Knox County Schools & Education
Knox County, Tennessee
School Score
35/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
90.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,970
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,215
School Score
35/100
Higher = better
State avg 47/100
State School Rank
#79
of 95 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Knox County, Tennessee
A Massive Urban and Suburban Infrastructure
Knox County boasts a sprawling educational system with 97 public schools serving a total of 63,828 students. The vast network includes 54 elementary schools, 18 middle schools, and 21 high schools. It is one of the state's most diverse systems, offering city, suburban, and rural learning environments.
Large-Scale Performance and Significant Investment
The county maintains a 90.8% graduation rate, which sits slightly below the state average of 93.3% but remains above the national benchmark. With per-pupil spending at $5,970, the county allocates significant resources to its large student population. The overall school score of 51.7 reflects the complexities of managing academic success across nearly 100 campuses.
Diverse Districts and Charter Presence
Knox County Schools is the primary district, managing 93 schools and over 60,000 students, including one charter school. The county also hosts the Tennessee Schools for the Deaf, which serves 144 students across three specialized campuses. This mix of large-scale public education and specialized institutions defines the local academic landscape.
From Urban Centers to Suburban Academies
The county features 54 city schools and 33 suburban schools, with an average school size of 672 students. Large institutions like Hardin Valley Academy and Farragut High School each serve over 2,000 students, creating a bustling, high-energy atmosphere. This variety ensures that families can find an environment that fits their child's specific social and academic needs.
Explore Vibrant Neighborhoods Near Top Schools
Knox County offers unparalleled variety for homebuyers, from urban lofts to suburban estates near prestigious high schools. Properties in the Farragut or Hardin Valley areas are often prized for their proximity to the county's largest and most modern educational facilities. Find your place in a county that offers the most diverse educational choices in the region.
School Overview
Total Schools
97
in Knox County
Total Enrollment
63,828
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
1
1% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Knox County
Knox County
Tennessee Schools for the Deaf
97 Public Schools in Knox County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Virtual Academy | Union County | KG–6 | Primary | 2,168 |
| Hardin Valley Academy | Knox County | 9–12 | High | 2,112 |
| Farragut High School | Knox County | 9–12 | High | 2,096 |
| Bearden High School | Knox County | 9–12 | High | 1,997 |
| West High School | Knox County | 9–12 | High | 1,478 |
| Hardin Valley Elementary | Knox County | PK–5 | Primary | 1,415 |
| Karns High School | Knox County | 9–12 | High | 1,394 |
| Powell High School | Knox County | 9–12 | High | 1,347 |
| Farragut Middle School | Knox County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,328 |
| Central High School | Knox County | 9–12 | High | 1,294 |
| Halls High School | Knox County | 9–12 | High | 1,265 |
| Cedar Bluff Elementary | Knox County | PK–5 | Primary | 1,226 |
| Karns Elementary | Knox County | PK–5 | Primary | 1,210 |
| Bearden Middle School | Knox County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,187 |
| West Valley Middle School | Knox County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,132 |
| Farragut Intermediate | Knox County | 3–5 | Primary | 1,110 |
| Northshore Elementary School | Knox County | PK–5 | Primary | 1,099 |
| Halls Middle School | Knox County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,042 |
| Gibbs High School | Knox County | 9–12 | High | 1,040 |
| A L Lotts Elementary | Knox County | KG–5 | Primary | 1,011 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,970
State avg $6,215
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Knox County, Tennessee — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Knox County, Tennessee?
Knox County boasts a sprawling educational system with 97 public schools serving a total of 63,828 students. The vast network includes 54 elementary schools, 18 middle schools, and 21 high schools. It is one of the state's most diverse systems, offering city, suburban, and rural learning environments.
How do schools in Knox County perform academically?
The county maintains a 90.8% graduation rate, which sits slightly below the state average of 93.3% but remains above the national benchmark. With per-pupil spending at $5,970, the county allocates significant resources to its large student population. The overall school score of 51.7 reflects the complexities of managing academic success across nearly 100 campuses.
What are the major school districts in Knox County, Tennessee?
Knox County Schools is the primary district, managing 93 schools and over 60,000 students, including one charter school. The county also hosts the Tennessee Schools for the Deaf, which serves 144 students across three specialized campuses. This mix of large-scale public education and specialized institutions defines the local academic landscape.
What is the school experience like in Knox County?
The county features 54 city schools and 33 suburban schools, with an average school size of 672 students. Large institutions like Hardin Valley Academy and Farragut High School each serve over 2,000 students, creating a bustling, high-energy atmosphere. This variety ensures that families can find an environment that fits their child's specific social and academic needs.
How can I find homes near good schools in Knox County, Tennessee?
Knox County offers unparalleled variety for homebuyers, from urban lofts to suburban estates near prestigious high schools. Properties in the Farragut or Hardin Valley areas are often prized for their proximity to the county's largest and most modern educational facilities. Find your place in a county that offers the most diverse educational choices in the region.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.