By type and area
Independent & Secular Schools in Downtown, UT, East & South Knoxville
5 independent & secular schools in Downtown, UT, East & South Knoxville, 2 of them registered for EFS in 2026-27. The city core and its east and south sides: Berean Christian, First Lutheran, the University of Tennessee's early learning center, a River's Edge elementary campus and a pair of South Knoxville schools.
Data sources. Each listing joins the NCES Private School Survey (2023-24, with 2021-22 rows for non-responders) to the Tennessee Department of Education's 2026-27 Non-Public Schools Directory (updated October 30, 2026) and its 2026-27 Registered EFS Schools list (updated August 24, 2026), all retrieved October 30, 2026. Schools do not report tuition to the state, so confirm prices with the school.
Funding note: Webb and Tate's are EFS-registered for 2026-27; Clayton-Bradley in Maryville holds an eligible category but did not appear on the August 2026 list.
| School | Type | Area | Grades | TN category | EFS 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immanuel Community School 520 Sevier Avenue, Knoxville 37920 | Independent & Secular Schools | Downtown, UT, East & South Knoxville | K-8 | I | ✓ Registered |
| Mead Montessori School 2647 Bafford Pl, Knoxville 37920 | Independent & Secular Schools | Downtown, UT, East & South Knoxville | PK-8 | V | Not listed |
| OneSchool Global Knoxville 4340 Marjorie Lane, Knoxville 37917 | Independent & Secular Schools | Downtown, UT, East & South Knoxville | 3-12 | III | ✓ Registered |
| Smart Kids ELC 2025 E Magnolia Ave, Knoxville 37917 | Independent & Secular Schools | Downtown, UT, East & South Knoxville | PK-11 | — | Not listed |
| University of Tennessee Early Learning Center 1206 White Ave, Knoxville 37916 | Independent & Secular Schools | Downtown, UT, East & South Knoxville | PK-K | I | Not listed |
| Column | Is | Isn't |
|---|---|---|
| EFS ✓ | Payable with the $7,530 award in 2026-27 | A guaranteed seat or a tuition quote |
| Category IV/V | Approved by Tennessee to operate | Eligible to register for EFS |
| Category I-III, not listed | Allowed to register | Payable with EFS this year |
Every school in Downtown, UT, East & South Knoxville All independent & secular schools
Find out which Tennessee program fits your child
Answer five questions. A tuition counselor calls back with the program, the amount and the next date for your family, at no cost.