Knox County School District at a Glance

• 88 public schools total

  • 50 elementary

  • 16 middle

  • 16 high

  • 11 special programs

• 60,000+ students served

• 8,300+ staff members employed

• Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Grade Breakdown:

• Elementary: K–5

• Middle School: 6–8

• High School: 9–12

What to Expect:

• Advanced Placement (AP) programs available at all public high schools

• Support services for students with academic or physical challenges

• Accessible transportation with special equipment for students who need it

Special Education & State-Run Programs

Tennessee School for the Deaf

• Residential, state-supported

• K–12 education for students with severe hearing loss

• Located in historic Island Home neighborhood

Bearden Adaptive Learning Center

• For children with physical or cognitive disabilities

• K–12 services

• Accessible transportation provided

Private & Denominational Schools in Knoxville

Knoxville offers a wide variety of accredited private schools, including secular, religious, and Montessori options:

Montessori & Independent Schools

• Knoxville Montessori (Pre–5)

• Montessori International (Grades 3–6)

• Laurel High School (9–12)

• Thackston School (K–6)

• Tate’s School of Discovery (Pre–5)

• Webb School (5–12)

Religious & Denominational Schools

• Berean Christian School (K–8)

• Knoxville Catholic High School (9–12)

• Episcopal School of Knoxville (K–8)

• Christian Academy of Knoxville (Pre-K–12)

• Temple Baptist Academy (Pre–12)

• Knoxville Christian School (Pre–10)

• Knoxville Baptist Christian (K–12)

• First Lutheran School (K–8)

• The Joseph School (1–8)

Higher Education in Knoxville

Knoxville is home to six colleges and universities, including one of the state’s largest public institutions.

University of Tennessee – Knoxville (UTK)

• Founded in 1794

• Over 360 undergrad programs

• More than 540 graduate programs

• Main campus: 550 acres in downtown Knoxville

Other Local Colleges & Universities

• Johnson University – Christian liberal arts, founded 1893

• Knoxville College – Historic HBCU, founded 1875

• Pellissippi State – Public community college with career and transfer programs

• South College – Private college offering over 100 programs, from certificates to doctorates

Free Tuition Opportunities in Tennessee

Tennessee Promise

• Free community college tuition for recent high school grads

• Available at all Tennessee community colleges

Tennessee Reconnect

• Tuition-free education for adults returning to complete their degrees

• Designed for working adults and non-traditional students

Knoxville offers a wide range of education options—from excellent public schools and private academies to tuition-free college programs and nationally ranked universities. Whether you’re raising a family or planning your own academic journey, Knoxville makes education accessible and affordable.