Athletic teams compete in the Virginia High School League's AA Bay Rivers District in Region I.

Historically, Tabb High School has been known for its football program, which was dominant in the early 1990s and produced two players for the NFL, Chris Slade and Terry Kirby.

It had carpeting, movable walls, air conditioning, and two large rooms called kivas in which the teacher worked from the lowest level with five ascending rows in front and on either side.

The gymnasium floor was made of Tartan, a rubber surface, which was considered unusual for its time.

The school opened to rave reviews from students, parents and the architectural community.