On Saturday, April 25th, 2026, Tate’s School and Tate’s Camp will host their 17th Annual Open House. Families can enjoy a hayride tour of the beautiful, tranquil 54-acre campus featuring three saltwater pools, zip lines, an archery range, climbing walls, a rappelling tower, a boating pond, and the unique rustic classrooms that define the campus.
Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt, taste homemade snacks from the chef, and check out the 200-foot hillside slide! Tate’s only opens the campus to the public once each year and it is memorable.
Teachers from preschool – 8th grade will be in their classrooms hosting student centered activities across campus. Children can explore the Teaching Garden and learn about Monarch migration! With open-air classrooms, rustic log buildings, 20+ outdoor learning areas, Tate’s offers a learning environment unlike any other in the area. “Tate’s School is like Little House on the Prairie on the outside, but we are MIT on the inside,” said Kaye Simmons, Principal.
Featured on the tour this year is the Rainbow Trout Project. Tate’s School is raising Rainbow Trout from eggs until they are big enough to be released into the rivers near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. “Kids take great pride in taking care of the fish. It is a wonderful way to instill responsibility by teaching them feeding, how to monitor tank water quality, and appreciation of the stream habitat,” said Michelle Clark, 4th Grade Science Teacher at Tate’s School. “Authentic science is very important, and they can follow this project from beginning to the end.”
Families are invited to enjoy lunch (provided free) with Tate’s Camp Counselors near our boating and fishing pond, and play on the wonderful playgrounds. Families can also register to win a free week of camp for their child!
Known as the Fun Professionals, Tate’s has created a specific camp environment that focuses on child and youth development completely camouflaged in FUN.
When: Saturday, April 25th, 2025, 10am – 2pm.
Where: 9215 Bob Gray Rd.
Tate’s Camp: Founded in 1982, Tate’s Camp serves children ages 3-15. Tate’s Camp provides traditional camp activities like swimming, arts & crafts, music, hands-on nature study, archery, boating, fishing, sports, games, ax throwing, and group initiative activities. Unique hands-on activities such as rappelling and archery tag, coupled with low counselor to camper ratios, allows Tate’s Camp to build self-esteem and provides an excellent opportunity for individual growth and maturity. www.TatesCamp.com, facebook.com/tatescamp.
Tate’s School: Founded in 1968, Tate’s School is celebrating 58 years. Our mission is to nurture and work with children in preschool – eighth grade to promote academic excellence, assist in their intellectual development, and mentor them in their moral evolution to the point that they can become successful, productive, vibrant, accountable young men and women of sound character and reputation. Tate’s School is a private, independent school that serves approximately 250 students. www.TatesSchool.com facebook.com/TatesSchool.
