Knoxville School District and Education Overview

school backpack with school supplies

Knoxville School District and Education Overview

If you’re thinking about moving to Knoxville, Tennessee, one of the most important things to consider is the school system. The Knoxville School District, officially known as the Knox County School District, offers a wide range of education options for families. Whether you have young children just starting school or teens preparing for college, this district provides a strong foundation and diverse academic programs.

Knox County School District at a Glance

The district is one of the largest in Tennessee and includes a variety of public school choices across the city and surrounding areas:

  • 88 public schools total

  • 50 elementary schools

  • 16 middle schools

  • 16 high schools

  • 11 schools and centers for special programs

  • Serves over 60,000 students

  • Employs more than 8,300 staff members

  • Fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

From well-ranked neighborhood schools to specialized programs for advanced learning, the Knoxville School District continues to focus on student achievement, teacher support, and academic excellence.

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.