The Orange Grove School

Choosing the right educational environment for your child is a critical decision for families. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with making that decision.


The Orange Grove School offers a specialized, private school program for children ages 6 to 22 who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Orange Grove has provided specialized education programs for children with IDD since our founding in 1953 - in fact, we were originally founded exclusively as a school for children with special needs. In the decades since, we have grown to encompass a variety of programs for people with IDD in Tennessee and Georgia.


Prospective students of the Orange Grove School must have a documented developmental or intellectual disability with an IQ score less than or equal to 70 in order to be considered appropriate for our school's admission. Also, we require that your child complete at least one year in a public-school special education setting before completing any of the forms below, in order to assure that your child is able to learn in the most appropriate, least restrictive setting possible.


For additional questions you may have about our Children's Services Program and the admissions process, please contact our Director of Children's Services, Teena Joseph.

Learn more about how our school stands out as an ideal choice for your child.

  • Tailored Educational Program

    At the Orange Grove School, we believe that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work for students with IDD. Our educational programs are designed to cater to each child's unique needs, strengths, and learning styles. We create individualized learning plans that ensure that each student receives the specific support and instruction they require in order to thrive.

  • Specialized Expertise

    Our team of educators uses a variety of instructional approaches tailored to individuals, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. Their expertise allows them to employ a range of instructional techniques and adaptive strategies to address varied learning needs effectively. This specialized knowledge ensures that each child benefits from the most appropriate educational interventions.

  • Supportive and Nurturing Environment

    The Orange Grove School is more than just a place of learning; it is a supportive community where every child is valued and respected. Our environment is designed to be inclusive and nurturing, promoting not only academic growth, but also social and emotional development. We offer opportunities for enrichment through art, music, physical education and more. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where students feel secure, valued, and motivated to engage.

  • Comprehensive Support Services

    In addition to academic instruction, we offer a range of support services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students. Services that are available include speech and language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral support. Orange Grove provides a range of programs, resources, and support options to assist families in managing their situations and finding the right solutions for their needs.

  • Family-Centered Approach

    We recognize that education is a collaborative effort between school and home. At Orange Grove, we actively involve families in their child's educational journey. Through regular communication, meetings, and updates, we ensure that parents are integral partners in the process.

  • Legacy of Excellence

    With over 70 years of dedicated service, the Orange Grove School has built a legacy of excellence. Our foundation is rooted in core values of dignity, respect, and inclusion, which continue to guide our mission and ensure that we provide the highest-quality education and support for children with IDD.

Choose a tuition track.

With a State Voucher, your family pays for tuition entirely or partially through voucher or scholarship funds.


Individualized Education Account (IEA) Program

  • Eligibility: Available to students with disabilities who meet specific criteria outlined by the state.
  • Usage: Families can use IEA funds for a range of educational expenses, including tuition at private schools that cater to your child's needs.
  • Application: Parents must apply through the Tennessee Department of Education to receive an IEA. Approved funds are then deposited into an account that can be used for eligible educational services and products. You can learn about the IEA program's application deadlines by clicking the link below.
  • Learn more about the IEA program by clicking here. 

Katie Beckett Waiver

  • Eligibility: Designed for children with disabilities who meet certain medical and financial criteria, and who require care at home, rather than in an institutional setting.
  • Usage: The waiver provides financial assistance for various services, including educational costs. It can be used to cover tuition fees at approved schools for children who qualify for this waiver.
  • Application: Families must apply through the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA). Once approved, the waiver funds can be allocated to support educational expenses.
  • Learn more about the Katie Beckett Waiver by clicking here.

If the IEP team determines that your child's public school does not adequately meet your child's needs, a school district may arrange specialized instruction and services with a private school. In these situations, the district covers tuition, and any related services specified in the student's IEP. This type of private placement is considered the most restrictive, as it involves educating a student outside of the public school system.

Private payment of tuition is exactly that - a direct payment of tuition for a student provided by a private party. We encourage all families of children with IDD to do their research regarding programs like state vouchers in order to ease the financial burden of paying tuition out-of-pocket. Click on the "State Voucher" tab to learn more about your options.

Admission Interest Inquiry

If you are interested in registering your child as a student at the Orange Grove School, please fill out our Admission Interest Inquiry form. You can fill out the form one of two ways:


Click here to fill out an online version of the Admission Interest Inquiry form.


Click here to view, download, and print a paper copy of the Admission Interst Inquiry form. You can then mail it or bring the forms to our main campus building, located at 615 Derby Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404.

Contact Us

Teena Joseph

Director of Children's Services

Email: tjoseph@orangegrove.org

Phone: (423) 493-2938




Mayra Rafferty

Administrative Assistant,

Children's Services Department

Email: mrafferty@orangegrove.org

Phone: (423) 629-1451