Oak Elementary provides a special education program for properly certified and handicapped students and for identified gifted students. The programs include a Preschool CDC class, an Expanded Resource class, Functional Skills, Adaptive Functional Skills, Speech and Language Therapy, Resource, and APEX (Academic Programs for the Exceptional).

The Preschool program is a comprehensive development class which is language and activity based. It is designed for properly certified and verified three to five year old children with special needs. The teacher collaborates with the speech and language pathologist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist for students who qualify for these services. The children explore monthly themes in different activity centers. The emphasis is on language acquisition through play. The Expanded Resource (K-5) focuses on instruction in a small group setting for students who need more emphasis on basic skills acquisition. Students participate in the regular school program to the maximum of their ability.

In the resource program, students receive remedial assistance to supplement their regular educational program. The amount of time a student attends resource is determined by the multi-disciplinary team which includes the parent(s).

The speech and language program is available for those students identified as having speech and/or language impairments that interfere with their communication and educational needs. All programs are individualized to meet the student's special needs.

APEX (Academic Programs for the Exceptional) is a special education program designed for individuals who meet the criteria for intellectually gifted students in the state of Tennessee. APEX emphasizes critical and creative thinking, research and study skills, problem solving, decision making, and the development of students as self motivated life long learners.