About Us
Located in Board of Education District 2 and KCS Region 4, Richard Yoakley School is an alternative education setting that serves an average of 120 students in grades 7 through 12. Students who are required to attend school in a temporary alternative setting are assigned to Yoakley, either by the Knox County Schools discipline team, or by another state agency, for varying reasons and for various lengths of stay.
Working in partnership with the student, family, and base school team, the RYS administration and counseling staff create an individualized academic plan to ensure that each student has the best chance at personal success while working toward their educational and post-secondary goals.
Students who attend Yoakley benefit from small class sizes with low student to teacher and aid ratios, consistent and constant supervision, and an intentional focus on restorative behavior support practices alongside their individual academic plan.
The mission of Richard Yoakley School is to partner with students, families, and the greater community to build a strong educational foundation rooted in integrity, self-esteem, and a pursuit of both academic and personal success. Our goal is for each student to return to their base school and successfully complete their academic journey while becoming a healthy, productive, and responsible citizen.
History
Located in the "Alice Bell" community of north-east Knox County, the Richard Yoakley School began as the Alice Bell School in 1948, built on land gifted by Alice Bell, a prominent figure and landowner in the community. Read more about Alice Bell here.
According to the KCS Museum of Education, the school was renamed in 1962 to honor Richard Yoakley who served as the director of pupil personnel for Knox County Schools from 1970 to 1996. In that role, Mr. Yoakley initiated and managed many student-centered programs that supported students in both their educational and personal development. Through "counseling services, student welfare programs, special education initiatives, attendance monitoring and behavioral support services...Yoakley played a central role in shaping the district's student support systems."
Today, continuing this legacy of multi-level student supports, RYS and its educators provide academic, behavioral, vocational, and social skills programs designed to help students successfully transition back to their base schools once their period of required attendance is complete.
Staff Directory
Our staff directory provides a comprehensive and easily accessible listing of school and district personnel. Searches can be made by name, job title, or facility location.
Calendar
Richard Yoakley School follows an academic calendar approved by the Board of Education which identifies the first and last day of school; student and teacher in-service days; early release days; school holidays; and grading periods.
These calendars are detailed by school year.