Photo: AppalachianCentrist · CC BY-SA 4.0Bristol’s public schools outscore 69% of Tennessee districts
Math proficiency in Bristol’s districts is 39%, above the Tennessee average (31%). The grade covers the public school district serving Bristol, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Tennessee, not nationally.
From Tennessee state tests taken in spring 2022, when 98% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Bristol’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 245 Tennessee towns with household incomes within a quarter of Bristol’s, its schools beat 78%, higher than their 69% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on tests
Reading proficiency is 42% and math 39% in spring 2022, against 37% and 31% statewide; 84% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 87%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $13,012 per student, against $13,059 across Tennessee (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Five elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is Bristol Tennessee Middle School, then Tennessee High School. Enrollment is up 5% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Tennessee Avenue Christian Academy (private) is in town. Tennessee Online Public School, an online school, is based here too; it isn’t counted as a local school. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Bristol’s grade
B+: better than 69% of Tennessee school districts, #57 of 176 Tennessee towns. Test scores are above the Tennessee average; graduation is below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Bristol, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Bristol
Bristol Tennessee Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 871 students
7th grade in Bristol
Bristol Tennessee Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 871 students
8th grade in Bristol
Bristol Tennessee Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 871 students
9th grade in Bristol
Tennessee High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,146 students
10th grade in Bristol
Tennessee High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,146 students
11th grade in Bristol
Tennessee High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,146 students
12th grade in Bristol
Tennessee High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,146 students
Bristol’s public schools are run by Bristol City School District. Parts of Bristol (4% of its land) are served by Sullivan County instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Bristol vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Tennessee towns that share Bristol’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol | B+ | Bristol City |
| Bluff City | C+ | Sullivan County |
Bristol, VA borders Bristol but is graded on its own state’s tests, so it’s left out.
Every school in Bristol
9 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Tennessee’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Tennessee Online Public School at Bristol).
Questions about Bristol’s schools
Are Bristol’s schools good?
By Tennessee’s own tests, yes: the public schools Bristol children attend outscore 69% of Tennessee’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #57 of 176 Tennessee towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 78%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Bristol in?
Bristol City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 4,044 students in 9 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Bristol are served by Sullivan County.
Where do Bristol kids go to high school?
Tennessee High School, with 1,146 students; its own test results earn a B.
What is Bristol’s graduation rate?
84% of the class of 2023 in Bristol City School District graduated in four years, against 87% across Tennessee.
How much does Bristol spend per student?
$13,012 in Bristol City School District (FY2024), against $13,059 across Tennessee. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Bristol?
Yes: Tennessee Avenue Christian Academy (religious, grades PK–12, 350 students).
Parents talk
What Bristol families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Bristol → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Tennessee. Stars are from neighbors.