For families considering a move to Knoxville, understanding the local high school options can be an important part of choosing where to live. The 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings placed five Knox County public high schools among the top 100 in Tennessee.
These rankings provide a starting point for comparing schools, academic programs, and neighborhoods throughout Knoxville.
Best High Schools in Knoxville for 2025
L&N STEM Academy
L&N STEM Academy was the highest-ranked Knox County public high school in the 2025 rankings, placing #6 in Tennessee.
Located near downtown Knoxville, the school focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students have access to specialized coursework designed to prepare them for college and careers in STEM-related fields.
Unlike traditional neighborhood high schools, L&N STEM Academy is a magnet school that uses an application process rather than standard residential attendance zones.
Farragut High School
Farragut High School ranked #13 in Tennessee.
Located in the Farragut area west of Knoxville, the school serves students from surrounding residential communities. Farragut offers academic coursework, extracurricular activities, and athletic programs.
The surrounding area includes established neighborhoods, newer subdivisions, and access to parks and shopping.
Bearden High School
Bearden High School ranked #38 in Tennessee.
The school serves portions of West Knoxville and offers a range of academic programs and extracurricular opportunities.
Neighborhoods associated with the Bearden area include a mix of older homes and newer residential developments. Residents also have access to Kingston Pike and nearby shopping centers.
West High School
West High School ranked #39 in Tennessee.
Located near the Bearden area, West High serves several established Knoxville neighborhoods. The school offers academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
Its location is convenient to downtown Knoxville, the University of Tennessee, and other parts of West Knoxville.
Hardin Valley Academy
Hardin Valley Academy ranked #57 in Tennessee.
The school serves the Hardin Valley area in northwest Knox County, where residential development has expanded considerably in recent years.
Hardin Valley offers a variety of academic pathways and extracurricular programs. The surrounding community includes newer subdivisions, established neighborhoods, and access to Pellissippi Parkway.
How U.S. News Ranks Public High Schools
U.S. News & World Report evaluates public high schools using several measures of academic performance, including:
- College readiness and participation in advanced coursework
- State assessment performance in core subjects
- Graduation rates
- Performance among different student groups
Rankings can help families compare schools, but they don’t capture every aspect of the educational experience. Available courses, extracurricular programs, and individual student needs are also worth considering.
Knoxville School Zones and Neighborhoods
For families moving to Knoxville, school attendance zones can influence where they begin their home search.
Most Knox County public high schools serve students based on their residential addresses. However, magnet schools such as L&N STEM Academy have separate admission requirements.
The Farragut, Bearden, and Hardin Valley areas are often considered by buyers researching local schools. West High School also serves portions of established neighborhoods closer to central Knoxville.
Because attendance boundaries don’t always follow neighborhood names or ZIP codes, buyers should verify the assigned schools for each property.
The Knox County Schools district provides an online school zone lookup tool to help families confirm assignments. Boundaries and school programs may change, so checking directly with the district is important.
Moving to Knoxville TN
Knoxville offers a variety of public high school options, from traditional neighborhood schools to specialized programs such as L&N STEM Academy.