News Summary
Knox County Schools have achieved remarkable academic success as five of its public high schools rank among the top 100 in Tennessee, according to U.S. News & World Report. With 16 out of 18 public high schools recognized, the district showcases exceptional performance, especially with L&N STEM Academy leading at No. 6 statewide. The rankings reflect the schools’ strong graduation rates and commitment to academic excellence, despite ongoing challenges in Tennessee’s education system regarding teacher compensation and funding.
Knoxville, Tennessee— Knox County Schools Achieve Notable Rankings Among State’s Top High Schools
Knoxville and surrounding areas have seen significant academic achievements this year, as Knox County Schools maintain a strong presence on statewide high school rankings. According to the 2025 edition of U.S. News & World Report, five of the district’s 18 public high schools are ranked among the top 100 in Tennessee, making up over a quarter of the county’s high schools included in the list.
Widespread Recognition Among Knox County High Schools
Out of the total 18 public high schools in Knox County, 16 are listed on the Tennessee high school rankings, which include 377 schools out of the state’s total 439 public high schools. The two schools not ranked are the Knox Adaptive Education Center and Richard Yoakley School.
Top Performing Schools in the District
Leading the rankings is L&N STEM Academy, which holds the position of No. 6 in Tennessee and ranks No. 310 nationally. The school serves a student body of 581 students and boasts a graduation rate of 99%, the highest in Knox County.
Farragut High School follows closely behind, ranked at No. 13 in Tennessee and No. 845 nationally. With an enrollment exceeding 2,000 students, Farragut High School maintains a strong academic profile, including a 95.7 percentile score on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP). Additionally, over half of its seniors—59%—have taken at least one Advanced Placement (AP) exam, demonstrating a focus on college readiness.
Additional Notable High Schools
Bearden High School is ranked as the No. 38 in Tennessee and No. 2,535 nationally. It serves approximately 2,000 students and employs 114 teachers, resulting in an 18:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The school emphasizes a well-rounded academic environment.
West High School, ranked No. 39 in Tennessee and No. 2,803 nationally, is notable for offering Knox County’s only International Baccalaureate (IB) program. With around 1,500 students, West High School records a 92% graduation rate and demonstrates higher-than-average proficiency levels across core subjects.
Hardin Valley Academy is ranked as the No. 5 high school in Knox County and No. 57 in Tennessee. The school has about 2,050 students and maintains a graduation rate of 95%. Its classroom ratios are favorable at 17:1, and it has a TCAP percentile score of 80.9%.
Other High-Performing Schools in East Tennessee
In the broader East Tennessee region, schools such as Maryville High School and Oak Ridge High School are also recognized, ranked at No. 28 and No. 35 in Tennessee respectively, further highlighting the region’s academic strengths.
Challenges Facing Tennessee’s Education System
Despite notable school rankings, Tennessee’s education system faces ongoing challenges. The state’s starting teacher salary of $44,897 and an average salary of approximately $58,630 reflect relatively low compensation compared to other states. Tennessee ranks 37th out of 50 states in overall education performance and is positioned at No. 47 in terms of K-12 per student spending, indicating modest investment in education. These factors contribute to ongoing discussions about improving teacher pay, increasing educational funding, and boosting student performance across the state.
In summary, Knox County Schools continue to demonstrate strong academic performance, with several high schools ranked among Tennessee’s best, while broader systemic issues remain a challenge for the state’s education sector.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Knoxville Best Public High Schools Ranking
- Wikipedia: Public School
- WBIR: Knox County Schools Bus Driver Shortage
- Google Search: Knox County Schools
- Knox News: Knox County Schools Year-Round Classes
- Google Scholar: Knox County Schools Education
- Knox News: Knox County Schools Back to School Calendar
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education System Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
