Knoxville, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Knox County Schools has introduced the ‘Innovative Schools’ initiative as a component of its strategic plan for 2030, aimed at improving student learning through diverse curriculum options. A survey for families to provide feedback on variety in education starts off the initiative, which will also involve community engagement meetings and the establishment of a new K-8 campus in the Mechanicsville, Lonsdale, and Beaumont neighborhoods. As KCS reports its best academic performance in years, this program aims to affirm its position as a leading educational choice in the region.
Knoxville
Knox County Schools (KCS) has officially launched its “Innovative Schools” initiative as part of its strategic plan for 2030, aimed at enhancing student learning through innovative curriculum options.
This initiative begins with a survey designed for both current and prospective families to express their interest in various new curriculum options, including language immersion, arts-integrated learning, outdoor classrooms, debate-focused instruction, and expanded technology use. The survey is available in English and Spanish, and responses will be collected through September 19.
The “Innovative Schools” program will build upon existing programs at L&N STEM Academy and Career Magnet Academy. The very first campus to implement this model will be a newly-constructed K-8 school situated in the Mechanicsville, Lonsdale, and Beaumont neighborhoods. To further engage the community, KCS will hold meetings this fall to gather input on the school’s design and programming.
Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk stated that a primary goal is to position KCS as the leading choice for families and students in the region. This initiative comes as KCS has reported its best statewide performance results in nearly a decade.
KCS Academic Performance Highlights
For the first time since the 2012-13 school year, KCS achieved the highest possible score on the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS), receiving Level 5 ratings across all tested subjects, including literacy, math, science, and social studies. Nearly 80% of schools within the district earned a score of Level 3 or higher, while 43% achieved Level 4 or 5 ratings.
Over 30 schools, among them Austin-East Magnet High, Farragut High, L&N STEM Academy, Powell High, and West High, earned the top Level 5 rating. Additionally, seven schools, including Career Magnet Academy and Carter High, received Level 4 ratings. Complete school performance ratings are accessible on the KCS website.
Further showcasing its academic excellence, KCS ranked prominently in U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of the best public high schools in Tennessee. Five of the 18 public high schools in the district ranked among the top 100 in the state. L&N STEM Academy stands out ranked as No. 6 in Tennessee and No. 310 nationally, boasting a 99% graduation rate. Other notable programs include Farragut High at No. 13 in Tennessee and Bearden High at No. 38.
Challenges and Strategic Partnerships
Despite the successes, Tennessee’s education system is ranked 37th out of 50 states, indicating room for improvement. KCS is actively working with the University of Tennessee at Knoxville to boost teacher recruitment and fill vacancies within the district. A “Grow Your Own” program initiated by the university aims to develop local teachers through apprenticeships and specialized training.
In three years, KCS has hired 228 teachers from UT, contributing to a reduction in job vacancies within the district. Recently, an average pay raise of 10% was granted to teachers, reflecting KCS’s commitment to fostering a supportive work environment. The ongoing collaboration with UT aims to enhance the quality of education by producing skilled educators.
Conclusion
With the “Innovative Schools” initiative and ongoing performance improvements, KCS is positioning itself as a top educational choice in Knoxville and beyond, with a focus on innovative teaching methods and community involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Innovative Schools” initiative?
The “Innovative Schools” initiative is a part of Knox County Schools’ 2030 Strategic Plan, aimed at enhancing student learning through innovative curriculum options.
How can families participate in the initiative?
Families can partake in a survey available in English and Spanish to express interest in new curriculum options, which is open until September 19.
Where will the first new campus be located?
The first campus to implement the “Innovative Schools” model will be in the Mechanicsville, Lonsdale, and Beaumont neighborhoods.
How has KCS performed academically?
KCS has recently achieved its highest statewide performance results in nearly a decade, with many schools receiving top ratings on the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System.
What is the focus of the partnerships with the University of Tennessee?
The partnership aims to improve teacher recruitment and training, addressing vacancies in the district through initiatives like the “Grow Your Own” program.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Innovative Schools Initiative | A program designed to enhance student education through new curriculum options. |
| Curriculum Options | Includes language immersion, arts-integrated learning, outdoor classrooms, debate-focused instruction, and expanded technology use. |
| Survey | Open until September 19 for families to express interest in the new curriculum options. |
| Academic Performance | KCS achieved Level 5 ratings on TVAAS and high rankings in U.S. News & World Report. |
| Teacher Recruitment | Partnership with UT to improve recruitment and training, with a focus on the “Grow Your Own” program. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Dr. Fred Bedelle Jr. Honored for His Impact on Schools
UT Launches Tennessee’s First Fully Online BSCI Degree
New K-8 School Planned for Knoxville Communities
Knoxville Approves School Zone Camera Installation for Safety
University of Tennessee School to Build New Student Success Building
University of Tennessee Knoxville School Developments
Linda McMahon’s Vision for Restructuring Education
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Knox County Schools Innovative Initiative Level 5 Rating
- Knox News: Knoxville Best Public High Schools Ranking
- Knox News: University of Tennessee Knox County Schools Pipeline
- WATE: Knox County Could Close Two Elementary Schools
- Wikipedia: Education in Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox 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 Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
