The Best Knoxville Elementary Schools for 2025
If you’re preparing to relocate to Knoxville and want a clear picture of the local elementary school landscape, the newest rankings offer valuable insight. U.S. News & World Report evaluated 49 of the 55 elementary schools in Knox County, highlighting several standout options for families seeking strong early education.
Knoxville’s Highest-Ranked Elementary School: Sequoyah Elementary
Sequoyah Elementary earned the top spot in Knox County, setting the bar for academic performance.
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Ranked #25 in Tennessee
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Serves just over 500 students
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Maintains a 17:1 student–teacher ratio
Other Highly Rated Knoxville Elementary Schools
Several additional Knoxville schools also secured places among the state’s best:
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Blue Grass Elementary – Ranked #65 in Tennessee
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Farragut Intermediate – Ranked #70 in Tennessee
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Rocky Hill Elementary – Ranked #81 in Tennessee
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Bearden Elementary – Ranked #87 in Tennessee
Each of these schools demonstrates consistent achievement in reading and math, supported by strong teaching teams and stable learning environments.
How U.S. News Determines the Rankings
U.S. News evaluates elementary schools using state test results in reading and math. The scoring model is split evenly:
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50% based on raw test performance
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50% based on how student outcomes compare to expectations given socioeconomic factors
This method is designed to recognize schools that deliver meaningful progress and well-rounded support across all student groups.
Knoxville Neighborhoods Connected to Top Elementary Schools
As many families shop for homes in Knoxville, school zoning often plays a major role. Knox County assigns each address to a designated school, and these boundaries can influence where newcomers choose to live. Below are key areas tied to the county’s highest-ranked elementary programs.
Sequoyah Hills
Home to Sequoyah Elementary, the county’s top-ranked school. Properties in this area are especially sought after due to the school’s strong reputation and consistent academic results.
Blue Grass Community
Neighborhoods surrounding Blue Grass Elementary appeal to families looking for steady performance and convenient access to West Knoxville amenities.
Farragut
The Farragut Intermediate zone serves a large, engaged community. Families are often drawn here because Farragut schools perform well from elementary through high school.
Rocky Hill
Rocky Hill Elementary anchors an area known for its established neighborhoods and easy connections to both downtown and West Knoxville.
Bearden
The Bearden Elementary zone includes several central West Knoxville neighborhoods, offering families a reliable school option close to everyday conveniences.
Before making a home purchase, buyers should verify the exact school zone using the Knox County Schools online lookup tool. Attendance boundaries can shift over time, so checking ahead ensures your new address lines up with the school you prefer.
For more local school insights, visit KnoxNews.com.