Student Supports
Bearden School Counseling Mission, Vision, & Beliefs
School Mission:
Bearden High School exists to help all students become responsible, self-directed, lifelong learners capable of contributing positively to a global society.
BHS School Counseling Mission Statement:
The Bearden High School Counseling department exists to challenge students academically, inspire students’ emotional and social growth, and empower students to create career and college plans that will equip them to become leaders of tomorrow.
BHS School Counseling Vision Statement:
The Bearden High School Counseling programs will foster development by implementing a comprehensive program that delivers tiered programming to ALL students, engages students and stakeholders in the development and delivery of meaningful services to ensure that every student achieves his or her personal best in high school and beyond.
BHS School Counselors Beliefs:
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We believe in advocating for every students’ academic, career and social/emotional development to maximize his or her potential.
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We believe that all students should understand that post-secondary education and/or training and lifelong learning are necessary for long-term career success.
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We believe that all school counselors should abide by ASCA Ethical Standards and use the TN State and ASCA National models to drive best practices.
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We believe students’ developmental needs are best met by having a school counseling program accessible to all students that is planned, managed, delivered, and evaluated by a licensed professional school counselor.
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We believe that data should be analyzed to guide the school counseling program.
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We believe the school counseling program helps build a positive school environment by encouraging collaboration among stakeholders.
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We believe all students can achieve and be successful learners.
Essential Roles of High School Counselors
Advocate for students, monitor academic progress, support students' social/emotional development, collaborate with teachers, parents, administrators, and community partners to support student success, and assist with career/secondary planning.
TN State Standards for School Counselors
Bearden Professional school counselors are certified/licensed educators with a master's degree or higher in school counseling, making them uniquely qualified to address the developmental needs of all students. School Counselors address students' academic, career, and social/emotional needs by designing, implementing, evaluating and enhancing a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and helps maximize student success.
The Counseling Office is open daily for students to stop by and talk to their counselor to discuss their academic plan, connect with scholarship and financial aid, address any social/emotional concerns and much more. Parents and students are welcome to contact their student's counselor to make an appointment!
Learn More about BHS School Counseling TEsting Information for families
Student Supports
- BHS Profile
- School Counseling
- School Social Work
- School Counseling Support Staff
- Requesting Transcripts
- College and Career Center
- Mental Health Resources
- Testing Information
- Suicide Prevention
BHS Profile
School Counseling
COUNSELORS
- Freshmen Academy
- Business, Leadership and Communications (BLC) Academy
- Health and Human Sciences and Services (H2S2) Academy
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and the Arts (STEMA) Academy
- College and Career Counselor
- Testing Coordinator
Freshmen Academy
Leslie Wiles
Freshman Academy Counselor - Last Names A-K
Leslie.Wiles@knoxschools.org
I love working with young adults! I earned my Bachelor's degree in Family Studies from the University of Tennessee, and my Master of Education in School Counseling from Carson Newman College. Prior to joining Secondary Education in 2007, I worked in the Juvenile Justice sector. I love helping teens see the importance of showing up in life and earning their education... just as it was shown to me. Life may change, but education will always remain!
I was born and raised in the Hardin Valley area. My family pursued a variety of educational tracks (trade/technical training/college/university) and I enjoy exploring these with students. I remember my cousin was the first in my family to earn a Bachelor’s degree, and it was the first graduation I attended. I loved it! I had a great school counselor who showed me that my family’s finances could qualify me for financial aid, which could be combined with my academic scholarships - this is how I went to college! Otherwise, it would have been difficult for me to have the opportunity.
This is what I enjoy most about my job: through building relationships, I can help students reach their potential and see opportunities! I learn something as well, as those relationships allow me to see them raise their own families, attend their weddings, and start new cycles of their own legacy.
Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Wiles
Degrees and Certifications:
B.S., Human Ecology & Family Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
M.Ed., School Counseling, Carson Newman University
Mrs. Jessica Floyd
Freshman Academy Counselor - Last Names L-Z
Jessica.Floyd@knoxschools.org
I became a school counselor because I love working with students to realize their potential as lifelong learners, and I am grateful for every opportunity to celebrate student success. I attended Maryville College where I earned a bachelor of arts degree with a concentration in biochemistry. I worked at Bearden High from 2017-2019 while I completed my masters in School Counseling at Liberty University. I enjoyed working as an elementary counselor for the last two years, and I am so happy to be returning to Bearden High. I look forward to working with the class of 2024!
Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Floyd
Degrees and Certifications:
BS Biochemistry, Maryville College
MS School Counseling, Liberty University
Business, Leadership and Communications (BLC) Academy
Mr. Brian Tanner
Business, Leadership & Communication (BLC) Academy Counselor
Brian.Tanner@knoxschools.org
Coach Tanner is a Bulldog through and through! After graduating Bearden High, Mr. Tanner earned a Bachelor's in History from UTK and a Masters in School Counseling at Liberty University. A Bearden faculty member since 2007, Mr. Tanner has served in the classroom and coached football, baseball and track. He currently serves as the assistant coach for Flag Football. Additionally, Coach Tanner serves on the Bearden Foundation. Fortunate for you, it is in his current role as a School Counselor where Coach Tanner enjoys supporting students the most.
In his free time, Mr. Tanner enjoys running, golf, and attending Bearden sporting events.
Schedule an appointment with Mr. Tanner
Degrees and Certifications:
BS, History, UTK
MS, School Counseling, Liberty University
Health and Human Sciences and Services (H2S2) Academy
Ms. Nicole Mullinax
Department Chair
Health & Human Sciences & Services (H2S2) Academy Counselor
Nicole.Mullinax@knoxschools.org
I grew up in a military family and I moved around a LOT as a kid. I know exactly what it is like to be the new kid at school. After high school, I lived in Louisiana until 2006, where I worked as a purchasing agent and a legislative auditor. When I moved to Knoxville, I realized that I really wanted to work with people and not numbers. I worked with at-risk children in the Knoxville community for 9 years. During that time, I decided to go back to school to become a school counselor. I have been at Bearden since my counseling internship in the Spring of 2016. I look forward to working with you! If you need to set up an appointment with me, please click Here.
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Sociology- Louisiana State University
Master of Public Administration - Louisiana State University
Master of Science in Counseling - University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and the Arts (STEMA) Academy
Mrs. Katie Parrott
STEMA Academy Counselor
Kathryn.Parrott@knoxschools.org
I was born and raised in Knoxville and went to high school right here in West Knoxville! I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee in 2016. I eventually realized my passion for working with and helping children and adolescents, so I returned to graduate school and earned my Master’s Degree in counseling from the University of Tennessee in 2022. After spending my internship here at Bearden High School for the 2021-2022 school year, I am thrilled to join this counseling team full-time! Bearden High School is a truly special place, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you!
Let’s meet! Schedule an appointment with me here: https://calendly.com/kathryn-parrott/15min
Degrees and Certifications:
BS, Psychology/Child & Family, UTK
MS, School Counseling, UTK
College and Career Counselor
Susan Bolinger
Director of College and Career Counseling
Susan.Bolinger@knoxschools.org
Susan Bolinger is excited to be at Bearden High School to continue counseling students toward their next steps after high school. Mrs. Bolinger earned her Bachelor's degree at The University of Tennessee and her Masters in Higher Education at Vanderbilt. Mrs. Bolinger also holds an EdS in School Counseling from UT. She has worked in college admissions and college advising, in addition to recently working at Hilton Head Preparatory School and Farragut High School in college counseling. In school year 2019-20, Mrs. Bolinger joined the Bearden School Counseling team where she coordinates college admissions and scholarships in the College Counseling Office.
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Bolinger
Degrees and Certifications:
BA from UTK
M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt
Ed.S. in School Counseling from UTK
Certified by the American School Counselors Association as a College Admissions Specialist
Testing Coordinator
Karen Smiley
Testing Coordinator
School Counselor
Karen.Smiley@knoxschools.orgTesting Responsibilities:
School Based State ACT (not Saturday exams)
State EOCs
PSAT NMSQT
Pre-ACT 10
Degrees and Certifications:
EdS, School Counseling from UTK
MS, Mental Health Counseling from UTK
BS, Psychology from UTK
School Social Work
Knox County Schools’ licensed school social workers serve as a vital link between home, school, and community. They provide direct services to students and families, address barriers to learning, and connect families with local resources to support overall well-being and student success.
Katie Allen
School Social Worker
Main: 865.539.7800
Email: katie.allen@knoxschools.org
I am excited to be at Bearden High School after 25 years of working as a school social worker in Knox County Schools. I have worked with all grade levels over the years but working with high school students and their families is by far my favorite. I know that the teen years can be a challenging time, but also a time for so much growth. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to be a support during that pivotal time. In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my family, camping, reading, and sports.
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Science in Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
LSSW, Professional License in School Social Work
School social workers are available to help students resolve barriers to attendance or any other obstacles a family may be facing including:
- Clothing / shoes
- Housing / furniture
- Food
- Hygiene items
- School supplies
- Social / medical / mental health service
For referrals, please select your student's grade below. All referrals are confidential - only school social workers will be able to review them.
