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GreatSchools Rating

Bolton High School

Public | 9-12 | 1954 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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16 reviews of this school


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Posted May 28, 2009

Bolton High School is one of the best places to go! The people are extremely down to earth and actually nice and caring. This school has roots because it has been around for a long time and is very well established. The extra curricular activities are amazing especially band! The sports teams really make an effort to come together and bond. The classes are great and the teachers not only teach school related things but also help us learn life lessons. It has been a wonderful 3 years here!
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 27, 2009

Bolton High is where I have one son attending and two others will be attending down the road. I have the highest respect for the administration, staff and athletic coaches. This school is very, very well thought of in our community and does a great job !
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 24, 2008

I have had two kids attend Bolton. The teachers are very good and the honors classes offer much. I think their sports programs are good (exception: head football coach is awful and does not have a clue). All in all, the school is safe. There is some racial tension from time to time, especially when Obama got elected. The slurs were being thrown by the black kids no less. Principal Stevens is outstanding. Its a good environment and I think they try hard to keep it that way.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 18, 2008

This is an excellent school and i could not imagine attending any other high school other than Bolton High School.
—Submitted by a student


Posted July 3, 2008

Excellent student support; safe campus; enforces a dress code without reverting to uniforms.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 17, 2007

I believe bolton is a great school. My son attend and we have always had great reviews. This is his last year. Keep up the great work. Thanks to all the teachers
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 6, 2007

While the variety and selection of courses available in the Honors/A.P. programs are superior to those found at other schools, there is a continual problem with racial and socioeconomic tension that manifests itself DAILY in aggressive behavior in the hallways, cafeteria, etc. My daughter is a junior, has never had a conduct related incident at school, but comes home often with stories of pushing/shoving, racial slurs and aggressive behavior from total strangers. I think a concerted effort by all teachers to maintain higher visibility between classes would significantly reduce these incidents. I'll have another child entering the school next year, equally as mild mannered, and my husband and I are very concerned for her safety also. Unfortunately, this appears to be the best of the available schools, including private ones, so I guess we'll just hope for the best.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 11, 2006

Bolton is a great school if you know which teachers to choose. As with all schools, some teachers are better than others. Overall, I'd say it has an excellent staff. The new principal is great on discipline and will have the school running tightly in no time.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted August 31, 2005

I couldn't have asked for a better school for my daughter to attend. The students are great, the teachers are awesome, administration is phenonmenal, and the parental involvement is priceless. I know that my daughter is working towards a wonderful future and will be fully prepared for any college that she chooses.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 21, 2005

Great School!!! I am a graduate of Bolton and I have never been more proud to tell people where I went to school. I will never forget the caring staff there that helped me to become the person I am today. A special thanks to Dr. Carruthers, Mrs. Pittman, Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Berkes, Ms. Burns, and Mrs. Dodd. Thank you so very much for for everything!
—Submitted by Jessica Noe, a former student


Posted September 13, 2004

My daughter went from a catholic school 1-8th grade to Bolton and she absolutely loves it! 98% of her 8th grade class went on to St. Benedicts, IC, or CHBS, but we have been thrilled with the academics and environment at Bolton. I am so glad there is a variety of people, cultures, etc. and there are so many activities and opportunities for college prep. We both love it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 7, 2004

My son is a junior this year and we love the staff at Bolton high school. principle is great, and so are the teachers. He love the concert choir and looks forward to each year.
—Submitted by deby hitchcock, a parent


Posted August 28, 2004

My daughter graduated in 2002. She received an excellent education that prepared her well for college. She was offered scholarships from six top-tier private colleges and is now attending her #1 choice, Hendrix College in Conway, AR on scholarship. The extracurricular opportunities are great, including activities in academics, athletics and the arts. The Bolton theatre department is one of the best and consistently wins state-level competitions. The racially diverse student body and faculty presents some challenges, but respect and harmony prevail. The student body is a mixture of urban and rural students. One downside is overcrowding; the schol has expanded in size to accomodate enrollment, but students can get lost among nearly 2500 students. Overall I was pleased with Bolton and my daughter's high school experience. She attened private middle school and I am glad she went to high school in a more diverse setting.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 14, 2004

