Knox County Schools Celebrate Top High School Rankings

News Summary

Knox County Schools in Tennessee announce that five of its public high schools are ranked among the top 100 in the state, showcasing exceptional educational quality. L&N STEM Academy leads the rankings at No. 6 state-wide, followed by Farragut High School at No. 13. Overall, 16 out of 18 high schools in the district were recognized, highlighting significant educational achievements amid challenges in Tennessee’s education system, such as low teacher salaries and funding concerns.

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee – In a significant achievement for the district, Knox County Schools has announced that five of its public high schools have been ranked among the top 100 high schools in Tennessee according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report. This remarkable feat highlights the educational excellence within Knox County, accounting for over 25% of the county’s 18 high schools making the list.

This year’s rankings reveal that a total of 16 out of Knox County’s 18 high schools were included in the statewide rankings, which encompass 377 public high schools across Tennessee. The only two schools not ranked are the Knox Adaptive Education Center and the Richard Yoakley School.

Top Rankings and Achievements

Leading the pack is L&N STEM Academy, recognized as the top-ranked public high school in Knox County, coming in at No. 6 statewide and No. 310 nationally. With a student enrollment of 581 and an impressive graduation rate of 99%, L&N STEM Academy exemplifies not only academic excellence but also a commitment to ensuring students complete their education successfully.

Farragut High School follows closely with a ranking of No. 13 in Tennessee and No. 845 nationally. Serving over 2,000 students, Farragut High boasts a robust 95.7 percentile score on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP). Notably, 59% of the seniors at Farragut have taken at least one Advanced Placement (AP) exam, indicating a strong emphasis on providing advanced academic opportunities.

Bearden High School ranks No. 38 in Tennessee and No. 2,535 nationally, with a student body of approximately 2,000 and a teacher-to-student ratio of 18:1. West High School, ranking No. 39 in Tennessee and No. 2,803 nationally, serves around 1,500 students and is distinguished for offering Knox County’s only International Baccalaureate program. The school maintains a graduation rate of 92% and shows above-average proficiency levels across various subjects.

Hardin Valley Academy is ranked as the fifth best high school in Knox County and No. 57 in the state, accommodating about 2,050 students with a graduation rate of 95%. The school has a favorable minimum classroom ratio of 17:1 and achieves an 80.9 percentile score on the TCAP.

Comparative Performance in East Tennessee

In addition to Knox County high schools, other noteworthy institutions in East Tennessee include Maryville High School, ranked No. 28, and Oak Ridge High School, ranked No. 35 in the state. These schools also contribute to the area’s reputation for educational quality.

Challenges in Tennessee’s Education System

While Knox County Schools display notable successes, the education system in Tennessee faces challenges that could impact its future performance. Key issues include low teacher salaries, with starting salaries reported at $44,897 and an average salary closer to $58,630. Furthermore, Tennessee ranks 37th among 50 states in overall educational performance, with significant concerns regarding low student funding, standing at 47th in K-12 spending per student.

As Knox County Schools celebrates this recognition, the district remains aware of the broader challenges facing education in Tennessee. With notable achievements in student performance and graduation rates across multiple high schools, Knox County continues to strive for excellence while navigating these pressing systemic issues.

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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