KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Dobyns-Bennett High School has been named to the 2016 America’s Most Challenging High Schools list, published by The Washington Post.

The Most Challenging High Schools list can be found online here and is based upon the index score of the number of college-level tests given at a school in the previous calendar year divided by the number of graduates that year. Also noted are the percentage of students who come from families that qualify for lunch subsidies and the percentage of graduates who passed at least one college-level test during their high school career, called equity and excellence.

“We are extremely proud that Dobyns-Bennett has once again been recognized as one of America’s most challenging high schools,” said Dr. Lyle Ailshie, Kingsport City Schools Superintendent. “We believe that all students can learn and succeed, and this recognition is certainly shared with all KCS employees who begin preparing Kingsport students for this type of success long before they reach the high school level.”

Dobyns-Bennett was ranked #1,509 nationally, based on Challenge Index scores listed.  In Tennessee, D-B was ranked #16 among only 18 high schools that qualified for this highly competitive accolade. Only two (2) high schools east of Knoxville were named in the rankings.

“Dobyns-Bennett has long been recognized as a school which demands excellence of its students and staff,” said Dr. Chris Hampton, D-B Principal.  “Every day, we witness the extraordinary work ethic demonstrated by our students and faculty.  To receive this distinction is a tribute to that hard work and dedication.”

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and a non-traditional school; with total enrollment over 7,100 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to be, Student Focused … World Class.

KCS has been named the top school district in Tennessee as winner of the 2014 SCORE Prize District Award by the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) and has earned the 2014 Achievement Award in the annual Excellence in Tennessee Recognition Program by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNPCE).

For more information on KCS, visit k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Twitter (@KCS_District) and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).

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