Knoxville, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Knox County Schools have been recognized for their outstanding performance, with five high schools making it to the top 100 in Tennessee for 2025. L&N STEM Academy tops the list with a remarkable graduation rate of 99%. Despite this success, challenges such as teacher retention and funding issues continue to affect the broader education system in Tennessee.
Knoxville
Knox County Schools ranks among the top education systems in Tennessee, with five of its 18 public high schools included in the top 100 list for 2025, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report. This impressive performance accounts for over 25% of the high schools in the district, as education officials strive to maintain high standards despite the ongoing challenges in the state’s education system.
Out of the 377 public high schools evaluated in Tennessee, a significant majority of Knox County’s high schools made the cut, with 16 out of 18 appearing on the state rankings. The only two high schools that did not receive a ranking are the Knox Adaptive Education Center and the Richard Yoakley School.
L&N STEM Academy led the charge, occupying the 6th overall position in Tennessee and 310th nationally. The academy stands out with a graduation rate of 99%, the highest in Knox County, serving a student population of 581.
Farragut High School secured the 13th spot in the state rankings and 845th nationally. It has an extensive student body of over 2,000 students, a 95.7 percentile score on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP), and 59% of its seniors have participated in at least one Advanced Placement (AP) exam.
Bearden High School is ranked 38th in Tennessee and 2,535th nationally. With around 2,000 students and 114 teachers, Bearden maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 18:1. Meanwhile, West High School ranks 39th statewide and 2,803rd nationally, serving approximately 1,500 students and offering the only high school International Baccalaureate program in Knox County. West High boasts a 92% graduation rate and exhibits higher-than-average proficiency across various subjects.
Hardin Valley Academy, ranking as the 5th high school in Knox County and 57th in the state, has about 2,050 students with a graduation rate of 95% and maintains a minimum class size ratio of 17:1. The school’s TCAP score stands at 80.9 percentile.
Challenges in Tennessee’s Education System
Despite the success at Knox County Schools, Tennessee’s education system is grappling with various critical issues. Teacher retention and recruitment remain significant problems, attributed in part to low salaries. The starting salary for teachers in Tennessee is $44,897, with an average annual salary of around $58,630. This economic factor contributes to the state’s low ranking of 37 out of 50 in overall education performance.
Additionally, Tennessee ranks 47th in the country for K-12 spending per student, which raises concerns about the resources available to schools in the region. Other notable high schools in East Tennessee include Maryville High School, ranked 28th, and Oak Ridge High School, ranked 35th.
Conclusion
Overall, the ranking success of Knox County Schools highlights the dedication and hard work of educators within the district, though it also points to broader systemic challenges that need addressing to ensure all students receive a quality education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria were used for the high school rankings?
The rankings are based on data such as graduation rates, student performance on standardized tests, and enrollment details, among other metrics collected in the U.S. News & World Report’s evaluation process.
What challenges does Tennessee face in education?
Challenges include low teacher salaries, insufficient funding per student, and the need for improvements in various educational metrics, which have resulted in the state’s low rankings in education performance.
Which high school in Knox County has the highest graduation rate?
L&N STEM Academy holds the highest graduation rate in Knox County at 99%.
Are all high schools in Knox County performing well?
While 16 out of 18 high schools are ranked, the Knox Adaptive Education Center and Richard Yoakley School did not receive a ranking in the latest report.
What is the size of the student population in Knox County’s top-ranked high school?
L&N STEM Academy has a student population of 581, making it a smaller school compared to others in the district.
Key Features of Knox County High Schools
| School Name | State Rank | National Rank | Student Population | Graduation Rate | TCAP Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L&N STEM Academy | 6 | 310 | 581 | 99% | N/A |
| Farragut High School | 13 | 845 | 2,000+ | N/A | 95.7% |
| Bearden High School | 38 | 2,535 | 2,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Hardin Valley Academy | 57 | N/A | 2,050 | 95% | 80.9% |
| West High School | 39 | 2,803 | 1,500 | 92% | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