School Counseling Support Staff
School Counseling Support Staff
Counseling Secretary
College and Career Assistant
Pamela Canon volunteered and worked as a substitute teacher at Bearden before joining the counseling staff. She currently works at the College and Career Assistant. Mrs. Canon assists Mrs. Bolinger with all things college! If students need assisting applying for college, sending transcripts, using SCOIR, etc, Mrs. Canon can help! She can be reached at pamela.canon@knoxschools.org or at 865-539-7800, option 1.
School Registrar
Requesting Transcripts
Alumni Requests - Class of 2003 to Class of 2025
For BHS graduates between 2003-2024, we use Parchment to send transcripts.
Click HERE to request. You may need to set up a New Learner Account if you don't already have one.
*If you graduated before 2003, you'll need to contact Records Management:
865-215-5656
Current Students - Class of 2026

Current students will use SCOIR for requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Accounts are initially set-up using your Knox County Schools email address. You may change this after you activate your account.
If you have not already activated your account, here are directions for registration:
Step 1: Open up your school registration URL: https://app.scoir.com/signup?hsid=431090
Step 2: Enter an email that you would like associated with your Scoir account and submit. This should be an email that you plan to frequently check because important notifications, such as messages from your counselor, will be sent to this email address.
Step 3: Check your email to find the Scoir email invitation and select the option to complete your registration.
Step 4: You may be prompted to enter your Student ID number and birthdate. Enter this information correctly and select the option to verify your student ID.
Step 5: Create a password and sign up! You can now begin exploring Scoir!
Step 6: To access your account moving forward, sign in at app.scoir.com
You can also watch this video for instructions. Please contact Mrs. Bolinger if you have any questions.
To order your transcript -- Add the college under the "My Colleges" tab and then move it to the "Applied" column.
If you are using the Common Application to apply to colleges -- Go HERE to find "The Scoir Guide to the Common App."
College and Career Center
College and Career Information
- College Visits
- College Application Information
- Scholarship Information
- Career Resources
- Dual Enrollment Information
- College and Career Announcements
- NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA
College Visits
Visiting College Campuses
A great way to determine if a school is a good fit is to visit the campus.
- Seniors are allowed THREE college visit days
- Juniors are allowed TWO college visit days
- Additional days may be approved by the Principal
** Excuse Notes Need to Be on College Letterhead with the Student's Name and Date of Visit. **
Students need to inform teachers of upcoming visits and are responsible for all required make-up work.
During the visit:
- Ask for documentation of the visit from the college in order for that visit to not count against any grade/attendance incentives and drop it off in the College & Career Center within 5 days. This needs to be on the letterhead of the college with the student's name and date of visit.
Colleges Visiting BHS
| Upcoming College Visits | ||
| Date | Time | Colleges |
| Fri Sep 19th, 2025 | 10:00AM - 10:45AM |
Stanford University |
| Mon Sep 22nd, 2025 | 09:00AM - 10:00AM |
Virginia Tech |
| Mon Sep 22nd, 2025 | 10:00AM - 10:45AM |
Wofford College |
| Mon Sep 22nd, 2025 | 12:15PM - 01:00PM |
Denison University |
| Mon Sep 22nd, 2025 | 02:00PM - 02:45PM |
Centre College |
| Tue Sep 23rd, 2025 | 05:30PM - 07:30PM |
Rhodes College |
| Wed Sep 24th, 2025 | 10:00AM - 10:45AM |
College of Charleston |
| Wed Sep 24th, 2025 | 12:15PM - 01:00PM |
High Point University |
| Wed Sep 24th, 2025 | 02:00PM - 02:45PM |
Furman University |
| Thu Sep 25th, 2025 | 10:00AM - 10:45AM |
Rollins College |
| Thu Sep 25th, 2025 | 12:15PM - 01:00PM |
University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| Fri Sep 26th, 2025 | 10:00AM - 10:45AM |
Case Western Reserve University |
| Fri Sep 26th, 2025 | 12:15PM - 01:00PM |
The University of Tennessee (Martin) |
| Fri Sep 26th, 2025 | 02:00PM - 02:45PM |
Pitzer College |
| Tue Sep 30th, 2025 | 10:00AM - 10:45AM |
University of Memphis |
| Wed Oct 15th, 2025 | 10:00AM - 10:45AM |
The University of Tennessee (Chattanooga) |
| Wed Oct 15th, 2025 | 02:00PM - 02:45PM |
Liberty University |
| Thu Oct 16th, 2025 | 10:00AM - 10:45AM |
Lipscomb University |
| Thu Oct 16th, 2025 | 12:15PM - 01:00PM |
Rice University |
| Fri Oct 17th, 2025 | 10:00AM - 10:45AM |
South College |
| Wed Oct 22nd, 2025 | 10:00AM - 10:45AM |
Jacksonville University |
| Wed Oct 22nd, 2025 | 12:15PM - 01:00PM |
University of Florida |
| Thu Oct 23rd, 2025 | 11:00AM - 12:00PM |
Duke University |
| Thu Nov 6th, 2025 | 12:15PM - 01:00PM |
Illinois Wesleyan University |
| Mon Nov 17th, 2025 | 02:00PM - 02:45PM |
University of Mississippi |
*Check your SCOIR account under Events & Deadlines for the most recent updates!
