"Bringing Children with Special Needs Together
with People Who Can Help Them"

Since 1912, Bachman has served children according to their special needs. Founded originally as a Mission School where there were no public schools (1912-1930), Bachman served the local children in the Appalachian Mountains at Farner, TN. It was named in honor of its founder, Reverend John Lynn Bachman. Over the years, it became an orphanage, a special education school, and a home for wards of the state. In 2000, Bachman began its newest service to young people through the development of a special education program to meet the needs of students diagnosed with ADD/ADHD or other special educational problems.

In 1949, Bachman Home purchased property from the Church of God in McDonald, TN. Operations at this location began in July of 1950 on the 250 scenic acres of East Tennessee farmland, just 20 miles northeast of Chattanooga, TN.

Today, Bachman is taking another step forward in its impressive history of ministering to needy and hurting youth and their families. Through its almost 90-years of serving special needs youth, we have served over 8000 children. The present focus is the development of a residential and day school for special needs youth. Through our emotional growth program, we seek healing for the whole person, including the physical, mental, spiritual, and social aspects of the children we serve. We believe the involvement of family is a major and necessary component of our program.

Here we strive to treat children with ADD or ADHD or other learning challenges, with the latest and best techniques and equipment under the supervision of good teachers in small group settings.  As a Christian school and under the leadership of our Chaplain, we have a strong Christian emphasis based on the Reformed tradition. Bachman Academy is a Christ-centered educational community whose mission is to recognize and nurture each person’s unique gifts and abilities.

Early intervention and care of students with learning challenges is critical. The need for education of these youth continues to grow. Evidence shows that over 15 million Americans have difficulties in many areas of learning, with boys outnumbering girls 3 to 1. Facilities such as Bachman Academy for long-term treatment are few, and most have a long waiting list.

The Five Star Leadership Commitment at Bachman Academy: