Services

Trousdale School serves adults with intellectual disabilities by providing academics, life skills, occupational development, arts, and recreational programming for the purpose of learning independence through life-wide learning.  At Trousdale School, our vision is “Learning for Life.”  We strive to be an authentic community in which students are empowered to continue learning across all dimensions of their lives, both inside and outside the classroom.  Because we emphasize real-world situations and application of knowledge and skills, our educational approach can be termed “life-wide” learning.

Trousdale School’s holistic approach to education includes classes in traditional academic subjects (such as science, math, and reading), the arts (drama, music, and visual arts), as well as electives (cooking, gardening, etc).  Students play on sports teams and receive training in personal fitness and computers.  Trousdale School also provides programming that teaches life skills, as well as vocational coaching with the goal of job placement for each interested student.  The educational approach of “life-wide” learning does not simply focus on one particular subset of skills with an individual, but rather it focuses on skills and interests across the whole life of that individual.  At Trousdale School, this learning takes places in a community of true friends who cheer one another on and always strive for excellence.  Students take great pride in their achievements and in their community.

Most Fridays we take a field trip to one of our surrounding communities.  These visits are both educational and fun.  In the past we have taken a cooking class at a culinary school, gone bowling, toured local manufacturers to see how things are made, and attended musicals at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.  Some additional trips include Mayfield Farm and Nursery, a space experience at the Challenger Center, a tour of WTCI, and a trip to learn about antiques!  These outings give students the opportunity to learn about new things, discover different cultures, improve life skills, and bond with other students who share these experiences together.

"When these students are given tools, support and inspiration, they will continue to blossom and grow."

- Tom Johnson, Founder, Trousdale School