How to sign up to meet with colleges visiting BHS on SCOIR:





College Application Information
Scholarship Information
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES

BHS 2024-2025 Scholarship Book

Go HERE to access information about Tennessee state funds that are available to help you pay for college.
How to Create a TSAC Portal Account
Directions below, TSAC PORTAL LINK HERE.

Going Merry is a scholarship website.
Going Merry is completely different from the older scholarship search engines:
Matching - Once you fill out your profile, you are automatically matched with scholarships you are most eligible for.
Direct Applications - You can apply directly to multiple scholarships, you never need to leave the site.
Autofilled Applications - All of the information from your profile is autofilled into each application, saving you time.
Estimated Application Times - Every scholarship has estimated application time to help you prioritize them.
Scholarships Grouped By Essay Topics - Scholarships are grouped by common essay topics so you can minimize the number of essays you have to write.

Fastweb is a free online resource that provides scholarship matching, financial aid tips, & college life information.
To learn more, click above image.

Did you know that you can start earning mircro-scholarships beginning your freshmen year? You can earn money toward college for good grades, extracurricular activities, community service, work experience, honors and awards, college events, art and media, and even taking tests like the PSAT and ACT. Sophomores and Juniors - it isn't too late to sign up!
Click on the RaiseMe image above to check it out, and sign up today!

The College Board Opportunity Scholarships is an exciting new scholarship program. Students don’t have to write an essay, fill out an application, or have a specific GPA or test score to participate. The program gives students a simple six-step college plan and rewards students with scholarships ranging from $500 to $40,000 for simply completing the actions they need to take in order to apply to college. 4,000 students each year will earn scholarships totaling $5 million, and at least half of all the scholarships ($2.5 million) are designated for students whose families earn less than $60,000 per year. Click the image above to learn more.
Whether you are a high school student, college student, non-traditional or adult-learner, complete a free profile then get matched to scholarships and grants you qualify for from colleges, universities, organizations, foundations, coporations, government, and more.
Career Resources

What is YouScience?
YouScience is the science of YOU – how your mind is wired, what makes you tick, the skills and knowledge that set you apart. You have talent and there’s a path that’s right for you – we can help you find it.
YouScience was created to help answer some of life’s biggest questions: “Why am I learning this?” and “What do I want to be when I grow up?”
How do I complete the YouScience survey?
To complete a YouScience assessment, you must have a SCOIR student account. Please note that this assessment can only be completed once per Scoir student account.
The entire assessment takes around 90-120 minutes to complete, with each section lasting around five to ten minutes. Once the assessment has begun, students can leave and pick up from where they left off at any time from the Student Profile/Career Profile in SCOIR.
Questions? Stop by or make an appointment at the College & Career Center.

Zippia is a job research site which has a lot of career pathway information. They have an exhaustive "Job Search Tips for High School Students" guide which might be helpful for you. Go HERE to check it out.

Novoresume
Student Resume Examples & Guide for 2024
Looking for some helpful resume tips? Go HERE to learn more!
Dual Enrollment Information
DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSE CATALOG
Wondering which DE courses you can take? Click HERE for the 2025-2026 Dual Enrollment Course Catalog.
*This is not a comprehensive list of DE courses at each college. These are potential offerings as you consider what you would like to take with the guidance of your grade-level counselor.
Dual Enrollment FAQ for 2025-26
Click here for details about Dual Enrollment for Bearden students.
DUAL ENROLLMENT TIMELINE
| Dual Enrollment Timeline | ||||||
| DE=Dual Enrollment | ||||||
| End of Senior Year: request transcripts from your DE College at the end of May/Early June to be sent to the college you are attending | ||||||
| February | Early March | Mid-March | ||||
| Attend evening Dual Enrollment Info. meeting | Turn in Bearden's online DE application by deadline | Attend meeting to apply to DE college & apply for DE Grant | ||||
| End March/Early April | April | August | ||||
| Check school email/Canvas to sign up to register for Fall DE courses | Attend meeting during school to register for Fall DE courses |
Attend DE meeting on 1st day of school during your DE block on BHS schedule |
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| August | September | October | ||||
| DE classes begin - check college calendar | Check school email/Canvas to sign up to register for Spring DE courses | Attend meeting during school to register for Spring DE courses | ||||
| January | January |
*Check school email/Canvas regularly. |
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| Attend DE meeting on 1st day of school during your DE block on BHS schedule |
DE classes begin check college calendar |
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*You are welcome to stop by the College & Career Center to pick up a paper copy if needed.
