Hello and Welcome to Our School Website!
Hello and thanks for visiting the Tennessee School for the Blind website! What an exciting time to be involved in education, the plight of the blind and the issues of visual impairment. Through advancements in knowledge and technology, new doors are ever opening to allow our world to be visualized as never before. I'm glad you are here! We hope this site will become a place you frequent often as we together explore, learn, and see advancements made in the lives of those at TSB. Our commitment and continuous efforts in advocating for the causes of the blind and visually impaired bring daily growth and change to the lives of our students, faculty, and staff.
As you navigate through the site, you'll experience the excitement generated from our campus activities as well as the lives being changed across Tennessee through TSB's outreach programs and braille production. How worthwhile and satisfying to be involved in education, and in the fascinating journey of creating contributing, participating members of society! Go ahead now and add this site to your bookmarks, and come back again soon. Also, visit us on Facebook and Twitter by clicking the icons at the bottom of this web page.
Synopsis of School
Tennessee School for the Blind was first conceived in the mind of James Champlin. Champlin, blind from birth, was inspired by visiting S.G.Howe and his Boston Asylum for the Blind. In 1843 Champlin launched a small private school for the blind in Nashville with the help of a group of ladies from the First Presbyterian Church. So successful was his program that on January 29, 1844, the Tennessee Legislature voted to underwrite the establishment of a "state" school for the blind.
Among the first students to enroll in the newly formed school was Francis Joseph Campbell. The twelve-year-old from Winchester, TN was a quick learner and rapidly advanced in his academic and musical studies impressing many. As a senior, the young Campbell was appointed the school's teacher of music. With the departure of the school's superintendent, Campbell was appointed interim superintendent and served in that role for nearly six months. These events were instrumental as a springboard to launch the young intellect into one day becoming an "educational giant" among his peers. Within his fascinating biography are many accounts of the brilliant alumnus and the lasting contributions he made in the field of educating the blind and visually impaired.
In 1853, a permanent facility for the school was built in Nashville on Lebanon Rd. at Asylum St. However, in 1861, the property was appropriated for a military hospital during the Civil War. Victorious Federal troops later destroyed the building by fire. Following the devastating war, the school struggled to survive until philanthropist Judge John M. Lea purchased the Claiborne Mansion on Fillmore St. (108 Hermitage Ave.), and donated it to the state for the school. The institution flourished at this location for some 80 years.
In 1949 the state bought the Clover Bottom Farm and set apart one hundred acres for the school's campus. In 1952, TSB entered new facilities built on this famous plantation in Donelson, a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee. A major renovation of the school was completed in 1993, prior to TSB’s Sesquicentennial celebration. The school continues at this location at present, serving students both on campus and through it's statewide outreach programs.
Mission Statement
The mission of the staff at the Tennessee School for the Blind is to provide free, appropriate, and individualized educational services to eligible students in a safe environment that will promote independence and a positive self-image, as well as provide information and technical assistance to families, schools, and agencies serving all Tennessee children who are visually challenged.
Vision
That every student upon leaving will be "Contributing, Participating Members of Society."
Accreditation
Tennessee School for the Blind has met the requirements established by the AdvancED Accreditation Commission and is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. The Tennessee School for the Blind is also fully accredited by Cognia.
Affiliated Organizations
A number of organizations give generously to the purposes and mission of Tennessee School for the Blind. They range from local companies and individuals to those international in scope. For this, TSB is most appreciative and forever grateful. Two organizations that grew directly out from the school and are always active in addressing the needs and concerns that arise are The TSB Alumni Association and Friends of TSB. Additional information on each of these organizations can be found by following the links below:
The TSB Alumni Association
Friends of TSB
Location and Directions
Tennessee School for the Blind is located at 115 Stewarts Ferry Pike, in Donelson TN, a suburb of Nashville. The address is: 115 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
Directions via Google map may be obtained by clicking on the aerial photo of the school below:
School Mascot
Tiger
School Colors
Royal Blue
Gold
School Logos and Banner
