Knoxville, Tennessee, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Eight local high schools in Knoxville, Tennessee, have been recognized among the top 50 in the state by US News & World Report. L&N Stem Academy stands out, being ranked in the top 10 with an impressive score of 98.27 and a graduation rate of 99%. Other notable schools include Farragut High School, Maryville High School, and Greeneville High School. These rankings are based on several factors including college readiness, assessment proficiency, and graduation rates, highlighting the region’s commitment to academic excellence.
Knoxville, Tennessee has seen eight local high schools recognized among the top 50 in the state, according to the latest rankings from US News & World Report. One Knoxville school, L&N Stem Academy, secured a place in the top 10, showcasing the academic excellence prevalent in the region.
The rankings evaluate various factors, including college readiness, state assessment proficiency, graduating rates, and underserved student performance, which all contribute to a scorecard for each school. Important metrics include:
- College readiness – 30%
- State assessment proficiency – 20%
- State assessment performance – 20%
- Underserved student performance – 10%
- College curriculum breadth – 10%
- Graduation rate – 10%
L&N Stem Academy stands out with a score of 98.27, a graduation rate of 99%, and an Advanced Placement (AP) exam participation of 78%. The school’s student population is 581, with a mathematics proficiency of 56% and a state proficiency rate of 20%, slightly higher than the district average of 18%.
Similarly, Farragut High School achieved a commendable score of 95.28 and serves a student body of over 2,000. The school’s graduation rate is 97%, and 59% of students participate in AP exams. Their mathematics proficiency is 54%, with reading and science proficiency at 73% and 77%, respectively. The district proficiency rates for mathematics, science, and reading are 18%, 45%, and 40%, contrasting with the state averages of 20%, 30%, and 40%.
Maryville High School, with a student body exceeding 1,200, received a score of 89.3. The school maintains a graduation rate of 97% and has an AP exam participation rate of 41%. In terms of student proficiency, their mathematics and reading scores are 45% and 67%, respectively.
Greeneville High School, which supports just under 1,000 students, has a score of 88.26 and boasts a graduation rate of 98%. The AP exam participation is at 37%, with mathematics and reading proficiency scores matching at 45% and 50%, respectively.
Meanwhile, Oak Ridge High School has a score of 86.24, houses over 1,500 students, and maintains a graduation rate of 95%. The AP exam participation is relatively low at 32%. The school’s TCAP testing proficiency includes 34% in reading, 66% in science, and 54% in mathematics.
Bearden High School, with a student population of over 2,000 and a score of 85.84, has a graduation rate of 92%. The AP exam participation is at 48%. The TCAP testing reveals mathematics proficiency of 29%, reading at 54%, and science at 66%.
West High School, which serves more than 1,500 students, scored 84.34 with a graduation rate of 92%. The school has an AP exam participation rate of 45% and mathematics, reading, and science proficiencies of 27%, 48%, and 60%, respectively.
Alcoa High School, the smallest among the ranked high schools with a student population of approximately 700, achieved a score of 83.28 and boasts a perfect graduation rate of 100%. Though only 29% of its students participate in AP exams, the school reports mathematics proficiency over 40%, reading at 46%, and science at 57%.
In addition to these eight schools, eleven more East Tennessee schools were also listed among the top 100 high schools in Tennessee. The complete rankings can be accessed directly through the US News & World Report’s website.
FAQ
Which East Tennessee schools are ranked among the best high schools in Tennessee?
Eight East Tennessee schools were recognized in the US News & World Report’s ranking of the best 50 high schools in Tennessee.
What is the score and graduation rate of L&N Stem Academy?
L&N Stem Academy has a score of 98.27 and a graduation rate of 99%.
How many schools from East Tennessee are listed in the top 100 high schools in the state?
In addition to the eight highlighted schools, eleven more East Tennessee schools were listed among the top 100 high schools in the state.
Key Features of East Tennessee’s Top Schools
| School | Score | Graduation Rate | AP Exam Participation | Mathematics Proficiency | Reading Proficiency | Science Proficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L&N Stem Academy | 98.27 | 99% | 78% | 56% | N/A | N/A |
| Farragut High School | 95.28 | 97% | 59% | 54% | 73% | 77% |
| Maryville High School | 89.3 | 97% | 41% | 45% | 67% | N/A |
| Greeneville High School | 88.26 | 98% | 37% | 45% | 50% | N/A |
| Oak Ridge High School | 86.24 | 95% | 32% | 54% | 34% | 66% |
| Bearden High School | 85.84 | 92% | 48% | 29% | 54% | 66% |
| West High School | 84.34 | 92% | 45% | 27% | 48% | 60% |
| Alcoa High School | 83.28 | 100% | 29% | Over 40% | 46% | 57% |
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Tennessee High School Football Rankings – Week 6
- USA Today: Top Tennessee High School Football Prospects 2026
- Tennessean: Best Public High Schools in Tennessee
- Wikipedia: Education in Tennessee
- Oak Ridger: Tennessee High School Football Rankings – Week 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Secondary Education
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.
