5 Harrow
Bristol, TN 37620

Our family has never felt less welcome in an educational environment. I have the very strong impression that our children are considered sub-standard citizens because they are new to the school. They are great kids and also bright students. They have been talked down to and reprimanded including phone calls and emails home for things such as not standing with their hands at their sides in a school photo (his hands were behind his back instead) and sitting near a group of kids who were talking during a class visit to the counselor. In the phone call the counselor actually gave me a list of names our kids should and should not be friends with. These calls and emails are not only petty but unnecessary in a child’s first 5 school days. I can’t speak toward the academics at this point other than both kids were given poor grades for assignments they weren’t actually present for by 3 different teachers- these were or will be corrected after we brought this up. Again, not a welcoming environment by staff and a very sad start to what we hope will be a quality academic future in Bristol. One positive the students have all been very kind.

Great school, great teachers, and super leadership. Mr. Kind treats everyone fairly and with respect...so much that i wish we could take him with us when our child moves on to THS!

Nepotism, favoritism, and a generalized 'if you aren't from Bristol 'royalty", you aren't going to do well' attitude prevails at good ole Tennessee High School. Administration is composed of those who taught poorly and were promoted by others who weren't good teachers. Many teachers are beat down and tired from the constant inane rules dropped on them from the admin. Students are treated as mediocre. Again, if you're the student of a teacher or administrator, you'll be fine and can get away with most anything. Classes such as AP are lauded locally but, in reality, those aren't taught appropriately nor are they utilized as a learning tool but as more of a bragging right. Opportunities available such as scholarships and local leadership positions are often presented to the circle of admin/teachers children but not to regular students. IEPs are given out like water to help students (again, the circle) who want to excel on ACT and not have to struggle at all. The level of class offerings varies and are not truly comparable to the AP classes available at schools such as Science Hill or Dobyns-Bennett. THS struggles to compete on the academic stage. Facilities are old, outdated and crumbling in places. The city council refuses to work with the school system and being at odds leads the schools into a funding issue. Extracurricular actives are ok. Band seems to be well-run and enjoyable for most. Many sports are run by daddy ball coaches who, again, honor the circle kids regardless of athletic ability or effort. Many many times, I have witnessed the children of the circle (admin/teachers/parent w $$$) receive honors, awards, playing time without actually putting int he effort given by many other students who don't have the same pedigree. This is defeating and discouraging to those who work and try. Pathetic. I have seen parents with money buy positions for their children while coaches look the other way or profit from that relationship though off-hours workouts/training. Sports are abysmal in general as they've mostly been corrupted by poor coaching, lack of support, and student apathy because of the circle existence. Don't be fooled by the maroon and white branding. It isn't all wonderful and positive. After having three children at THS, I can honestly say that I'd choose differently if I had it to do again. I Was heavily involved, a constant volunteer and saw some of the inner workings of this system. There's plenty of reasons to send your child elsewhere.