Where We Learn
Education
Bristol is not only a Good Place To Live, but it is also a great place to learn as well. From a highly rated public school system to a several outstanding universities and colleges, the best possible educational experiences are available in Bristol.
Public Education
The mission of Bristol Tennessee City Schools is to ensure students achieve college and career readiness through academic excellence. The BTCS system is comprised of eight schools, including five elementary schools, one middle school (a newly constructed state-of-the-art middle school building opened in fall 2021), and two high schools, which serve approximately 4,100 students. One of these high schools is the Tennessee Online Public School, or TOPS, a statewide public virtual school serving grades 9 through 12. TOPS students choose from unique programs of study like programming and software development, networking systems, web design, fine arts, maths and sciences, humanities, or college dual enrollment. The entire BTCS system is committed to student success, regularly earning awards on the staff, school, and system level. Additionally, all BTCS students in grades 3 through 12 are provided with a laptop as an important tool to provide access to individualized instruction.
Higher Education
Interested in leveling up your education or maybe learning some new skills? Bristol is in close proximity to several institutes of higher learning, each with unique programs that could be right for you:
King University
King University is situated on 135 acres just minutes away from downtown Bristol. A private Presbyterian university, this over-150-year-old liberal arts institute offers contemporary undergraduate programs in nursing, security and intelligence studies, exercise science, and digital media art and design, as well as more traditional majors. Graduate and professional programs are offered, including master’s degrees in nursing, business, and education, plus a doctoral program in nursing practice. A total enrollment of roughly 2,000 students translates to a tightly knit campus community and strong relationships between faculty and students, whether on-campus or online. There are also 28 King Tornado teams competing in NCAA Division II and Conference Carolinas athletics.
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University, the fourth largest in the State of Tennessee, is home to more than 14,500 undergrad, graduate, and professional students. Some areas of study including leading programs in digital media, marketing, engineering, and some unique programs like an entire major devoted to the study of Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music, and a graduate program in Appalachian Studies. Northeast Tennessee is a major healthcare hub, and ETSU is home to the James H. Quillen College of Medicine and the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy in addition to their College of Nursing, College of Public Health, and College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences. Lastly, don’t forget to check out a game with the NCAA Division I Southern Conference Buccaneers in one of 17 sports.
Community Colleges
Northeast State Community College is a comprehensive two-year community college offering technical education and college transfer programs. One of the fastest growing schools of its kind in the state, Northeast State offers several associate of applied science programs in business management, nursing, computer science, criminal justice, and office administration technology designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workplace.
High school seniors in Tennessee and non-traditional students who have not previously earned an associate or baccalaureate degree may be eligible for last-dollar scholarships and grants to pay for tuition and fees at Tennessee community and technical colleges like Northeast State or the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. For more information about the Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect programs, visit www.tn.gov/collegepays.