Hardin Valley Academy, located at 11345 Hardin Valley Road, is a Knox County high school that was founded in 2008. The school is split into four academies: Liberal Arts, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Health Sciences, and BLPA (Business, Law, and Public Affairs).
Mission statement
The mission of Hardin Valley Academy is to provide a rigorous learning environment housed within small learning communities which foster social responsibility and academic excellence for ALL students.
Academies
Liberal Arts
According to the school's official website, "...at Hardin Valley Academy, we see the value in all of these disciplines and the worth they possess in shaping young people’s lives. A truly well-rounded education empowers young people to make productive life choices...Students are challenged with rigorous standards and extremely high expectations. Students are encouraged to seek out endorsements in the liberal arts by completing hands-on experiences in their particular field of interest. To qualify for an endorsement, students must meet challenging standards throughout their high school careers."
STEM
The STEM Academy within Hardin Valley Academy "...stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. If you love math and science, are interested in learning how the world works and is put together, and/or can't get enough of computers and the latest techy gadgets, you belong in the STEM Academy. STEM students are smart, motivated, and don't mind asking questions or thinking outside the box. If you want to learn how to use math, science, logic, computers and technology to make the world a better place to live, you will gain the knowledge and skills through STEM courses."
Health Science
According to Hardin Valley Academy's website, "The focus of the Health Science Academy is to prepare our students with the knowledge, skills, character, and attitudes necessary for success in health related fields at every level. If you are interested in becoming a nurse, neurologist, dentist, veterinarian, physical therapist, radiologist, emergency medical technician, neonatologist, biomedical researcher, or any other health-related professional, this is the academy for you! We will individualize your curriculum to help you achieve your highest possible preparation for the career you are interested in. We will challenge you to excel academically; we will ask you to develop a sense of caring for others; we will encourage you to become the best person you can be."
BLPA
BLPA, an initialism of the words Business, Law, and Public Affairs, concerns itself with the study of professional relationships and legal systems. The BLPA Academy, "..offers opportunities to learn about legal processes, institutions, and history providing the foundation for careers in business, law, public affairs, government, and criminal justice enabling students to serve mankind in a meaningful and rewarding way."
Athletics
In addition to a laudable academic department, the school is home to 14 TSSAA varsity sports and has quickly built a reputation of athletic excellence since its founding in 2008. They also have the one of the best cross country and track programs in the state.
Swimming
The Hardin Valley Academy "Aqua-Hawks" have progressively grown in number since the team's founding in 2009. As of 2015, the swim team has over 40 athletes, and has participated in every city and state championship swim meet since its founding.
City and state titles
State
- 2015 - 3rd (246.0 Points)
- 2014 - 8th (160.0 Points)
- 2013 - 11th (132.0 Points)
- 2012 - 7th (217.0 Points)
- 2011 - 10th (163.0 Points)
- 2010 - 12th (157.0 Points)
- 2009 - 8th (119.0 Points)
City
- 2015 - 1st (509.0 Points)
- 2014 - 4th (389.0 Points)
- 2013 - 5th (343.0 Points)
- 2012 - 3rd (535.0 Points)
- 2011 - 3rd (544.0 Points)
- 2010 - 3rd (497.5 Points)
- 2009 - 4th (349.0 Points)
Student life
Hardin Valley Academy is home to over 30 official student-led organizations spanning a wide array of topics from the visual and performing arts to technology and environmental conservation.
The Nest Egg
Unique to Hardin Valley Academy is an official branch of the UT Federal Credit Union known as the Nest Egg. This bank, operated by students during lunch, provides all the amenities of a standard bank while also helping students learn firsthand the principles of finance.
Scholars' Bowl
Founded a year after the school's inception, Hardin Valley Academy hosts an official scholars' bowl team which competes in the annual East Tennessee PBS Scholars' Bowl competition.
Student government
The student government of Hardin Valley Academy sponsors the Knoxville Polar Plunge each year to benefit the Special Olympics of Tennessee. They also host a Special Olympics competition on Hardin Valley's campus every spring.
Technology Student Association
The Technology Student Association is well represented at Hardin Valley Academy. The school has hosted eight Tennessee TSA state officers -three of which were presidents of Tennessee TSA- along with two TSA national officers.