4. Strategic Priority Updates

• PreK3–12 Vertical Curricular Alignment
  • Cohesive Academic Pathway: We are actively strengthening vertical alignment across all grade levels—from PreK3 through 12th grade—to ensure seamless transitions between divisions, consistent academic standards, and a unified Christ-centered worldview as students progress through TKA.
• Middle School & Upper School Schedule (Grades 6–12)
  • Hybrid Block Schedule: Launching in Grades 6–12, this format introduces extended instructional blocks designed to facilitate deeper laboratory work, writing workshops, collaborative projects, and Socratic discussion while maintaining weekly instructional consistency.
  • Weekly Community Time: Every week includes a protected, uncompromised schedule window dedicated to student formation, mentoring, chapel, and house activities.
• Teaching for Transformation (TfT)
  • Campus-Wide Implementation: TfT moves into implementation across every division. Guided by our CACE School Designer and Spiritual Formation Director Blake Fuller, teachers are equipped to integrate a biblical worldview directly into all academic disciplines.
• Expanded STEM & Learning Spaces
  • Greenhouse Reconstruction: The campus greenhouse project is complete and will be operational for hands-on learning.
  • Course & Program Expansion: STEM offerings now feature Middle School Robotics, AP Environmental Science, and expanded cross-curricular labs utilizing the J.T. Shen Science Center.
• House System & Student Life (Grades 6–12)
  • Vertical Integration: The House System connects students across middle and upper school grades through mentorship, service projects, leadership development, and friendly inter-house competition.
  • Spiritual Formation Focus: Building on 29 professions of faith from the past year, the annual chapel theme transitions to Loved (1 John 4:19). Student leadership also expands through the “Dream Team” across worship, hospitality, media, and prayer ministry.
• Real-World Learning & Catalyst Program
  • Multi-Track Design: Designed to equip students through targeted pathways, the Catalyst Program will feature multiple tracks moving forward. Our initial two tracks launching this year are Entrepreneurship (focusing on business fundamentals, marketing, financial stewardship, and innovation) and Apologetics (equipping students to articulate, defend, and live out their faith in today’s culture)..
  • Expanded Academic Pathways: Introduction of AP World History and a new Dual Enrollment partnership with Carson-Newman University.

5. Co-Curriculars (Athletics & Fine Arts)

• Athletics
  • Program Expansion: This fall, we are excited to expand our offerings with the addition of a Girls Soccer team, providing another competitive outlet for our female student-athletes to grow in skill, teamwork, and leadership.
  • Varsity Football: Fall also marks the return of Varsity Football as TKA enters its 98th competitive season, reinforcing school spirit and character-building.
  • Middle & Upper School Alignment: Athletics leadership continues strengthening culture, communication, and player development standards from Middle School through Upper School programs.
• Fine Arts & New Fine Arts Faculty
  • Program Enhancement: Community feedback continues to shape targeted priorities to build a sustainable, elevated Fine Arts pathway across visual and performing arts.
  • Welcoming Ms. Stefanie Puczek (Upper School Spanish & MS/US Band): Bringing over 16 years of educational experience, Ms. Puczek holds a Master of Education and a B.A. with double minors in Praise and Worship and Studio Teaching. A native Spanish speaker with Argentinian roots, she operates a local private music studio and serves as the church violinist at Seymour First Baptist Church.
  • Welcoming Ms. Ashton Huddleston (MS/US Art): A Sevier County native and 2026 Tennessee Tech graduate, Ashton joins TKA to lead visual arts, bringing hands-on expertise in ceramics and mixed media, a love for global artistic traditions, and a heart for discipling students through creative expression.

6. Strengthening Alignment & Campus Infrastructure Upgrades

• Strategic Campus Enhancements: Beyond ongoing maintenance, several visual and operational improvements have taken place across campus:
  • Academic Buildings, Woody Auditorium & Dorm Exteriors: Revitalization of exteriors, fresh interior paint, carpet cleaning, banner and signage revitalization, and campus landscaping enhancements.
  • Safety & Operations: Land clearing around surrounding buildings to address operational and safety concerns.
• Transformational Campus Improvements (Designated Family Gift):
  • Made possible through a generous designated gift from two related families, two major campus spaces are undergoing revitalization:
    • Atchley Building & Dr. Walter Grubb Student Recreation Center: Phase I renovations to the Atchley Building are transforming the space into a modern student life hub featuring a student recreation area, school store, campus coffee shop, office, and a conference room.
    • Pool Area Transformation into Outdoor Commons: The former pool area is being converted into a vibrant outdoor commons area, complete with turf, an operational concession stand and restrooms, and an outdoor lounge and gaming space for students to enjoy.
  • Construction Timeline: Work on these projects will continue throughout the fall semester, and further updates will be shared as a firm completion timeline is finalized.
• Stokely Gymnasium & Additional Facility Upgrades: The Stokley Gymnasium floor has been fully refinished, and renovations to Ogle (Lower School) Hall Lobby and main hallway are complete.