Knox County Schools continue to excel in state rankings, reflecting their commitment to quality education.
Knox County Schools in Tennessee have showcased impressive academic achievements, with five high schools making it to the top 100 in the state according to U.S. News & World Report. The district boasts 16 out of 18 public high schools featured on the statewide list, reflecting a commitment to education excellence. Notably, L&N STEM Academy stands out with a 99% graduation rate and ranks No. 6 in Tennessee, while other schools like Farragut and Bearden also demonstrate strong performances. However, the district faces challenges like low teacher salaries and insufficient funding for education.
Knoxville’s public school district, Knox County Schools, continues to demonstrate strong academic performance, with five of its high schools ranked among the top 100 in Tennessee according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report. This achievement highlights the district’s commitment to excellence and its status as one of the largest and most reputable school districts in the state.
Of the 18 public high schools in Knox County, 16 are featured on the statewide list of outstanding high schools. The only two schools not ranked are the Knox Adaptive Education Center and Richard Yoakley School, which serve specialized student populations.
L&N STEM Academy, a prominent magnet school focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, ranks as the No. 6 public high school in Tennessee and No. 310 nationally. It serves approximately 581 students and reports a 99% graduation rate, the highest within Knox County.
Farragut High School ranks No. 13 in Tennessee and No. 845 nationally. It has an enrollment exceeding 2,000 students and boasts a 95.7 percentile score on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP). Additionally, more than half of its seniors—around 59%—have taken at least one Advanced Placement (AP) exam, indicating strong participation in college preparatory coursework.
Bearden High School holds the No. 38 position in Tennessee and is ranked No. 2,535 nationally. With approximately 2,000 students, Bearden maintains an 18:1 student-teacher ratio and provides a comprehensive curriculum catered to diverse academic needs.
West High School ranks No. 39 in Tennessee and No. 2,803 across the nation. It serves around 1,500 students and provides Knox County’s only high school International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The school reports a 92% graduation rate and demonstrates higher-than-average proficiency levels across subject areas, contributing to its strong academic standing.
In East Tennessee, Hardin Valley Academy is ranked as the No. 5 high school in Knox County and No. 57 in Tennessee. It enrolls approximately 2,050 students and maintains a graduation rate of 95%. The school’s student-teacher ratio is 17:1, with an 80.9 percentile score on the TCAP.
Further east, Maryville High School holds a No. 28 ranking in Tennessee, while Oak Ridge High School is ranked No. 35, both recognized for their academic programs amid competitive statewide standards.
Despite these accomplishments, Tennessee faces ongoing challenges in its K-12 education system. Teacher salaries remain relatively low, with a starting salary of $44,897 and an average teacher pay of approximately $58,630. The state’s overall education ranking is 37th out of 50 states, reflecting systemic issues.
Furthermore, Tennessee ranks near the bottom nationally in student expenditure, positioned at No. 47 in K-12 spending per student. These financial constraints impact resources available to students and schools, hindering the potential for further academic growth.
Overall, Knox County Schools’ notable high school rankings underscore academic strengths within the district, set against the broader backdrop of statewide challenges related to funding and teacher compensation.
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