Knoxville, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Knox County Schools celebrated a significant achievement, with five high schools ranked among the top 100 in Tennessee according to U.S. News & World Report. L&N STEM Academy leads at 6th place, followed by Farragut High School at 13th. The district demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence, despite challenges in education funding and teacher salaries. Overall, 16 out of 18 of the county’s public high schools made it into the statewide rankings, exemplifying the robust educational opportunities available in the region.
Knoxville – In a significant achievement for the Knox County Schools, five of its high schools have been recognized among the top 100 high schools in Tennessee according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. This remarkable accomplishment highlights the academic excellence within the district, as it represents over 25% of Knox County’s public high schools.
Among the 18 high schools in Knox County, 16 were included in the statewide rankings, which feature a total of 377 public high schools across Tennessee. The two schools that did not receive rankings are Knox Adaptive Education Center and Richard Yoakley School.
Top Rankers in Knox County
L&N STEM Academy leads the pack, earning the prestigious title of the 6th best public high school in Tennessee and ranking 310th nationally. This school boasts a commendable student population of 581 and an outstanding graduation rate of 99%, the highest in the district.
Farragut High School follows closely behind at 13th place in Tennessee and 845th nationally. With over 2,000 students, it has an impressive TCAP score placing it in the 95.7 percentile, indicating high academic performance. The school also reports that 59% of its graduating seniors have taken at least one Advanced Placement (AP) exam, showcasing the rigorous academic opportunities available to students.
Bearden High School ranks 38th in Tennessee and 2,535th nationally. It serves around 2,000 students with a teacher-to-student ratio of 18:1, reflecting a supportive learning environment. West High School not only ranks 39th in Tennessee but also offers the county’s sole International Baccalaureate program, serving approximately 1,500 students and maintaining a 92% graduation rate.
Hardin Valley Academy, recognized as the fifth top school in Knox County, is ranked 57th in the state. With a student body of about 2,050 and a graduation rate of 95%, this school also achieves an impressive 80.9 percentile score on the TCAP, along with a 17:1 minimum classroom size ratio.
Challenges in Education in Tennessee
Despite these accomplishments, Tennessee’s education system faces a number of pressing issues. Teacher salaries start at $44,897, with the average salary hovering around $58,630, placing the state at a disadvantage compared to the national average. Furthermore, Tennessee ranks 37th out of 50 states in overall education performance and is notably low in student spending, positioned at 47th in K-12 spending per student.
Additionally, other notable high schools in East Tennessee include Maryville High School at 28th and Oak Ridge High School at 35th in the state rankings. These figures portray a broader context of educational performance and funding across the region.
Conclusion
The recognition of Knox County Schools’ high schools underscores the district’s commitment to academic excellence, even as it navigates the challenges of educational funding and teacher compensation. The achievements of these schools reflect a collective effort to provide quality education in the face of systemic issues, positioning Knox County Schools as a significant player in Tennessee’s educational landscape.
FAQ
What are the top-ranked high schools in Knox County?
The top-ranked high schools in Knox County include L&N STEM Academy (#6 in Tennessee), Farragut High School (#13), Bearden High School (#38), West High School (#39), and Hardin Valley Academy (#57).
How many high schools are in Knox County?
Knox County has a total of 18 public high schools.
What challenges does Tennessee’s education system face?
Tennessee’s education system faces challenges such as low teacher salaries and low spending per student, ranking 47th in K-12 spending in the United States.
What percentile scores did the high schools achieve on the TCAP?
Farragut High School achieved a TCAP score of 95.7 percentile, while Hardin Valley Academy scored 80.9 percentile.
Key Features of Knox County High Schools
| High School Name | Tennessee Rank | National Rank | Student Population | Graduation Rate | TCAP Score | AP Participation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L&N STEM Academy | 6 | 310 | 581 | 99% | N/A | N/A |
| Farragut High School | 13 | 845 | 2,000+ | 95.7% | 95.7 percentile | 59% |
| Bearden High School | 38 | 2,535 | 2,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| West High School | 39 | 2,803 | 1,500 | 92% | N/A | N/A |
| Hardin Valley Academy | 57 | N/A | 2,050 | 95% | 80.9 percentile | N/A |
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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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