Knox County, Tennessee, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Knox County Schools has achieved a significant milestone with five high schools ranked among the top 100 public high schools in Tennessee, according to 2025 U.S. News & World Report. This accomplishment highlights the district’s commitment to educational excellence, boasting an impressive overall performance with 16 out of 18 schools recognized. Leading the rankings is L&N STEM Academy, followed by Farragut High School, Bearden High School, West High School, and Hardin Valley Academy. These rankings reflect strong academic achievements and student dedication within the district.
Knoxville
Knox County Schools has achieved a remarkable milestone, with five high schools ranking in the top 100 public high schools in Tennessee according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report. This significant accomplishment highlights the excellence of education within the district, which covers a robust student population.
Out of the 18 public high schools in Knox County, over 25% successfully secured positions within the top 100 statewide, signaling a strong academic performance. In total, 16 out of the 18 Knox County high schools have been recognized on the Tennessee ranking list, which evaluates 377 public high schools across the state. However, two institutions, the Knox Adaptive Education Center and Richard Yoakley School, did not receive a ranking.
Top Performing High Schools
Leading the charge is L&N STEM Academy, which has been ranked as the No. 6 public high school in Tennessee and No. 310 nationally. The academy serves a student population of 581 and boasts a graduation rate of 99%, the highest within Knox County.
Farragut High School follows closely, ranked No. 13 in Tennessee and No. 845 worldwide. With a larger student body of over 2,000, Farragut has consistently recorded high scores in standardized math and reading tests.
Bearden High School is another notable mention, placing No. 38 statewide and No. 2,535 nationally. This school serves around 2,000 students and has a dedicated staff of 114 teachers, achieving scores exceeding district and state averages.
West High School and Hardin Valley Academy also made significant strides in the rankings, placing No. 39 and No. 57 in Tennessee, respectively. West High serves approximately 1,500 students and features Knoxville’s sole International Baccalaureate program, while Hardin Valley Academy has a substantial enrollment of around 2,050 students and a graduation rate of 95%.
Overall District Performance
Notably, Maryville High School and Oak Ridge High School also received commendable rankings at No. 28 and No. 35 in Tennessee. The state, however, holds a position of 37th in the overall U.S. education rankings. Schools like Central Magnet School and Hume-Fogg Magnet High School continue to represent Tennessee on the national stage by being ranked among the top 40 high schools nationwide.
The starting salary for teachers in Tennessee is reported at $44,897, with an average salary of $58,630. This has led to ongoing discussions about educational funding and the importance of adequately compensating educators to enhance the quality of education in the state.
Upcoming School Year Details
The Knox County Schools’ 2025-26 academic year will commence on August 7, starting with a half day. Students in elementary grades will adhere to school hours from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., while middle and high schools will operate with varying schedules. Transportation services will be provided based on the distance students reside from their schools.
To assist parents, a new GPS tracking feature has been implemented through the Edulog Parent Portal app, allowing parents to monitor their child’s school bus location. Additionally, a new phone policy will be in effect during school hours, permitting device access only before and after school, alongside a dress code that has been set for various educational levels.
Conclusion
Knox County Schools continues to shine as a beacon of educational excellence in Tennessee, with its impressive rankings demonstrating a strong commitment to providing quality education to its students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many high schools in Knox County are ranked in the top 100 of Tennessee?
Five Knox County high schools have made it into the top 100 rankings in Tennessee according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report.
What is the graduation rate for L&N STEM Academy?
L&N STEM Academy has a graduation rate of 99%, the highest among Knox County schools.
When does the school year start for Knox County Schools?
The 2025-26 academic year for Knox County Schools starts on August 7.
Key Features of Knox County Schools Rankings
| School Name | Tennessee Rank | National Rank | Student Enrollment | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L&N STEM Academy | 6 | 310 | 581 | 99% |
| Farragut High School | 13 | 845 | 2,000+ | Data Unavailable |
| Bearden High School | 38 | 2,535 | 2,000 | Data Unavailable |
| West High School | 39 | 2,803 | 1,500 | Data Unavailable |
| Hardin Valley Academy | 57 | N/A | 2,050 | 95% |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Central High School Student Arrested for Gun Possession
Student Arrested for Possession of Stolen Gun at Central High School
Knoxville City Council Primary Election Early Voting Update
UT Knoxville Faces Scrutiny Over Diversity Practices
Knoxville Hosts Lecture on Local Baseball’s Community Impact
Knoxville Woman Found Guilty in Fatal Drag Racing Incident
Knoxville Schools Welcome Students with New Changes
Candidates Compete for Knoxville’s 6th District City Council Seat
Bus Driver Shortage Disrupts Knoxville Student Transportation
Knox County Schools Clothing and Resource Center Updates Management
Additional Resources
- Knox News: Knoxville’s Best Public High Schools Ranking
- Wikipedia: Public High School
- Knox News: First Day of Knox County Schools
- Google Search: Knox County Schools
- Knox News: Parents Guide to Knox County Schools
- Google Scholar: Education in Tennessee
- Knox News: Knox County Schools Back to School Calendar
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Education
- Knox News: Knox County Schools Job Cuts
- Google News: Knox County Schools Funding
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.
