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2020 Best Public High Schools in the Knoxville AreaAbout this List

The 2020 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 44
Best Schools
44 results

  1. Farragut High School

    • Knox County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 395 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area

    Senior: Although the administration and staff seem to fluctuate regularly, Farragut High School has prepared me well for my future. The growth I saw from middle school to high school was drastic and I saw it in my school work, grades, study habits, and time management. The highly successful school sports help student-athletes achieve in and out of the classroom as well as exhibit school spirit throughout the year. Teachers were there to push me and not just give me the answers. Even the school security officers and janitors develop relationships with the students that last post-high school life. Overall, Farragut has been the best school I could have asked for and I would not be where I am without everyone at the school supporting me.
    Read 395 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,764 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Oak Ridge High School

    • Oak Ridge School District, TN
    • 8-12
    • 176 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area

    Senior: I've really enjoyed my experience at ORHS. It has so many opportunities to take challenging classes, both AP and DE. There are lots of fun clubs to join, like Philosophy Club and sports to play, like tennis. We have good orchestra, band and chorus programs, involving many competitions and fun trips. My favorite part of ORHS has definitely been the teachers. Teachers here really care about their students and go above and beyond to help them succeed. Many come in early to help students with homework, and on top of that will let students get homework help during lunch.
    Read 176 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,355 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  3. L&N STEM Academy

    • Knox County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 68 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area

    Senior: Over my four years at the L&N STEM Academy, I have had a great high school experience. From the students to the faculty, the culture at this school thrives. The students here expect and accept challenges at hand. Because we are a STEM school, classes are held to a higher standard and are found more difficult compared to other schools. Clubs and organizations are student led and students are also given freedoms that they would not get at other schools. Because of this, the administration teaches the students to be accountable for their actions. Though, support is their for our students through teacher office hours, peer tutoring, and genius hours. Also, despite the fact that we are a STEM school, we have a great arts department. The school does a good job in making sure students' needs are met through classes offered and genius hours at school. Overall, this school is great for students who want to take a hold of their education, and make the most out of their high school career.
    Read 68 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 622 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Maryville High School

    • Maryville City Schools, TN
    • 10-12
    • 334 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area

    Alum: Maryville High school is truly so amazing, and I'm honestly so lucky to have gone to such a great school. Their academics, sports, fine arts, resources, etc. are outstanding. As a current college student, I can definitely say that MHS prepared me. My schooling prepared me well for the ACT and SAT, and MHS offers around 15 AP classes and10 Dual Enrollment classes and they are always working on offering more. Almost every teacher (there are always some exceptions) at Maryville is skilled, well trained, caring, and good at what they do. The teachers there truly do care about their students. Another thing I loved about Maryville was the culture. On Friday nights, our home stadium would always be full cheering on our state championship-winning football team. Their opportunities, fine arts, STEM programs, resources, administration, safety, etc. are all outstanding. This school truly helped me grow in so many academic and non-academic ways.
    Read 334 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,246 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Bearden High School

    • Knox County Schools, TN
    • 8-12
    • 369 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area

    Senior: I went to Bearden for all four years of high school. It is definitely the best school in all of Knox County. Bearden continues to add more resources for its students. For instance, there is a guidance office, technology advisor, college and career center, and a writing and learning center. All of these resources have helped me to do well in school and plan for my future. Also, Bearden has helped prepare me for college very well. I have gotten to take some actual college courses through Bearden at Pellissippi Community College. Bearden also has great athletics. I was part of the soccer team all four years and it is something you cannot find at any other school. Being a part of this team has helped my leadership, communication, and time management skills. The Bearden soccer program goes above and beyond to make everyone feel included and I consider my teammates my family. The community at Bearden is so loving and friendly to everyone. I would not have wanted to go anywhere else.
    Read 369 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,083 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Alcoa High School

    • Alcoa City Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 113 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area

    Alum: I loved Alcoa High School! Alcoa is a very welcoming community and the school is just the same. There are children from all different types of backgrounds who share all different types of ethnicities; however, they all come together. They also provide a high academic as well as athletic atmosphere.
    Read 113 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 635 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Hardin Valley Academy

    • Knox County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 319 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area

    Freshman: Hardin Valley is a great school that offers so many opportunities that other high schools don't! The teachers are so amazing, and the whole staff is so helpful in getting through the tough times that come with being in high school.
    Read 319 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,039 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. West High School

    • Knox County Schools, TN
    • 8-12
    • 129 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area

    Senior: West high school is such a diverse place, and the teachers understand everyone is different and comes from different cultures and lifestyles. I love that they respect that. Most of the teachers genuinely care about our future and help us succeed in the best ways they know how. I also love that our high school is the only one in our county with the International Baccalaureate program, which is used to expand our knowledge and explore different thought process of other nations across the world!
    Read 129 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,357 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Halls High School

