News Summary
Knox County Schools have shown significant academic achievement, with five high schools ranked in the top 100 statewide according to the latest U.S. News & World Report. L&N STEM Academy leads as the highest-ranked school in the district, followed closely by Farragut High School. Other notable schools include Bearden High School, West High School, and Hardin Valley Academy. Despite these achievements, the district faces ongoing challenges with teacher salaries and funding, highlighting the need for continued support in education.
Knoxville, Tennessee — Knox County Schools Achieve Notable Rankings in Statewide High School List
Knoxville, TN — Knox County Schools, one of the largest school districts in Tennessee, has demonstrated significant academic strength with five of its high schools ranked among the top 100 in the state according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. Out of the district’s 18 public high schools, 16 appear on the comprehensive Tennessee high school list, which includes 377 of the state’s 439 public schools, underscoring the district’s overall academic competitiveness.
Top-Ranked High Schools in Knox County
The highest-ranked school within Knox County is L&N STEM Academy, which is placed at No. 6 among Tennessee public schools and No. 310 nationally. The school has a student population of approximately 581 students and boasts a graduation rate of 99%, the highest within the district. L&N’s focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics prepares students for future careers in STEM fields.
Farragut High School follows, ranked at No. 13 in Tennessee and No. 845 nationally. It serves over 2,000 students and has achieved notable academic performance, including a TCAP score in the 95.7 percentile, and more than half of its seniors—59%—have taken at least one AP exam, reflecting a strong college preparatory environment.
Additional High Schools with Strong Academic Standing
Bearden High School is ranked at No. 38 in Tennessee and No. 2,535 nationwide. The school serves nearly 2,000 students and operates with a student-to-teacher ratio of 18:1, supporting personalized instruction. West High School holds the No. 39 spot in Tennessee and No. 2,803 nationally. It educates about 1,500 students and offers Knox County’s only high school International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which enhances its academic profile. West High has a graduation rate of 92% and demonstrates higher-than-average proficiency levels across various subjects.
Hardin Valley Academy is ranked as the fifth-best high school in Knox County, at No. 57 in Tennessee. It has approximately 2,050 students and a graduation rate of 95%. The school maintains a classroom ratio of 17:1 and scores in the 80.9 percentile on the TCAP, reflecting strong academic achievement.
Other Notable Schools and Educational Challenges
In the East Tennessee region, Maryville High School (ranked No. 28) and Oak Ridge High School (ranked No. 35) are also recognized for their academic excellence, contributing to the district’s reputation for quality education.
Despite these achievements, Tennessee’s education system faces critical challenges. The state’s teachers currently start with a salary of about $44,897, with the average teacher salary around $58,630, which ranks near the lower end nationally. Additionally, Tennessee ranks 37th among all states in overall education performance and is noted for its relatively low K-12 spending per student, positioned at No. 47 in the nation. These factors highlight ongoing concerns around funding and teacher compensation that may impact future educational outcomes.
Summary
Overall, Knox County Schools continue to show strong academic results with multiple high schools ranking within the top 100 in Tennessee, demonstrating the district’s commitment to educational excellence. However, statewide issues such as low teacher salaries and limited funding remain challenges to further educational growth and achievement across Tennessee.
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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
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