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KINGSPORT, Tenn. - Kingsport City Schools (KCS) will begin accepting Tuition and Zoning Applications for students in grades K–12 for the 2025-2026 school year starting Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 8 a.m.
Parents or legal guardians of students who are not legal residents of the City of Kingsport must submit a tuition application to attend KCS. Parents/Guardians wishing to request a zoning exception for their child to attend a different city school than their designated zone must also apply. Parents/Guardians must apply annually for their child’s tuition and zoning status, even if they attended KCS during the previous school year. Approval is based on review of the student's attendance, behavior, and academic record.
Beginning March 1, applications will be available online at www.k12k.com via the "Tuition & Zoning Application" link at the top of the homepage. If needed, in-person applications can be accessed at the KCS Administrative Support Center, 400 Clinchfield Street, second floor, downtown Kingsport. Application deadline is June 6, 2025.
Parents or legal guardians of students who are not legal residents of the City of Kingsport must submit a tuition application to attend KCS. Parents/Guardians wishing to request a zoning exception for their child to attend a different city school than their designated zone must also apply. Parents/Guardians must apply annually for their child’s tuition and zoning status, even if they attended KCS during the previous school year. Approval is based on review of the student's attendance, behavior, and academic record.
Beginning March 1, applications will be available online at www.k12k.com via the "Tuition & Zoning Application" link at the top of the homepage. If needed, in-person applications can be accessed at the KCS Administrative Support Center, 400 Clinchfield Street, second floor, downtown Kingsport. Application deadline is June 6, 2025.
KCS has consistently demonstrated excellence in academics, student achievement, and growth. In the most recent school year, five KCS schools—Adams Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Johnson Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and Dobyns-Bennett High School— earned the prestigious Tennessee Reward School designation, the state's highest recognition for student performance and improvement.
Further showcasing the district's commitment to academic excellence, KCS achieved a Level 5 Composite Score (the highest possible) in the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) for the eighth consecutive year. Seven schools also earned individual TVAAS Level 5 Composite Scores: Adams Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Johnson Elementary, Kennedy Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Sevier MIddle, and Dobyns-Bennett High School.
KCS has also received national recognition. U.S. News & World Report named Adams Elementary, Johnson Elementary, and Washington Elementary among the Best Elementary Schools in Tennessee. Robinson Middle School earned recognition as one of the Best Middle Schools in Tennessee, while Dobyns-Bennett High School was named among the Best High Schools in the state.
Additionally, Washington Elementary School and D-B EXCEL hold the TN STEM Designation, reflecting their commitment to rigorous STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. These schools equip students with 21st-century skills, workforce development opportunities, and critical problem-solving abilities. Jackson Elementary and Johnson Elementary are also recognized as Franklin Covey “Leader in Me” Lighthouse Schools, reinforcing their focus on leadership development and student empowerment.
These accolades highlight KCS dedication to providing innovative learning experiences, academic excellence, and student growth. The district offers robust educational programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment opportunities, award-winning fine arts, and comprehensive career and technical education (CTE) pathways. KCS also boasts a tradition of excellence in athletics with the winningest high school baseball and basketball programs in the country.
Adding to its list of honors, KCS proudly celebrates the recognition of its outstanding educators, including the 2024-25 State of Tennessee Principal of the Year and the 2024-25 State of Tennessee Teacher of the Year.
Adding to its list of honors, KCS proudly celebrates the recognition of its outstanding educators, including the 2024-25 State of Tennessee Principal of the Year and the 2024-25 State of Tennessee Teacher of the Year.
To find out the school for which your child is zoned, please refer to the online KCS School Zone Finder listed under the “School Zones & Street Directory” link under “Families” at k12k.com, or call the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100.
For additional information, please contact Jim Nash, Chief Student Services Officer at (423) 378.2169 or [email protected].
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a student-focused, world-class public school district located in Kingsport, Tennessee, proudly serving students across Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district comprises 13 schools, including a Pre-K facility, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program. With a total enrollment exceeding 7,600 students, KCS is dedicated to fostering educational excellence, empowering student success, and ensuring all students are college and career ready. To learn more, visit www.k12k.com, tune in to WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or contact the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. Stay connected by following us on Facebook (@kcsdistrict), Instagram (@kcs__district), and YouTube (@kcs__district).
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