KnoxNews informs MHProNews from Maryville, Tenn., Clayton Homes CEO Kevin Clayton announced the company is teaming up with long-time educator Patricia Bradley to open the first private STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) school in Tenn. With an acamedic calendar based on year-round education—nine weeks on, three weeks off– the Clayton-Bradley STEM Academy will eventually be K-12 and accommodate 540 students. Established in conjunction with non-profit Innovative Education Partnership Inc., the school will be built on Clayton Homes’ 200-acre property in Blount County. Kevin Clayton, noting the link between good education and a promising future, says, “It’s proven that a community that has great schools is likely to attract business and bring in tax dollars, and that ultimately helps keep property taxes lower.” Classes are set to begin in the fall. While this is Clayton Homes’ first school, the company has supported several educational initiatives in the area including Project Grad.

(Photo credit: Sarah Herron/KnoxNews–Patricia Bradley and Kevin Clayton celebrate plans for new school.)