Science Hill High School

Science Hill High School is a large public high school in Johnson City, Tennessee, serving 2,359 students in grades 9–12 as part of the Johnson City Schools district, which ranks 7th out of 141 districts in the state. The school itself is ranked 26th out of 400 high schools in Tennessee for the 2025–2026 school year, placing it in the 94th percentile with a 5-star rating — and it has earned a 5-star rating every year on record. It is the top-ranked high school in the region, with its closest competitor, Elizabethton High School, ranking 53rd.

Science Hill's academic performance stands out in nearly every subject. Algebra II proficiency is 69.9%, nearly double the state average of 37.3%, and English II proficiency is 78.5% compared to the state's 58.1%. Biology I and Geometry proficiency rates also far exceed state averages. The graduation rate is 97.2%, well above the state's 90.5%, and the dropout rate of 1.6% is the lowest among nearby high schools. Attendance is also solid, with a chronic absenteeism rate of 16.5% — below the state average of 18.3% and better than most surrounding schools.

The school also delivers strong results for students from many backgrounds, earning top-15 statewide rankings for African American, low-income, and special education students. This is a meaningful strength for a school of its size. Per-student spending of $13,510 is mid-tier compared to nearby schools, yet outcomes are far stronger — several schools that spend more, such as Unaka High School and Sullivan East High School, have much lower test scores and graduation rates. Areas worth monitoring include Algebra I proficiency for students retaking the course and a chronic absenteeism rate that is higher than the district average of 11.8%. Overall, Science Hill stands out as one of Tennessee's most effective comprehensive high schools.