The Best Middle Schools in Knoxville for 2025
If you’re planning a move to Knoxville and schools are a top priority, recent rankings offer great news. The 2025 U.S. News and World Report rankings list 17 of the district’s 21 middle schools.
Top Middle School in Knox County: Farragut Middle School
Farragut Middle School is the highest ranked middle school in Knox County.
- Ranked number 17 in all of Tennessee.
- The school serves about 1,400 students.
- The student to faculty ratio is 18 to 1.
Other Top Ranked Middle Schools in Knoxville
- West Valley Middle School, ranked number 45 in Tennessee.
- Hardin Valley Middle School, ranked number 121 in Tennessee.
- Gresham Middle School, ranked number 237 in Tennessee.
- Bearden Middle School, ranked number 239 in Tennessee.
These schools show consistent academic results and broad student support. Parents will find differences in size, location, and overall feel, but each of these schools earned placement in the statewide rankings.
How U.S. News Ranks Middle Schools
The U.S. News ranking system looks at student performance in math and reading. It uses state test scores and compares results across different student groups. The system also considers how schools perform in relation to socioeconomic factors. This gives a more complete picture of academic progress and equity.
School Zones to Consider When Moving to Knoxville
Families moving to Knoxville often look closely at school zones when choosing a place to live. Knox County assigns each home to a specific middle school based on its address. Many neighborhoods are linked to the reputation and performance of their zoned middle schools, so location can play an important role in your decision.
Farragut
The Farragut area is tied to Farragut Middle School, which is the highest ranked middle school in Knox County. This zone is popular among families who want steady academic performance and a well established community.
West Knoxville
Many neighborhoods in West Knoxville are zoned for West Valley Middle School. This school ranks number 45 in Tennessee and attracts families who want strong academic results and easy access to city amenities.
Hardin Valley
Hardin Valley Middle School serves one of the fastest growing parts of Knox County. The area offers newer housing options and a middle school that appears in the top half of statewide rankings.
Bearden Area
Bearden Middle School serves several central West Knoxville neighborhoods. Families choose this zone for its convenience and consistent district level performance.
Before choosing a home, families should confirm the exact school zone using the Knox County Schools online lookup tool. Boundaries can change as the county grows, and checking the most current information ensures that a property is tied to the school you prefer.