News Summary
Knox County Schools has five high schools ranked in the top 100 in Tennessee, showcasing a strong commitment to educational excellence. L&N STEM Academy led the rankings, followed by Farragut, Bearden, West, and Hardin Valley Academies. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of teachers and students despite challenges such as low teacher salaries and limited funding. Overall, 16 of the county’s 18 high schools made the list, emphasizing the potential for success in academic achievement within the district.
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE — Knox County Schools has achieved a remarkable feat, with five of its high schools ranked among the top 100 in Tennessee, according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report. This accomplishment highlights the school district’s commitment to educational excellence, as these five schools represent over 25% of the county’s 18 public high schools.
The report indicates that a total of 16 out of Knox County’s 18 high schools were listed in the statewide rankings, which examined a total of 377 public high schools in Tennessee, out of 439 overall. The only two schools not included in the rankings are the Knox Adaptive Education Center and Richard Yoakley School, which cater to specialized educational needs.
The top-ranked school in Knox County is L&N STEM Academy, which holds the No. 6 position among public high schools in the state and is ranked No. 310 nationally. With a student population of 581, L&N STEM Academy boasts an impressive graduation rate of 99%, marking it as the highest in the county.
Farragut High School is ranked No. 13 in Tennessee and No. 845 nationally, serving over 2,000 students. This school is recognized for its academic achievements, including a 95.7 percentile score on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP), and more than 59% of its seniors have participated in at least one Advanced Placement (AP) exam.
Other notable rankings include Bearden High School at No. 38 in Tennessee and No. 2,535 nationally, accommodating approximately 2,000 students with an 18:1 teacher-student classroom ratio. West High School closely follows, ranked No. 39 in Tennessee and No. 2,803 nationally, with a student body of around 1,500 and offering Knox County’s only high school International Baccalaureate program. West High also has a graduation rate of 92% and reports higher-than-average proficiency levels across various subjects.
Hardin Valley Academy, ranked as the No. 5 high school in Knox County and No. 57 in the state, serves about 2,050 students and enjoys a graduation rate of 95%. The school maintains a minimum classroom ratio of 17:1 and a TCAP score of 80.9 percentile.
In addition to these high-performing institutions, notable high schools in East Tennessee include Maryville High School, which ranks No. 28, and Oak Ridge High School at No. 35 in the state. These rankings reflect a broader trend of quality education within the region.
Despite these achievements, the education system in Tennessee faces critical challenges. Teacher salaries remain low, with a starting salary of $44,897 and an average teacher salary of around $58,630. The state currently ranks 37 out of 50 states in overall education performance and is noted for its low spending on students, placing 47th in K-12 spending per pupil. These factors underscore the need for ongoing discussions about educational funding and teacher compensation.
Knox County Schools’ successes serve as a testament to the dedication of its teachers, administrators, and students. The significant number of high schools ranked among the top in the state showcases the potential for academic excellence within the district, even as it navigates systemic challenges in Tennessee’s educational landscape.
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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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