered for funding.

03/16/2026

☀️🎉 Without further ado… 2026 Summer Camp is HERE! 🎉☀️

And guess what?! We added an EXTRA week this year! 🙌
That’s 9 weeks of Summer Camp at WRTS-Knoxville and we could not be more excited! June 1 - July 31 (*no camp Friday July 3)

📧 Email subscribers will receive early access tomorrow - Thursday 3/12.
Be sure to sign up for our email list at the link in comments/bio so you don’t miss out!

📣 Remaining spots will be announced on our socials/website on Friday 3/13.

We CAN’T WAIT to welcome everyone back for another incredible summer filled with friendship, movement and inclusion. It’s going to be a fun-filled summer and we are so excited to share it with your kiddos again 🧡

03/06/2026

Check out this wonderful event from Joni and Friends Knoxville and First Baptist Concord!

https://joniandfriends.org/event/talent-night-joni-and-friends-knoxville/

03/06/2026

“On Sunday, April 19th from 3-5 PM at Knoxville Catholic High School, Joni and Friends Knoxville will be hosting our Walk 'N' Roll to help raise awareness and support families living with disability! This fun, inclusive day has something for everyone--a fun walk (run, walk, or roll!), food, activities, and fellowship.”

Allyson Wierenga, PhD Ministry Relations Manager Joni and Friends 865.770.5720 [email protected] joniandfriends.org

02/20/2026

The IEA Program application is now OPEN through April 17th!

The Tennessee Individualized Education Account (IEA) Program helps families of eligible K-12 students with qualifying disabilities access funding to support education that best meets their child’s needs. These funds can be used for things like tuition at a participating non-public school, participating in an umbrella homeschool program, or independent homeschooling — giving families more flexibility and choice in how their student learns.

How to Apply:

-Visit the IEA application portal linked below.

-Complete the online application by April 17th.

-Make sure your child meets eligibility requirements (including having an active IEP and other Tennessee program criteria).

Apply here ➡️ https://www.tn.gov/education/iea.html