LINKS TO OUR DUAL ENROLLMENT PARTNERS
Pellissippi State Community College Dual Enrollment Page
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU)
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Knoxville
Tennessee Tech (ASL class only)
Equivalency Tables (how do my credits transfer?) - It is suggested to contact the school you ultimately would like to attend (after high school) and ask them how your DE credits will transfer.
College and Career Announcements
College and Career Announcements
REMIND
Please join to get up-to-date information on College Applications, College Visits, Scholarships and Financial Aid!
Please use these codes to JOIN Reminds for the "Class Of"-
You do not have to rejoin these if you are already getting text messages.
Send a text message with the following:
CLASS of 2026
TEXT Last name
@26gradbhs A-D
@26gradbhs1 E-N
@26gradbhs2 0-Z
CLASS of 2027
Text @27gradbhs to 81010
Text TO: 81010
NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA
NCAA Information
Students who plan on participating in NCAA Division I or II college athletics must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Students who participate in NCAA Division III college athletics do NOT need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. To register, students will visit the website www.eligibilitycenter.org where they will develop a login and password during their junior or senior year of high school.
GPA:
Student athletes must have a GPA of at least 2.3 in NCAA approved core courses. Generally, these are just core classes (math, science, history, and english). For more information about NCAA GPA requirements, visit the NCAA website: NCAA GPA Requirements.
ACT and SAT Tests:
Students may take the ACT or the SAT an unlimited number of times prior to full-time collegiate enrollment. All ACT and SAT scores should be reported to the NCAA Eligibility Center. It is best for students to list the NCAA Eligibility Center as a score recipient at the time of exam registration to avoid additional fees. Please note only official test scores sent from the testing agency (ACT/SAT) are acceptable. Test scores on your high school transcript will not be used.
Requesting Transcripts:
Initial Transcripts:
Once students have registered with the Eligibility Center, they must request a transcript to be sent from Bearden High School to the Eligibility Center. This can be done by requesting a transcript through Parchment directly to make this request. The NCAA has its own system for transcript management and works with parchment. Receipt of the document will show up in the "my tasks" section of the student's Eligibility Center account.
Final Transcripts:
On roughly June 1 of each year, a final transcript will be sent to the NCAA for every graduating senior who has created an Eligibility Center account.
A Note of Caution:
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the classes they are taking will meet the outlined NCAA Eligibility Center needs. BHS cannot guarantee that a student will be cleared by the NCAA. Through the Eligibility Center website, students can see a complete list of all approved courses by looking up each school they have attended and reading its 48H Form.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association contact information is below:
P.O. Box 6222 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6222
317-917-6222
NCAA Hotline: 800-638-3731
NCAA Eligibility Center: 319-337-1492
www.eligibilitycenter.org
- Log in to the testing agency website at: http://sat.collegeboard.org/scores/send-sat-scores.
- The code is “9999” to select the NCAA Eligibility Center as a score recipient (either during exam registration or after exam registration).
- After submitting the request, your official test scores will be sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center and the test score and status report sections of your account will be updated.
- Time frame for the NCAA Eligibility Center to receive scores depends on the testing agency's service standard.
- If you need additional assistance, you can contact College Board's customer service at 866-756-7346.
- Log in to the testing agency website at http://www.actstudent.org/scores/send/.
- The code is “9999” to select the NCAA Eligibility Center as a score recipient (either during exam registration or after exam registration).
- After submitting the request, your official test scores will be sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center and the test score and status report sections of your account will be updated.
- Time frame for the NCAA Eligibility Center to receive scores depends on the testing agency's service standard.
- If you need additional assistance, you can contact the ACT's customer service at 319-337-1270.
Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete
-
The NCAA guide to playing sports in the College/University setting.
NAIA Eligibility Information
Want to play NAIA? In the NAIA, student-athletes have the opportunity to compete for one of 25 National Championships. Find out more about the sports offered by NAIA schools across the country.
What are the recruiting rules in the NAIA? How much scholarship money is available? What GPA do I need to be eligible to play? The answers to all these questions, and more, are in the NAIA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.
What is the NAIA Eligibility Center?
The NAIA Eligibility Center is responsible for determining the NAIA eligibility of first-time student-athletes. Any student playing NAIA championship sports for the first time must meet the eligibility requirements. Students must have their eligibility determined by the NAIA Eligibility Center, and all NAIA schools are bound by the center's decisions.
Who needs to register?
Every student interested in playing championship sports at NAIA colleges for the first time needs to register and receive an eligibility determination.
