News Summary
Knox County Schools have excelled in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing five of its 18 public high schools in the top 100 in Tennessee. Notably, L&N STEM Academy ranked No. 6 statewide. Other high-performing schools include Farragut, Bearden, West, and Hardin Valley, showcasing the district’s dedication to academic excellence. However, the education system in Tennessee still confronts challenges, including low teacher salaries and funding issues, despite the impressive performance of these schools.
KNOXVILLE, TN – In a remarkable achievement, Knox County Schools has solidified its reputation by placing five out of its 18 public high schools among the top 100 in Tennessee, as per the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. This recognition highlights the school district’s commitment to academic excellence, with over 25% of its high schools achieving high rankings in the competitive state education landscape.
Out of a total of 377 public high schools assessed in Tennessee, 16 from Knox County made the list, showcasing a strong performance in academics across the region. The only two schools that did not receive rankings are the Knox Adaptive Education Center and the Richard Yoakley School.
L&N STEM Academy stands out, ranking as the No. 6 public high school in Tennessee and No. 310 nationally. With a student population of 581, it boasts an impressive graduation rate of 99%, the highest among its peers within Knox County. The Academy’s focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics has evidently contributed to its excellence.
Farragut High School follows closely, securing the No. 13 position in Tennessee and No. 845 nationally. Enrolling over 2,000 students, Farragut High has achieved a remarkable 95.7 percentile score on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP), with nearly 60% of its seniors having undertaken at least one Advanced Placement (AP) exam.
Bearden High School, serving around 2,000 students with a teacher-student ratio of 18:1, has been ranked as No. 38 in Tennessee and No. 2,535 nationally. Meanwhile, West High School, with an approximate student count of 1,500, ranks No. 39 in Tennessee and is noted for providing Knox County’s only high school International Baccalaureate program. The school boasts a graduation rate of 92% and higher-than-average proficiency rates across multiple subjects.
Hardin Valley Academy comes in as the fifth-highest ranked high school in Knox County at No. 57 in the state, catering to around 2,050 students with a commendable graduation rate of 95%. It maintains a minimum classroom ratio of 17:1 and achieves an 80.9 percentile score on the TCAP.
In addition to Knox County’s achievements, other notable high schools in East Tennessee include Maryville High School, ranked No. 28, and Oak Ridge High School, ranked No. 35, highlighting a competitive education landscape in the region.
Despite the commendable performance of Knox County’s high schools, the education system in Tennessee faces ongoing challenges. Low teacher salaries remain a critical issue, with starting salaries set at approximately $44,897 and an overall average teacher salary near $58,630. Furthermore, Tennessee ranks poorly in overall education performance, at No. 37 out of 50 states, and is particularly noted for low spending, sitting at No. 47 in K-12 expenditure per student.
These statistics highlight the complexities of the educational environment in Tennessee, where academic performance at the high school level continues to thrive despite broader systemic issues. As Knox County Schools celebrates its achievements, stakeholders recognize that continued efforts are necessary to enhance educational quality and address the pressing financial concerns within the state’s school systems.
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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 CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga 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 Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
