Anniston Academy wins 2026 Best of Tennessee award for private school

Anniston Academy has been named a 2026 Best of Tennessee Award winner for Private School, recognizing its therapeutic model for children who learn differently. The Cookeville school combines academics, therapy and individualized support for students ages 3 to 12 across the Upper Cumberland and beyond.

Why it matters: - Anniston Academy’s award spotlights a school model built for students who need individualized academics and integrated therapy in one place. - The recognition also underscores demand for neurodiversity-affirming education in Tennessee, especially for families balancing school and outside appointments.

What happened: - Anniston Academy was named a 2026 Best of Tennessee Award winner in the Private School category. - The school is based in Cookeville, Tennessee, and serves families in the Upper Cumberland region. - Anniston Academy is a therapeutic private school for children who learn differently.

The details: - The Tennessee Department of Education has approved Anniston Academy as a Category I private school. - The school serves students ages 3 to 12, including autistic children and students with ADHD or dyslexia. - Anniston Academy uses small classrooms and individualized academics. - Montessori-inspired classrooms focus on hands-on learning. - Teachers trained in Orton-Gillingham methods provide structured literacy and math instruction. - Applied Behavior Analysis is available on site. - Speech therapy and occupational therapy are also available at the school. - Educators and clinicians work together closely to support students and help them apply new skills in real-world settings. - Anniston Academy was founded in 2025 by educators and clinicians with personal ties to autism. - The school was created in response to families needing school and therapy support in one location. - Community Helper Days connect students with the wider community. - The school’s motto is, “Honoring Every Journey, Empowering Every Mind, Building a Village of Care.” - Families have said their children feel understood and successful at school, often for the first time.

Between the lines: - The award validates a broader shift toward school models that combine academics, therapy and family support. - Anniston Academy’s structure reflects a push to reduce the burden on parents who otherwise would have to coordinate multiple services across separate locations. - Founder and executive director Dr. Kathryn DuBray said the school aims to create a safe space for students with autism, ADHD, giftedness and other learning differences to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. - DuBray said the school’s goal is to reduce stress for parents and focus on each child’s growth and happiness.

What's next: - Anniston Academy says it will continue expanding access to neurodiversity-affirming education for families across Tennessee. - The school plans to keep building a place where students can grow and thrive through full-time care and embedded therapies.

The bottom line: - The 2026 Best of Tennessee award gives Anniston Academy a public endorsement for a model that blends education, therapy and individualized support under one roof. - More information