NJCAA
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is committed to providing quality athletic opportunities to enhance the entire collegiate learning experience for its students. The Association and its member colleges strive to provide equal opportunities for all concerned student-athletes. The Association is sensitive to the special needs and circumstances of the Two-Year College student while keeping within the high academic standards of our 500+ member institutions.
For more information about the NJCAA, please visit the NJCAA handbook.
Mental Health Resources
MENTAL HEALTH, SELF CARE & MINDFULNESS RESOURCES

MENTAL HEALTH 101: FOR PARENTS Virtual Workshop - March 22nd, 6-7 PM with FHS, HVA + Mental Health Association of East TN (Q&A session to follow at 7 PM)
- Miss the workshop? >> click here for video of presentation
- Other resources >> Resource Guide
Need help finding a therapist? Try this helpful search engine through Psychology Today.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (NEW NUMBER EFFECTIVE 7/16/22). Call or text 988. Provides 24/7, free and confidential support.
Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network Text “TN” to 741-741 to be connected to a crisis counselor. Provides immediate support for suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, child and domestic abuse, substance abuse, eating disorders, human trafficking and more.
Mobile Crisis Unit Hotline: 865-539-2409. provides 24-hour crisis response for a behavioral health crisis. The program provides assessments, triage, and access to appropriate levels of care.
Mental Health Walk-In Center is open seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Mental Health Association of East Tennessee is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the community about mental health issues.
Help Yourself, Help Others offers screening tools for mental health issues, including adolescent depression.
Al-Anon offers support for family members who are worried about someone with a drinking program.
TN Substance Abuse Services offers resources, support and services.
Compassion Coalition - a faith-based, nonprofit local coalition of churches, organizations, and businesses providing resources, referrals and connections to those needing a variety of services.
TN 2-1-1. A statewide comprehensive information and referral system which links people in need with appropriate health and human service resource.
Self Care Exercises & Activities
Communication: Assertive, Non-assertive, Aggressive
Testing Information
Testing Information
- PSAT NMSQT
- SAT
- Pre-ACT 10
- National ACT (saturday test)
- State ACT (in school test)
- ASVAB
- State EOCS
- AP Testing
PSAT NMSQT
Important Note: 10th grade will receive a free PreACT test. It is also being administered on Oct. 23. All 10th-grade students will be automatically enrolled to take the PreACT at no cost. If your student prefers to take the PSAT/NMSQT instead, they will continue through this PSAT registration process. If this PSAT registration form is submitted, Bearden High School will assume that your student is not taking the PreACT and will be scheduled for the PSAT/NMSQT instead.
Want more information about PreACT vs PSAT? Check this Chart comparing the PSAT vs PreACT out.
PSAT/NMSQT Registration
What is the PSAT/NMSQT?
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The PSAT is now a Digital Exam.
PSAT/NMSQT will be administered on THURSDAY, October 23, 2025 at BHS.
- Registration Deadline is September 22, 2025, or when max capacity is reached. Last year BHS reached MAX capacity before the deadline.
- A limited number of exams are available, so order now.
- Register with this link in givebacks-PSAT
- Cost:
- Regular Exam $25
- Fee-Reduced Exam:$0
- Qualified for free or reduced lunch program
- Please email karen.smiley@knoxschools.org for your registration link. Include Student Name and ID#.
- If you have an Individualized Education Plan, 504, or ILP and have testing accommodations, please email david.rynkiewicz@knoxschools.org by Aug. 27, 2025.
Homeschooled/Non KCS Students $30. - BHS is happy to provide a testing site for Home School Students for the PSAT/NMSQT. To check eligibility and receive your Home School Registration link, please email karen.smiley@knoxschools.org.
Who should take the PSAT/NMSQT?
- 9th -11th are eligible.
- 10th- Practice
- 10th Graders Important Note: 10th grade students will receive a free PreACT test. It is also being administered on Oct. 23. All 10th-grade students will be automatically enrolled to take the PreACT at no cost. If your student prefers to take the PSAT/NMSQT instead, they will continue through this PSAT registration process. If a PSAT registration form is submitted, Bearden High School will assume that your student is not taking the PreACT and will be scheduled for the PSAT/NMSQT instead.
- 11th- National Merit Qualifying Test & Dual Enrollment
PSAT/NMSQT Information
The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is transitioning to a digital format starting in the Fall of 2023. This means that students will take the exam on a computer using an online testing platform developed by the College Board, known as the Bluebook App.
More information will be emailed to those who register about downloading the Bluebook App. At this time, KCS is developing a plan for the Bluebook App to be on school issued devices.
Test Structure: The test comprises two sections—Reading and Writing, and Math—with a short break in between. Each section has two parts called modules, and each module has its own separate time limit. Students can navigate between questions within a module and review answers until time runs out.
