2019 Best Public High Schools in the Knoxville Area

Best Schools

39 results

Farragut High School
Knox County Schools, TN
9-12
368
1 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area
Senior: Farragut High School is a great school and has a wide range of classes of all levels. There are many different classes to choose, from the history of rock and roll to astronomy. The lunch is average and I wish it were longer. There are a lot of students enrolled so the hallway tend to get very crowded. The sports teams are competitive and there are great facilities for them. The teaching is very good, but of course there are a few teachers that are not very good. The parking situation is very crowded and there is a lot of traffic getting there in the morning and leaving in the afternoon due to the close proximity to the middle school and intermediate school. Overall the school is great and I have loved my time here, but I can't wait for college.
Read 368 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,738 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Oak Ridge High School
Oak Ridge School District, TN
8-12
166
2 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area
Alum: I felt proud of my education at Oak Ridge. We're one of the best in the area and most of the teachers (a certain geometry teacher is most definitely excluded) are extremely dedicated to their students. The AP history teachers are all amazing, and definitely prepared me for college more than anything else. The administration is alright--a little too strict. Because of this, I felt burnt out by junior year. Despite all of that, since starting college this year I've realized just how much Oak Ridge prepared me compared to other students in my freshman classes. Most of the things I've been learning so far in college I'd already been taught at Oak Ridge. I'm definitely proud of my Oak Ridge education. Once a wildcat, always a wildcat.
Read 166 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,377 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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L&N STEM Academy
Knox County Schools, TN
9-12
56
3 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area
Senior: I have been going to L&N all 4 years of my high school career, and I have to say- there could not have been a better school for me. There is so much that is amazing and cutting-edge about my school that I would not trade my experience here for anything. I have amazing friends and teammates and classmates and feel like I'm involved in my own little community while being treated at an adult level by the staff and teachers. If you live anywhere in east Tennessee, pick L&N!
Read 56 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
596 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Webb School
Private School
Bell Buckle, TN
6-12
64
Niche User: The atmosphere at Webb is extremely welcoming. This begins with the admissions department and carries through to the students, advisors, and teachers. On "move-in day" when it is normal to be apprehensive about what boarding school will be like, the students and families are greeted by older students who help them move into their dorm room and then stay with the student and family for the entire day. This is our student's third year and amazingly, the admissions department does not abandon families after enrollment. Every time we are on campus, whenever we see someone from admissions, they ask about our student and our family. We had a choice of several schools and are so very glad we chose Webb!
Read 64 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
315 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Bearden High School
Knox County Schools, TN
9-12
353
4 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area
Junior: Bearden High school is what I call home; the people there are family to me. I have been given so many privileges by going to Bearden as a transfer student. Without Bearden, I wouldn't have the same opportunities that I have today such as the technology. Bearden is one of the only schools with access to laptops allowing every student the technological benefits of learning. Our musical theater and basketball team are outstanding winning numerous awards not to mention some of the other sports. One of my current involvements is the leadership program; the leadership program is mixed with the student council. Overall these programs at Bearden have given students so many opportunities to learn and grow as an individual.
Read 353 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
2,041 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Hardin Valley Academy
Knox County Schools, TN
9-12
314
5 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 314 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,954 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Maryville High School
Maryville City Schools, TN
10-12
314
6 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area
Senior: I transferred to MHS at the start of my junior year. Coming from a school with only 400 students to a school with 1,500 student I was very scared. My first day the students were all welcoming and wanting to reach out and help me. I was introduced to many different people and they all accepted me. The teachers were all very welcoming and helped me when I looked lost and made me feel at home. To any new student who is thinking about attending MHS I would suggest it to them because of the surroundings and the people. Everyone at the school makes you feel at home and its very comforting. The thing I would like to see a change in is the parking situation. There isn't enough parking spots for all the students. Therefor, students have to park on the streets and to me that can be dangerous. I had to park on the street my junior year and everyday I would dread having to walk in and cross the street because of people speeding by.
Read 314 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,182 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Alcoa High School
Alcoa City Schools, TN
9-12
108
7 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 108 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
606 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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West High School
Knox County Schools, TN
9-12
125
8 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area
