News Summary
Knox County Schools have earned recognition in the U.S. News & World Report for Tennessee, with five high schools ranked in the top 100. Notably, L&N STEM Academy stands out at No. 6. The rankings reflect the district’s commitment to quality education, even amid challenges such as low teacher salaries and education funding issues in the state. With a majority of schools receiving commendations, Knox County continues to foster a robust educational environment for its students.
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – Knox County Schools have established a strong reputation in education, with five of its high schools earning top rankings in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report for Tennessee. This prestigious ranking places Knox County among the leading districts in the state, as five of its 18 public high schools ranked within the top 100, signifying over 25% of the county’s high schools achieving notable recognition.
Among the highlighted schools, L&N STEM Academy has gained prominence as the No. 6 public high school in Tennessee and ranks No. 310 nationally. The school accommodates 581 students and boasts a graduation rate of 99%, marking it as the highest in the Knox County district. Following closely is Farragut High School, which ranks at No. 13 within the state and No. 845 nationwide, with a student population exceeding 2,000. Farragut High showcases a 95.7 percentile score on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) and has 59% of its seniors participating in Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
Additionally, Bearden High School, with approximately 2,000 students and a graduation rate in line with the district’s objectives, ranks No. 38 in Tennessee and sits at No. 2,535 nationally. The school maintains an 18:1 student-to-teacher ratio with its team of 114 teachers. West High School is also featured prominently, being ranked No. 39 in Tennessee and No. 2,803 nationally, with around 1,500 students enrolled. West High School is distinguished for offering Knox County’s only high school International Baccalaureate program and holds a graduation rate of 92% alongside consistent proficiency performance across academic subjects.
Hardin Valley Academy stands as the fifth Knox County institution featured on this prestigious list, earning the No. 57 rank in Tennessee. The school serves approximately 2,050 students and has a graduation rate of 95%. Hardin Valley maintains a minimum classroom ratio of 17:1 and boasts an 80.9 percentile score on the TCAP.
A total of 16 out of Knox County’s 18 high schools were represented in the state rankings, which evaluated 377 public high schools across Tennessee. The two institutions that did not receive a ranking are Knox Adaptive Education Center and Richard Yoakley School.
In the broader context of education in Tennessee, the state faces challenges such as low teacher salaries, with starting salaries reported at $44,897 and an average salary of approximately $58,630. Tennessee ranks 37th out of 50 states in overall education performance and finds itself in the bottom tier for K-12 spending per student, positioned at No. 47. This lack of financial investment in education raises concerns about the long-term implications for the state’s school systems.
Despite these challenges, Knox County Schools continue to demonstrate quality education as reflected in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, showcasing the potential for academic success and achievement among its student population. In addition to Knox County’s high-ranking schools, other notable high schools in East Tennessee include Maryville High School, ranked No. 28 statewide, and Oak Ridge High School at No. 35.
With a majority of its high schools recognized for academic excellence, Knox County Schools remain committed to fostering a robust educational environment that prepares students for future success.
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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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