I am student of the Class of 2005 here at 'the Ranch', and I couldn't see myself anywhere else. The teachers that I have had honestly care about us -- to quote one, 'It's not about grades; it's about learning.' Personally, I'm involved with the Drama Department, and studying/working under Mrs. Debbie Nelson has been the pinnacle of my high school career. I've ventured out to see other High School Productions, and none can compare to the quality you find in a Bolton play. I was also a part of the football team at BHS (who placed 5th in the State, by-the-way!) Extracurricular activities are great at Bolton, and staying afterschool on its beautiful campus is never a downer. It is not hard to find tons of school spirit in yourself and those around you when you attend such a great school as Bolton.
—Submitted by a student


Posted August 26, 2003

I'm not actually a parent but an alumni. I absolutely loved attending Bolton. The teachers are helpful and attentive creating a fun and inviting work environment. I was personally envolved in the band program and wouldn't have changed my director for anyone else in the world. The honors programs are lead by excellent teachers with a gift for encouragment and leadership. I would advice anyone who can to enroll in Mrs. Martin's Math Class. She will absolutely change the way you think about school. Altogether I would have never wished to attend a different school. The staff and fellow students make it a throughly enjoyable experience.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted August 11, 2003

My son is Junior at Bolton and he has been challenged by his teachers and given the resources to meet every challenge. My second son is now at Bolton and I sent him without hesitation. The administration has a firm control of the student body. My son's teachers have all taken an interest in helping him acheive his goals of college, even when it means less involvement in the clubs that teacher sponsors. We have always felt welcome at the school and impressed at the interest the faculty and staff take in the students' lives. My son has really grown academically. Parent involvement is encouraged and appreciated.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 62% in 2012.

371 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
38%

2010

 
 
44%
Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 69% in 2012.

98 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
33%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 66% in 2012.

197 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
73%
English 2

The state average for English 2 was 23% in 2012.

35 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
26%

2011

 
 
15%
English 3

The state average for English 3 was 2% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
English I

The state average for English I was 67% in 2012.

513 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
66%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 19% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
15%

2011

 
 
7%
Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 55% in 2012.

435 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
25%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 49% in 2012.

318 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
45%

2010

 
 
51%
English 2

The state average for English 2 was 63% in 2012.

458 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
71%
English 3

The state average for English 3 was 10% in 2012.

16 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
25%
English I

The state average for English I was 27% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 20% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
14%
Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 27% in 2012.

285 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
13%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 49% in 2012.

11 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
27%

2011

 
 
21%
English 2

The state average for English 2 was 46% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
62%
English 3

The state average for English 3 was 40% in 2012.

381 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
35%
English I

The state average for English I was 21% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
U.S. History

The state average for U.S. History was 97% in 2010.

2010

 
 
100%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2010.

2010

 
 
92%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 24% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 14% in 2012.

115 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
5%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 34% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
English 2

The state average for English 2 was 32% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
English 3

The state average for English 3 was 17% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students54%
African American42%
Hispanicn/a
White70%
Economically disadvantaged42%
Students with disabilities42%

Algebra II

All Students33%
African American13%
White51%
Economically disadvantaged8%

Biology I

All Students71%
African American52%
Hispanicn/a
White81%
Economically disadvantaged41%
Students with disabilities11%

English 2

All Students26%
African American21%
Hispanicn/a
White36%
Economically disadvantaged21%
Students with disabilities10%

English 3

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a

English I

All Students64%
African American48%
Hispanic93%
White81%
Economically disadvantaged44%
Students with disabilities28%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students15%
African American13%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities17%

Algebra II

All Students25%
African American15%
Hispanic17%
White34%
Economically disadvantaged11%
Students with disabilities5%

Biology I

All Students50%
African American37%
Hispanic50%
White66%
Economically disadvantaged35%
Students with disabilities31%

English 2

All Students70%
African American60%
Hispanic67%
White80%
Economically disadvantaged56%
Students with disabilities18%

English 3

All Students25%
African Americann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a

English I

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Algebra II

All Students13%
African American6%
Hispanicn/a
White18%
Economically disadvantaged4%
Students with disabilities5%

Biology I

All Students27%
African Americann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a

English 2

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a

English 3

All Students35%
African American21%
Hispanicn/a
White50%
Economically disadvantaged20%
Students with disabilities23%

English I

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Algebra II

All Students5%
African American3%
Hispanicn/a
White9%
Economically disadvantaged6%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Biology I

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a

English 2

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a

English 3

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 51% 68%
Black 44% 25%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 2%
Hispanic 2% 5%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 25%N/A50%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 16N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

7323 Brunswick Rd
Arlington, TN 38002
Phone: (901) 873-8150

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