Bearden High School is a Knox County, Tennessee, high school located in the Bearden area in the city of Knoxville. The school was founded in 1939. It was named for the family of Marcus De LaFayette Bearden, in 1967 and finished in 1969, replacing the old building which eventually became Bearden Elementary School.
Serving 1,963 students in grades 9-12, Bearden High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 31% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,963 students
- Minority Enrollment: 32%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 64% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Bearden High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Tennessee for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Bearden High School's student population of 1,963 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,963 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
114 teachers
Year Founded
1939
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Rankings
Bearden High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bearden High School is 0.51, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#519 out of 1728 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
Asian
3%
2%
Hispanic
14%
16%
Black
10%
20%
White
68%
57%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.3%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
21%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bulldogs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bearden High School's ranking?
Bearden High School is ranked #519 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Bearden High School often compared to?
Bearden High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Farragut High School, Hardin Valley Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
31% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Bearden High School?
The graduation rate of Bearden High School is 90%, which is equal to the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend Bearden High School?
1,963 students attend Bearden High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Bearden High School students are White, 14% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What grades does Bearden High School offer ?
Bearden High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Bearden High School part of?
Bearden High School is part of Knox County School District.
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