Top Public High Schools in Knoxville TN for 2025

If you’re planning a move to Knoxville and schools are a top priority, recent rankings offer great news. Several public high schools in the Knoxville area have been recognized among the Top 20 in Tennessee for 2025, including both traditional and magnet options.

Here’s a breakdown of how Knoxville area schools performed in the latest statewide rankings.

---

Top 20 Public High Schools in Tennessee

#6 – L&N STEM Academy (Knoxville, Magnet)

• Highly ranked STEM-focused magnet school

• Located in downtown Knoxville

• Ranked #4 among magnet high schools statewide

#8 – Farragut High School (Knoxville, Traditional)

• One of the highest-rated traditional schools in Tennessee

• Located in Farragut (Knox County)

• Ranked #3 among all traditional high schools in the state

#17 – Oak Ridge High School (Oak Ridge, Traditional)

• Strong STEM and honors programs

• Short drive from West Knoxville

• Regularly recognized for academic and extracurricular excellence

---

Top Magnet High Schools in Tennessee (2025)

Knoxville has two schools in the Top 5 magnet high schools in the state:

#4 – L&N STEM Academy (Knoxville)

• Project-based learning with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and math

• Accepts students countywide through magnet application

---

Top Traditional Public High Schools in Tennessee (2025)

Two traditional high schools near Knoxville made the Top 5 statewide:

#3 – Farragut High School (Knoxville)

• Known for academic rigor, AP programs, and strong athletic and arts programs

• Serves West Knoxville and Farragut area residents

#5 – Oak Ridge High School (Oak Ridge)

• Offers advanced courses, award-winning science programs, and strong college prep

---

Families moving to Knoxville have access to top-ranked public high schools without needing to relocate to larger metro areas like Nashville or Memphis.

Best School Zones to Consider:

• Farragut / West Knoxville (Farragut High School)

• Downtown Knoxville / Central Knox County (L&N STEM Academy, application-based)

• Oak Ridge (Oak Ridge High School)