For families considering a move to Knoxville, understanding the local school system can help narrow down where to live. The 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight several Knox County public schools for their academic performance, including elementary, middle, and high schools.
This guide covers the best schools in Knoxville for 2025 based on the reported statewide rankings, along with information to help families researching neighborhoods and school zones.
About Knox County Schools
Knox County Schools is one of Tennessee’s largest public school districts, serving approximately 60,000 students across Knoxville and the surrounding county.
The district includes traditional neighborhood schools as well as specialized programs, including magnet schools and career-focused educational opportunities.
For families moving to Knoxville, school assignments are generally determined by residential address, although magnet and other choice programs have separate admission requirements.
Best Elementary Schools in Knoxville for 2025
U.S. News & World Report ranked 49 of Knox County’s 55 elementary schools in 2025.
Sequoyah Elementary School received the highest ranking in the district, placing #25 in Tennessee. Located in the historic Sequoyah Hills area, the school serves approximately 500 students and has a student-to-teacher ratio of about 17:1.
Other highly ranked elementary schools include:
- Blue Grass Elementary School: #65 in Tennessee
- Farragut Intermediate School: #70 in Tennessee
- Rocky Hill Elementary School: #81 in Tennessee
- Bearden Elementary School: #87 in Tennessee
These schools serve different parts of Knoxville and West Knox County. Families comparing them should consider attendance zones, grade levels, and available programs alongside academic rankings.
Best Middle Schools in Knoxville for 2025
Seventeen of Knox County’s 21 middle schools were included in the rankings.
Farragut Middle School earned the district’s highest placement at #17 in Tennessee. The school serves approximately 1,400 students and has a student-to-teacher ratio of about 18:1.
Other ranked middle schools include:
- West Valley Middle School: #45 in Tennessee
- Hardin Valley Middle School: #121 in Tennessee
- Gresham Middle School: #237 in Tennessee
- Bearden Middle School: #239 in Tennessee
These schools are located throughout Knox County, including Farragut, West Knoxville, Hardin Valley, and North Knoxville.
The rankings primarily consider student performance in reading and mathematics, including results evaluated in relation to socioeconomic factors.
Best High Schools in Knoxville for 2025
Five Knox County public high schools placed among Tennessee’s top 100 in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
L&N STEM Academy received the highest ranking in Knox County, placing #6 in Tennessee.
Located near downtown Knoxville, L&N STEM Academy focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Unlike traditional neighborhood high schools, it is a magnet school with an application process.
Other highly ranked high schools include:
- Farragut High School: #13 in Tennessee
- Bearden High School: #38 in Tennessee
- West High School: #39 in Tennessee
- Hardin Valley Academy: #57 in Tennessee
High school rankings consider several measures, including graduation rates, college readiness, advanced coursework, and state assessment results.
For more information, read our guide to the best public high schools in Knoxville.
How School Rankings Can Help When Moving to Knoxville
School rankings provide a useful starting point, but they don’t tell the complete story about a school.
Families may also want to review available academic programs, extracurricular activities, transportation options, and grade configurations.
Location matters as well. Knoxville includes established neighborhoods near downtown, suburban communities in West Knoxville, and growing residential areas such as Hardin Valley.
Because school attendance boundaries can vary within neighborhoods, buyers should verify the assigned schools for each property through Knox County Schools before making a home purchase.