Junior: Having just relocated to Tennessee and West High I would say that first impressions of the school have proved me wrong.From the outside West looks like a typical old, rather grimey, inner city school.But once inside although still an aging school you are immidiately beseiged by a vibrant atmosphere of dynamic young teachers, a very diverse student population and a cheerful and involved Principle.There are plans to update and renovate the school.The International Bacculaurate program is challenging and inspiring.Daily schedules are well thought out and the yearly structure of vacations and blocks makes going to school a pleasure for otherwise usually jaded students.Overall I would say that West High is a pleasent surprise and will rise up again as one of Knoxvilles better high schools!
Read 125 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,343 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Halls High School
Knox County Schools, TN
9-12
119
9 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area
Senior: Halls High School is a very different school. Halls is a mixing pot of ethnicity, religion, and political views. We have some of the best staff and faculty in the entire county, along with some of the best spirit. Halls is notorious for our student sections, our pride, and our helpful community. Personally, there is no better place to attend as High School student. There's always teachers and peers willing to help those in need, and correct any mistakes made within our school walls. In addition to this, our extracurricular activities are outstanding, and draw students from neighboring schools. Halls is the best school system in Knox County.
Read 119 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,233 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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- 2019 Best Public Middle Schools
- 2019 High Schools with the Best Teachers
- 2019 Best Public High Schools for STEM
Karns High School
Knox County Schools, TN
9-12
145
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 145 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
1,221 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Anderson County High School
Anderson County School District, TN
9-12
83
11 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area
Senior: My experience at anderson county high school is amazing. Their academics have always been amazing, and the administrators have always been understanding. They have never punished the whole group for something one person did, and the punishment was never extraordinary for the occasion. The teachers are amazing, and they are very knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. Everything about this school shows the dedication and passion to better the students.
Read 83 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
1,124 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Midway High School
Roane County School District, TN
9-12
48
12 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area
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 48 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
279 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Carter High School
Knox County Schools, TN
9-12
67
13 Best Public High Schools in Knoxville Area
Senior: The school environment is what you would see in a typical high school movie; cliques everywhere! That's definitely one of the things that I didn't enjoy so much at Carter. You aren't always included.
That being said, the best thing about Carter was definitely the teachers! The teachers at Carter agree so incredible! I built so many incredible bonds with my teachers there, and I honestly wouldn't be who I am today without them.
Read 67 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
904 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Loudon High School
Loudon County School District, TN
9-12
82
Junior: The best thing about Loudon High School is it’s dynamic. Because of its small size, it feels more like a commmunity, where everyone cares about eachither’s wellbeing. However, it does not have as many career and technical courses available as larger schools.
Read 82 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
735 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Harriman High School
Roane County School District, TN
9-12
28
Senior: I have had a really great experience at Harriman High school . I have been in color guard two years and I love every minute of it . I was a cheerleader also and enjoyed it . My teachers are great and try to help the students any way they can . I have seen some of the teachers go over and beyond to help some of the students even when those students was not appreciative. I have enjoyed my four years at this high school and I'm blessed to have had to opportunity to go to this school . I have always went to Harriman schools even though I have lived in Kingston and Rockwood . The thing I would change is for the people who bully other people should be held accountable for their actions to the fullest . Bullying can an does cause people to commit suicide and have a lot of problems that could have been prevented.
Read 28 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
335 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Central High School
Knox County Schools, TN
9-12
81
Senior: I grew up hearing stories about Central, and all of them were not very good. Throughout, my time attending I have found that most of those bad stories are not true. My high school experience has been wonderful, and I do not think it would have been as good as it has been had I attended another school. I had lots of opportunities to explore my interests through rigorous academics and ample extracurricular choices. Also, the student-teacher and student-student relationships at Central are very healthy and beneficial to all who are involved. One relationship I have not seen to be as strong, though, is the student-administration relationship, and without a good understanding between those two groups it is hard to feel everything is going its best. Despite this short-coming, my school, Central High School, has mas my wonderful high school experience possible, so it is pretty good.
Read 81 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
1,139 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Powell High School
Knox County Schools, TN
9-12
167
