University High Prospective Students

To begin the application and consideration process for University High, parents must complete the school choice application. This application is open for rising juniors/11th grade only. Parents can complete the school choice application through their PowerSchool Parent Portal. If you need assistance in accessing your PowerSchool account, please contact your student's school's secretary.

To complete the application for current HCS students, follow the steps below:

1. Log into your parent portal account at https://powerschool.hcde.org/public/.
2. Click on your child's name to apply for the choice lottery for them.
3. Click on the link for the Choice Lottery Application 2025-2026 link in the Navigation list.

Completing the school choice lottery application for a student does not guarantee acceptance to the University High program. This will allow us at University High to contact your family with further application information and details. If you need more assistance with the process, Hamilton County Schools website offers written and video tutorials of how to complete the school choice application from start to finish. Click here for various links like "How to Apply" and "Choice Procedures" and "Frequently Asked Questions."

Please note that prospective students may still apply to University High after the School Choice Lottery application closes.

If you have questions or would like further information about the University High program, you can visit our website or contact us at (423) 425-5611.

Secretary: Wanetta Blackman, [email protected] 

School Counselor: Anna Millard, [email protected] 

Principal: Arielle Hayes, [email protected]

Apply to University High

Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in University High, current sophomores must be zoned for the Hamilton County school district to apply.

All students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and two (2) letters of recommendation. At least one (1) letter must come from a Hamilton County school district employee (educator, principal, school counselor). The second letter can also come from a Hamilton County school district employee or a community leader who can speak to the habits, skills, and traits that highlight the student’s ability to be successful in this program.

Cost

University High is designed to serve students and their families at no cost. Through shared collaborations between UTC and Hamilton County Schools, the cost of the program is supported financially through grants and shared resources. Students are, however, required to pay for Reserved Parking in Lot 12 if they wish to drive themselves and park on campus.

Classes

Each semester, students will be enrolled in college-level courses taught by UTC faculty, complemented by corresponding high school courses taught by Hamilton County School teachers to ensure preparation for future UTC classes as well as high school graduation requirements. During the first semester of their junior year, students are also required to take a one-credit-hour Student Success course offered by UTC.

All students are enrolled in an advisory, the structure that serves as the backbone of University High. These advisories will provide a ‘homeroom’ environment for small-group learning, college preparation, experiential learning, and individualized support with an advisor. In addition, University High students will have access to tutoring, learning labs, and all other student support services available on UTC’s campus.