Discover the Largest High School in Tennessee (And Notable Alums)

Written by Kathryn Koehler
Updated: August 24, 2023
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Bartlett High School is a public high school located in Bartlett, a suburb of Memphis. Bartlett’s hallways pulsate with the youthful energy of nearly 3,000 teenagers, making it the largest high school in Tennessee. Its students have access to a range of academic programs, top-notch athletics, and extracurricular activities allowing them to explore and develop their interests and talents. The suburban setting provides a close-knit community where students can form lasting friendships and build strong connections. With the allure of Memphis a short drive away, students at Bartlett High School enjoy the best of both worlds – a peaceful suburban atmosphere in which to study and learn, with easy access to the cosmopolitan attractions of the big city. So, what sets Bartlett High apart? Continue reading to discover the largest high school in Tennessee and its notable alums!

Photogrph of the front of Bartlett High School in Bartlett, Tennessee. The school is a salmon brick with the words "Bartlett High School" across the front doors.

Bartlett’s hallways pulsate with the youthful energy of nearly 3,000 teenagers, making it the largest high school in Tennessee.

©SkaTroma at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Bartlett High School at a Glance

CategoryAnswer
Name:Bartlett High School
Location:Bartlett, Tennessee (pop. 57,312); approximately 15 miles from Memphis
Established:1917
Category:4-year public high school with a separate freshman campus
Enrollment:2,839
Mascot / Team Nickname:Panthers / Lady Panthers
School Colors:Red, white, blue
Student/Teacher Ratio:19:1
Graduation Rate:96%
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma:No
Recent State Championships:Boys’ Bowling: 2020
Girls’ Bowling: 2020
Boys’ Track and Field: 2021, 2022
Girls’ Track and Field: 2021
Girls’ Wrestling: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Discover the Largest High School in Tennessee: Bartlett, Tennessee

Known for its inviting small-town atmosphere and strong sense of community, Bartlett offers a balance of residential comfort and urban convenience. Founded as Union Depot in 1829, the settlement was the last stop in Tennessee for pioneers moving West. Bartlett’s historic downtown has a blend of charming shops and local eateries. Tree-lined streets and well-maintained neighborhoods create a welcoming environment. The city is also home to parks and athletic facilities, providing recreational opportunities for families and young professionals. With its proximity to Memphis, Bartlett is a splendid location for those seeking suburban tranquility with easy access to urban amenities.

Discover the Largest High School in Tennessee: Bartlett High School

Bartlett High School has achieved the ideal fusion of academics, athletics, and extracurriculars, creating an enriching educational environment. With a commitment to academic excellence, the school offers a diverse range of courses that cater to students’ varied interests and ambitions. These courses provide a well-rounded education for the college bound as well at the career oriented. Bartlett has also cultivated a strong athletic program, nurturing students’ physical well-being and promoting teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition.

Beyond the classroom and the sports fields, Bartlett High School has a rich array of extracurricular activities. From clubs that fuel creativity to service initiatives that instill values, there is something for everyone. This holistic approach not only equips students with a strong academic foundation but also empowers them with life skills, character development, and a sense of belonging. Through its harmonious blend of academics, athletics, and extracurriculars, Bartlett High School has succeeded in providing students with a comprehensive educational journey that prepares them for success in life.

Academics

Bartlett High School truly values the diverse range of talents and aspirations among its student body. The school offers an impressive spectrum of academic courses., From rigorous college preparatory courses to those specializing in career and technical education programs, the school demonstrates an unwavering commitment to catering to the unique skills and needs of all its students. For the college bound, Bartlett offers a dual-enrollment option as well as 17 AP classes, in which students earn college credit. Bartlett also has an Honors Academy. Eligible students are enrolled in and successfully complete 3 honors classes and 12 service hours yearly.

Stack of colorful textbooks with gold lettering on spines. The books are all labeled with high school classes: English, Mathematics, physics, Chemistry, History, Literature, and geography. The books are textbooks isolated on white background

For the college bound, Bartlett offers a dual-enrollment option as well as 17 AP classes.