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 167 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
1,352 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Fulton High School
Knox County Schools, TN
9-12
127
Alum: Fulton High School is a place like no other. The administration, teachers, and staff genuinely care about the students, their success, the community and making a difference. There is 0 tolerance when it comes to poor behavior and bad attitudes, a sense of pride and family, emphasis on participation in everything from clubs to sports - and band to community service. I felt very blessed to have opportunities as a peer tutor, cheerleader and working with graduation coaches and Project Graduation mentors. I feel like the people at Fulton High School work to prepare students for college, the workforce, and life outside of the school walls. There is a lot of passion in the Fulton staff and alumni - which I truly value. I am proud to be a #FFL (Falcon for Life).
Read 127 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
923 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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South Doyle High School
Knox County Schools, TN
9-12
139
Senior: Overall my experience was great! I had fantastic teachers who strived to help the students both academically and personally. However, some of the administration was biased towards certain students and did not care about the others. Throughout my 4 years at this high school, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at South Doyle High School.
Read 139 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
1,192 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Clinton High School
Anderson County School District, TN
9-12
157
Alum: I had some really great teachers. Help was always available to anyone who asked. Teachers were willing to work with you to get the best results. Teachers were understanding to the fact that we have things to do after school that may affect our ability to do work and, if you were well behaved, would offer extensions or extra help as needed. Our band and color gaurd team work very hard and are very good, as well as accepting. We had an amazing mock trial team, a wonderful art teacher, and the most amazing cross country coach in the world, who encouraged doing your best regardless of how it compared to everyone else's best, and he was proud of us even if we came in last.
Read 157 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
1,116 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lenoir City High School
Lenoir City School District, TN
9-12
169
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 169 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
1,212 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Gibbs High School
Knox County Schools, TN
9-12
127
Alum: Gibbs is a school in a rural area, the outskirts of Knoxville. I went to elementary and middle school in the inner city and to move to this kind of environment for me was a huge change. I'm glad that we moved to where I was zoned for Gibbs, though, because I had the best time of my life there. The teachers while I was there were amazing! They actually cared about their students and challenged them to excel. Due to how great the teachers were and how much they cared, personally college was easy as cake. As far as sports, they are pretty good these days but they weren't too good when I was there with the exception of girls basketball and softball. As far as the people, it's mostly Caucasian with a little mix of other races. Anyways, I loved the time I spent at Gibbs and I appreciate the school for preparing me for college.
Read 127 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
1,044 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Roane County High School
Roane County School District, TN
9-12
72
Alum: Roane County High School was a great place to grow from a scared freshman to confident senior! There was always a way for me to grow because of this school. Between all the clubs and the band and academics, I learned so much in my time.
Read 72 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
722 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Greenback School
Loudon County School District, TN
PK, K-12
33
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 33 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
663 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Tennessee High School for the Deaf
Public School
Knoxville, TN
9-12
1
Alum: I like their special trip of college search and we take some class that connect with our major. They are a great school and you will have a lot of opportunities at that school and it will make you feel like home.
Read 1 Review
C+
Overall Niche Grade
77 Students
3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Hutchison School
Private School
Memphis, TN
PK, K-12
58
Parent: The facilities at Hutchison School are so professional. The science labs are large, well equipped and full of resources. The girls work in a film studio and podcasting studio to create thoughtful, fun, meaningful content for their school online newspaper. The theater is top notch. Girls are designing lights and sound for the school productions. The gym spaces and new Wellness Center are state-of-the-art. My daughter is thriving here and learning so much. She told me on the way to school that she loves school and that it is so fun. She stated this at 7:15am!
Read 58 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
851 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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BASIS Independent McLean
Private School
McLean, VA
PK, K-12
8
Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
Read 8 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
375 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 2

Farragut High School

Oak Ridge High School

L&N STEM Academy

The Webb School

Bearden High School

Hardin Valley Academy

Maryville High School

Alcoa High School

West High School

Halls High School

Karns High School

Anderson County High School

Midway High School

Carter High School

Loudon High School

Harriman High School

Central High School

Powell High School

Fulton High School

South Doyle High School

Clinton High School

Lenoir City High School

Gibbs High School

Roane County High School

Greenback School

Tennessee High School for the Deaf

Hutchison School

BASIS Independent McLean