    • Knox County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 129 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area

    Senior: The teachers are great, they participate in school functions such as pep rallies.
    They are usually available before and after school to help with questions regarding the classwork and really care about the students. The school has a ton of clubs so there's a place for everyone to get connected! The guidance counselors try to make sure everyone is ready to graduate and help with college stuff. It's a great atmosphere to be in.
    Read 129 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,249 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Karns High School

    • Knox County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 154 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area

    Senior: Karns High School is a top-notch close community! I have had the pleasure of moving from private schools to the Karns Community! The administration and teachers are incredible human beings! They care about your education but more specifically care about you as a person! They have a wide variety of sports, activities, clubs, and organization! There is always something amazing happening Karns.The Staff is absolutely incredible, especially the Counseling Office. I have been able to be apart of the Karns Chorus and Theatre for 4 years, and it has been an absolute pleasure. Coming from private schools that don't have great music programs has made my Karns experience an absolute joy, but more than anything the principals want to see you walk across that graduation stage! I would recommend Karns High School for any student who wants to gain great education, gain strong friendships for life, and gain an incredible academic and athletic experience!
    Read 154 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,237 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Anderson County High School

    • Anderson County School District, TN
    • 9-12
    • 89 reviews

    Senior: I was very involved in the school activities such as Band, National Honors Society, Student Government Association, and many more. The students, even with differing ideas, co-existed in peace, respecting each other's differences. Teachers here love their job and have a passion for teaching students. This school emphasizes the ACT and offers many opportunities for test preparation. The school's 30+ number is growing.
    Read 89 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,054 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Midway High School

    • Roane County School District, TN
    • 9-12
    • 49 reviews

    Senior: I absolutely love Midway High School! I have attended Midway my entire life and I wouldn't attend another high school even if I was given the opportunity too. The best part about Midway is that you are able to have a one on one discussion with the teachers if you are struggling in there class. The teachers are willing to take the time to help you understand the material that they are teaching.
    Read 49 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 274 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Lenoir City High School

    • Lenoir City School District, TN
    • 9-12
    • 174 reviews

    Senior: I love the faculty, staff and administration. They are very good with making sure every student feels that they belong. One of my favourite things is the amount of career-based classes there are (Medical, Engineering, Criminal Justice, Carpentry, Marketing, Veterinary, and Digital Arts.)
    Read 174 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,190 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  16. William Blount High School

    • Blount County School District, TN
    • 9-12
    • 197 reviews

    Senior: Many students and parents have issues regarding William Blount's education, building, sports, teachers, and others factors. They negatively view the school, but I do not understand why. I love my school. The teachers are spectacular; I feel extremely prepared to go onto a four-year University after taking a few of the many honors and AP classes at William Blount. My experiences at the school outside of education have also been greatly influential in my life. I have been a part of Soccer as captain and HOSA as Vice President, and these two leadership roles have helped me become a better overall in other aspects of my life. William Blount has provided me with a tremendous education and a confidence boost.
    Read 197 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,818 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Central High School

    • Knox County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 90 reviews

    Parent: My son is the fourth generation of my family to attend Central. He is an advanced student with a 4.3 GPA in all AP and Honors classes. Before his freshman year, he was approached by STEM Academy and tested and was accepted by the IB Program at West High School. In the end, we chose Central due to the academic programs offered with a great selection of Honors, AP and Dual-Enrollment classes offered. In addition, he was very active in band and Centrals band program has a very long and honored tradition. As he starts to enter his Junior year, we could not have been happier with our choice. Very close community with great community spirit and parental involvement.
    Read 90 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,113 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Loudon High School

    • Loudon County School District, TN
    • 9-12
    • 86 reviews

    Alum: Loudon High School is a friendly school, but not very active. The teachers, administration, and staff are really kind and some take extra steps to make sure you do well in school. The students here are a mix of all groups, except in diversity. I wish that anyone who has seen this short review might consider coming to Loudon High School.
    Read 86 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 733 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Tellico Plains High School

    • Monroe County School District, TN
    • 9-12
    • 55 reviews

    Senior: School is small, class size average. Tearchers love their students. Athletic program is way to important, but I understand as the community is very active and live for East TN football. I am college ready!
    Read 55 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 465 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Oliver Springs High School

    • Roane County School District, TN
    • 9-12
    • 65 reviews

    Alum: It has the best teachers and opportunities to take advanced courses. The cafeteria food wasn't always the best, but they do have pizza. The location is safe. There are plenty of activities to be involved in especially academic.
    Read 65 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 341 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Sweetwater High School