Refer to the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide for more detailed information.
What to Bring on Test Day:
- Fully Charged Device: Students need to bring a fully charged device for the exam. Whether it's a personal device or a school-managed device from home, it should be charged and have Bluebook installed. KCS students are encouraged to use their school-issued devices.
- Power Cord/Portable Charger: Students should have a power cord and/or a portable charger with them, as access to electrical outlets during testing cannot be guaranteed. The device should be able to hold a charge for 3–4 hours.
- Pencil or Pen: Scratch paper will be provided for notes; students should not bring their own.
- External Mouse: If students use an external mouse for navigation, they should bring it with them.
- Approved Calculator: While there's a graphing calculator built into the app, students can also bring their own approved calculator if they prefer. Click here for more information.
- Approved Photo ID: If students are testing at a location other than their regular school, they'll need an approved photo ID.
Links to more information about the PSAT:
- College Board Information (score release and test preparation)
- PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide
- How to Create a College Board Account
- How to Access your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report
- Understanding your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report
- How to Connect your PSAT Score to Khan Academy
Additional National Merit Scholarship Program Information
If you are unlikely to take the PSAT/NMSQT because of illness, an emergency, or other extenuating circumstance, you may still be able to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. Please see the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide or visit the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website for more information.
SAT
To register for the SAT, please visit The College Board Website
BHS CEEB Code: 431-090
Pre-ACT 10
Sophomore PreACT Information
What: Sophomore PreAct on TestNAV (Online)
When: Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025
Where: BHS 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Why: PreACT provides students with a structured testing environment similar to what they will experience when taking the ACT, ACT test-quality questions, and predictive scores on the familiar 1–36 scale. This helps students get comfortable with the test and understand how they’re doing in core subjects. It also helps parents and educators identify areas where additional support might be necessary. Scores on the PreACT can be used when applying for Dual Enrollment Classes.
Cost: Free
Register: All 10th grade BHS students will be automatically registered for PreACT.
What to bring:
- Fully Charged KCS Issued Chromebook
- Chromebook Charger
- 2 pencils
- A photo id
- An acceptable calculator. Know whether your calculator is permitted? Check ACT Calculator Link or call 1-800-496-4681 for the most up to date recording.
- The Digital Testing Platform will have a Desmos Calculator embedded. If you are not comfortable with this type of calculator, please bring a handheld one.
PreACT Links:
- How to Sign Into TestNav on a Chromebook (link to Tutorial and Practice Online PreACT)
- Understanding your PreACT Student Score Report (video)
- Using Your PreACT Results (pdf)
- Why Take the PreACT
Understanding your PreACT Student Score Report Non-Cognitive Information (video)
National ACT (saturday test)
To register for at National ACT which occurs on a Saturday, please visit The ACT Registration Website. BHS School Code: 431-090. In order to sign up, you will need to
Setting up your MyACT account!
State ACT (in school test)
Statewide Junior ACT Information
What: Statewide Junior ACT on TestNav (Online)
When: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Where: BHS 8:30 am to approximately 12:30 pm
Why: ACT is a graduation requirement.
Cost: Free
Register: All 11th grade BHS students will be automatically registered for the Statewide Junior ACT. Juniors will create a MyACT Account for the State ACT.
How to Create a MyACT Account for State Testing: Once ACT has released the platform for use, Juniors will receive instructions on how to create/connect a MyACT account to the code provided by the State of Tennessee during 45 class, Class of 2027 Canvas Page, and Parent Square. Link to MyACT Creation/Migration Instructions .
What to bring:
- Fully Charged KCS Issued Chromebook
- Chromebook Charger
- 2 pencils
- A photo id
- An acceptable calculator. Know whether your calculator is permitted? Check ACT Calculator Link or call 1-800-496-4681 for the most up to date recording.
- The Digital Testing Platform will have a Desmos Calculator embedded. If you are not comfortable with this type of calculator, please bring a handheld one.
Helpful ACT Prep Information: Click Here
Preparing for the ACT -Link
Preparing for the ACT Spanish Version - Link
Preparing for the ACT Test Taken in TestNav- Link
MyACT Creation/Migration Instructions- Link
Preparing to Take the ACT Online (Digital Platform)
Beginning Fall 2023, all school day testing (both ACT Senior Retake and Junior In School ACT) provided by the State of Tennessee will be online via TestNav (Digital Platform).
Students are familiar with the TestNav Platform. It is the same application used for State End of Course Testing.
ACT has developed a guide to help students prepare for taking the ACT Online taken in TestNav. This guide also provides a complete online ACT practice test.