©Oleksiy Mark/Shutterstock.com

Bartlett’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) track offers students opportunities to prepare for life after high school. From Advanced Manufacturing to Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security, Bartlett has 13 areas of technical studies, including Health Sciences, Hospitality and Tourism, and Information Technology. By embracing such a wide variety of academics, Bartlett High School exemplifies the essence of modern education – one that recognizes and nurtures the individuality of each student while providing them with ample opportunities to thrive academically and personally.

Athletics

Bartlett High School has solidified its position as a powerhouse in the realm of high school sports, consistently setting and breaking numerous team and individual state records while clinching a remarkable collection of state championships over the years. Most recently, the girls’ wrestling team has emerged as a dominant force, with a string of state Championships in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023. Both boys’and girls bowling teams (2020) and track and field teams (boys 2021, 2022; girls 2021) have recently secured state championships for the school as well. These victories bring pride to the school by showcasing their commitment to teamwork and discipline. The school is well-equipped for success. Community sponsors have ponied up for a sports field and an arena. The school also has a full court gymnasium and a soccer field. The school’s mascot is the panther, and their colors are red, white, and blue.

Extracurriculars

Bartlett High School goes above and beyond in enriching its students’ educational experience by offering over 30 clubs and activities. This impressive selection caters to a wide spectrum of interests, ranging from traditional clubs like 4-H and Key Club, to more modern choices such as Genius Bar and Media Club/Tech Crew. At Bartlett, every student has the opportunity to engage in extracurricular pursuits that resonate with their talents and interests. Whether it’s the longstanding clubs that uphold time-honored traditions or the more contemporary choices that reflect evolving tastes, the school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education extends beyond the classroom.

$-H club 3 cent postage stamp

Bartlett honors its roots with traditional clubs like 4-H club.

©Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Designed by Charles R. Chickering., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Discover the Largest High School in Tennessee: Notable Alums

While high school provides the foundation for personal growth and development, it just the beginning of a journey toward achieving wider recognition. Many individuals find that their true potential unfolds beyond the confines of their adolescent years. It’s in their post-high school years that people have the chance to explore their passions, hone their skills, and make meaningful contributions to society.

List of Notable Alumni

  • Heather Armstrong: Armstrong, a 1993 graduate is remembered for her blog website Dooce. In its heyday, Dooce had 8.5 million subscribers.
  • Ron Davis: Davis graduated from Bartlett in 1990. Davis is a defensive lineman. He played football at the University of Tennessee before being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1995. He later played for the Green Bay Packers.
  • Garrett Hines: Hines, an Olympic silver medalist, graduated from Bartlett in 1987. Garret was on the 4-man bobsled team that took silver at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Hines was the coach for the bobsled team at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
  • Walter K. Singleton: Soon after graduating from Blackwell High School (now Bartlett) in 1963, Singleton, along with his brother, enlisted in the Marines. Regulations stipulated that only one brother could serve in Vietnam. Walter was chosen to go. He arrived in Vietnam in December and was killed in battle in March, after single-handedly destroying the opposition’s stronghold. Singleton was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic deed.
  • Jacob Wilson: Wilson, a 2009 graduate of Bartlett High School, is a professional baseball player. He is listed as a utility player. He has taken the field with the Oakland Athletics and the Houston Astros. Wilson is currently (2023) a free agent.
  • Daniel Wright: Wright, a professional baseball pitcher, graduated from Bartlett in 2009. Wright has been on the mound for the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Angels.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © SkaTroma at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons – License / Original


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About the Author

Kathryn Koehler is a writer at A-Z-Animals where her focus is on unusual animals, places, and events. Kat has over 20 years of experience as a professional writer and educator. She holds a master's degree from Vanderbilt University. When she is not writing for A-Z-Animals, Kat enjoys puttering in her garden, baking deliciously healthful treats for her family, and playing with her two rescue mutts, Popcorn and Scooter. She resides in Tennessee.

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