    • Monroe County School District, TN
    • 9-12
    • 37 reviews

    Freshman: I like the new motion sensored water bottle refiller they put next to the cafeteria, how you get more time in between classes, and I also like you you see people from different grades in the hallway. However, I wish I had more classes with people from different grades. I also wish that one of the teachers I have didn’t tell the whole class about all of the things she has formerly done (been in a mental place, smoked things, etc.).
    Read 37 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 605 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Harriman High School

    • Roane County School District, TN
    • 9-12
    • 33 reviews

    Senior: It is a good school with good people and nice office workers, however, it could use better arts/music programs and less strict rules.
    Read 33 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 374 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Powell High School

    • Knox County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 171 reviews

    Alum: Powell High is a good school! The teachers are very caring and involved. The school is constantly working on getting all the students to get involved and to feel involved. The Powell community has been through a lot over the past year with a couple of former students passing away in tragic ways. The administration has tried its best to kept the student, faculty and the community's spirits up.
    Read 171 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,340 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Roane County High School

    • Roane County School District, TN
    • 9-12
    • 74 reviews

    Sophomore: Our school has many diverse classes and clubs. Most people tend to be very welcoming. Our main focuses, in relation to sports, is football and band. But there is always a place for everyone to find where they fit in best.
    Read 74 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 707 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Greenback School

    • Loudon County School District, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 34 reviews

    Alum: I’m a current student-athlete at Tennessee tech and since I have graduated from greenback, they have done nothing but go up On their academic standards. The teachers are always finding ways to help students not only in the class room but exceed in what’s they want to do. Greenback is a great place to Be.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 671 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy

    • Knox County Schools, TN
    • 11-12
    • 3 reviews

    Alum: The teachers were great, especially the English department. You have to be self-motivated to get your work done and graduate on time. There is no one holding your hand, although the teachers very desperately want to see you succeed! The entire staff is friendly and just the right amount of authoritative. I would like to see the disciplinary aspect change to be more strict. I had a hard time focusing while I was there because students could talk and be on their phones pretty much whenever.. But most students are responsible young adults just trying to get an education, so I understand the lack of rules. Overall a great school if you want to graduate early or are trying to graduate on time and can't due to personal issues. :)
    Read 3 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 114 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Carter High School

    • Knox County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 72 reviews

    Parent: Carter High School believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe, technology driven, school with opportunities for each to grow and express themselves freely.
    Carter High has not received the same funding for elaborate buildings, new tech software or sports facilities- but Carter’s administration staff and teachers has made the very best of what they have been given to work with.
    Encouraging students to express freely as individuals and reach their potential at graduation is the schools motto-
    It is my hope this school will be recognized as a leader in school faculty
    harmony and student excellence.
    Just imagine, if a school like this can thrive on little to no facility advances -
    What it could become if it too had access to the very best -
    Read 72 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 932 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Noble and Greenough School

    • Private School
    • Dedham, MA
    • 7-12
    • 34 reviews

    Alum: Nobles is a special place rich with tradition, oozing with school pride, and steadfast in strong community principles. I feel so fortunate to have spent my high school life in such a place where I was accepted, encouraged and challenged all in perfect harmony. The teachers are happy to be there too--they are also encouraged to challenge themselves and develop as educators and that is clear in the way they immerse themselves in their curriculum and their afternoon program duties. I love nobles more than words can share--could not recommend it more!
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 614 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Review Your School 
  35. Sponsored

    Commonwealth School

    • Private School
    • Boston, MA
    • 9-12
    • 19 reviews

    Parent: Commonwealth's faculty deliver a level of academic rigor that I've been unable to find at other schools. Just as amazing to me is the amount of nurturing and support the school is able to provide to students in attaining their full potential. Thanks to Commonwealth's small size, students are able to meet one on one with their advisors on a weekly basis. A good number of the faculty have university teaching experience, yet it's abundantly clear from the individual attention they give students both in and out of the classroom that they're at Commonwealth because they love teaching and working with teenagers. Another key ingredient in the quality of this school are the students it attracts: bright, curious, unpretentious, and not cliquish. My daughter, who tends toward quiet and reserved, has been at the school as a ninth grader for under a month, but has already made close friends. We're extremely fortunate to have found this school; I can't recommend it enough!
    Read 19 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 140 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    The Newman School

    • Private School
    • Boston, MA
    • 7-12
    • 49 reviews

    Parent: The Newman School is a hidden gem in the heart of Boston in a very safe area. The extra 1:1 attention teachers provide to student learning is exceptional and the exposure to other students from around the world and the greater Boston area has been an invaluable experience. Given its small size, the environment fosters close friendships and an intimate school setting where children can thrive and be themselves. I would strongly recommend this school in heart beat!
    Read 49 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 260 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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