ACT Senior Retake Information
What: ACT Senior Retake on TestNav (Online)
When: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Where: BHS 8:30 am to approximately 12:30 pm
Why: ACT is a graduation requirement.
Cost: Free to Seniors
Register: All 12th grade BHS students will be automatically registered for the ACT Senior Retake. Seniors will connect the student code provided by ACT in their MyACT Account as part of the registration process.
How to Create a MyACT Account for State Testing: Once ACT has released the platform for use, Seniors will receive instructions on how to connect their student code for the State ACT in their MyACT Account. Students will also receive directions on how to create/migrate a MyACT account through FLEX (Advisory), Class Canvas Page, and ASPEN Email.
What to bring:
- Fully charged KCS issued Chromebook
- Chromebook Charger
- 2 pencils
- a photo id
- an acceptable calculator
- Know whether your calculator is permitted? Check ACT Calculator Link or call 1-800-496-4681 for the most up to date recording.
- Digital Platform will have a Desmos Graphing Calculator embedded. If you are unfamiliar with this type of calculator, make sure you bring a handheld calculator.
Helpful ACT Prep Information: Click Here
Preparing for the ACT -Link
Preparing for the ACT Spanish Version - Link
Preparing for the ACT Test Taken in TestNav- Link
MyACT Creation/Migration Instructions- Link
Senior Retake Decline Participation Form
Click Here Due Sept. 17, 2025.
ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students.
Bearden offers the ASVAB once per school year. If interested in taking this exam, please ask your counselor for more information.
State EOCS
The following courses are state tested:
Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2
US History
Biology 1
English 1, English 2
Bearden administers state EOCS at the end of November through December for fall courses and the end of April through May for spring courses. For more information about state testing please visit the district testing site.
The state testing website can be found here.
AP Testing
Bearden offers the following AP Courses:
English: AP English Literature, AP Language and Composition, AP Seminar and AP Research
Social Studies: AP Human Geography (9th Grade), AP US Government (10th), AP US History (11th), AP Macro/AP Micro (12th)
Social Studies Electives: AP World History, AP European History, AP Psychology
Math: AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics
Science: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics C Mechanics
Fine Arts: AP Art Studio, AP Music Theory
Technology: AP Computer Science Principles
World Language: AP Spanish, AP French, AP German
Please click this link to Register for AP Exams and to review the AP Exam Schedule.
Test Prep Resources
BHS does not recommend a particular test prep resource. This list is only a few Test Prep resources available.
Free Resources:
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ACT Academy https://academy.act.org/ a free online learning tool and test practice program designed to help students master the skills they need to improve their ACT scores and succeed in college and career.
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ACT Academy provides students with a personalized study plan based on their scores from the ACT® test, PreACT®, or official ACT practice tests through video lessons, interactive practice questions, full-length practice tests, educational games and other materials targeted to their academic needs.
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Personalized resources
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Accessible anytime/anywhere a user has an internet connection
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Both a full length test option as well as test sections
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Educational games to drive mastery of content
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ACT Website of Resources Available for State ACT - Information for Examinees
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Already taken the ACT? To take full advantage of ACT academy, have your score report handy, because you’ll enter data for a personalized study plan. If you haven’t taken the ACT, you can still take a practice test on the website and a personalized study plan will be created.
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Khan Academy/SAT Test Prep https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat Take real, full-length new SAT practice tests from College Board and get personalized SAT practice tailored just for you.
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Gale presents Peterson's Test and Career Prep is a valuable online tool used by library patrons of all ages for standardized test preparation. Test prep—Full-length, timed practice exams that simulate the actual testing experience for AP, ACT, SAT, and PSAT exams. Diagnostic pre-tests help students determine where they stand and how much preparation they need before taking an exam.
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To Access: BHS Website>Library Media>Data Bases>Select Gale Presents Peterson's Test and Career Prep>Create an Account BHS Library Media Website- Data Bases
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March2Success https://www.march2success.com/ provides an online study program to help students prepare for standardized tests, improve school work, and review materials.
Knoxville Area Resources that Charge a Fee:
Huntington Learning Center ACT Test Prep https://huntingtonhelps.com/center/knoxville
Koontz Cram Course http://koontzcramcourse.com/
ACTPrep https://actprep.com/ (this used to be called Outlier's advantage. They market a lot on social medial about score increases for their participants)
Sylvan Learning Co. http://www.sylvanlearning.com/
Test Prep Experts http://testprepexperts.com/act/
Tutor Doctor http://www.tutordoctor.com/
Online Resources that Charge a Fee:
Kaplan Pre-College Test Prep programs http://www.kaptest.com/college
Princeton Review Test Prep https://www.princetonreview.com/college/act-test-prep?ceid=nav
Peterson’s ACT Test Prep https://www.petersons.com/testprep/act/