Dobyns-Bennett High School Recognized Among Tennessee's Top 25 Public High Schools for 2025

KINGSPORT, Tenn. - Dobyns-Bennett High School stands alone in the region as the only school ranked among the Top 25 Public High Schools in Tennessee, earning the #19 spot in the 2025 Niche Best Schools ranking.

"This recognition is a celebration of a culture of high expectations, a belief that all students can learn and succeed and a commitment from everyone to always go the extra mile," said Dr. Brian Tate, Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal. "This is a collective recognition, as it takes every single one of our faculty and staff and dedication they put forth every day to provide our students with one of the best educational opportunities."

This recognition reflects the school's consistent commitment to academic excellence and student success. In addition, Dobyns-Bennett's accomplishments span across academics, arts, athletics, and leadership, demonstrating a commitment to support the success of every student:
  • Among the 373 high schools in Tennessee, Dobyns-Bennett was the only school in the region on the Top 25 listing
  • 2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best High Schools in Tennessee" recognition
  • 2024 Top Composite Score of 5 in Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS)
  • Among Tennessee’s best as a 2024 Reward School
  • 2024 Tennessee Department of Education School Letter Grade: A
  • 2024 National First-Generation Recognition Program Awards (2)
  • 2024 National Hispanic American Recognition Program Award
  • 508 students took 1,014 Advanced Placement (AP) exams; 87% scored 3+ (out of 5)
  • 2025 sole U.S. representative on the international human rights jury for 2025 Freedom Prize
  • 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates (5), including semifinalist (1)
  • 2025 National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students (8)
  • 2025 National Merit Finalists (2) and National Merit Winner (1)
  • 2025 National Chemistry Olympiad Exam participants (2)
  • 2024 Perfect ACT scores (2) and 2025 Perfect ACT scores (2)
  • 30+ score on the ACT (101)
  • 2024 AP Capstone Diplomas (9)
  • Graduating seniors with a 4.0+ GPA (134)
  • Graduating seniors with a 3.5+ GPA (258)
  • Dobyns-Bennett: 2024 competitive marching band placed 10th at Bands of America Grand Nationals  
  • Dobyns-Bennett: Students named 2025 All-State in band, orchestra, and chorus (18)
  • Dobyns-Bennett: 2025 Cyber Tribe Robotics team ranked Top 2% worldwide (#33 ranking out of 3,700+ teams) and #1 in Tennessee for second consecutive year
  • Dobyns-Bennett: Air Force JROTC earned 17th consecutive Distinguished Unit Award in 2025  
  • 2024-25 State Industry Certifications (1,299)  Dobyns-Bennett: Approximately $19 million in scholarship dollars offered to the class of 2024
  • Multiple team and individual state champions  
With in-depth profiles on every school and college in America, over 100 million reviews and ratings, and powerful search and data tools, Niche helps millions of students and families find and enroll in the right school for them. For schools, school districts, and communities, Niche’s platform, data, and services help thousands of institutions recruit and enroll more best-fit students. For more information, visit niche.com.

For a complete listing of 2024-2025 Kingsport City Schools (district and all schools) accomplishments and recognitions, click here.

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a student-focused, world-class public school district located in Kingsport, Tennessee, proudly serving students across Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district comprises 13 schools, including a Pre-K facility, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program. With a total enrollment exceeding 7,600 students, KCS is dedicated to fostering educational excellence, empowering student success, and ensuring all students are college and career ready. To learn more, visit www.k12k.com, tune in to WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or contact the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. Stay connected by following us on Facebook (@kcsdistrict), Instagram (@kcs__district), and YouTube (@kcs__district).

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