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Average

#787 of 1,785 schools in TN

Top 44% in state

Karns High School

High School · Knox County

2710 Byington Solway RD, Knoxville, TN 37931

Enrollment

1,341

Student-Teacher

15.1:1

Score

6.6

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Knoxville

#30 of 82

public schools

Tennessee high schools

#128 of 361

In district

#35 of 88

Knox County

Academic growth

8.9 / 10

Exceptional

About Karns High School

Karns High School serves 1,341 students in grades 9-12 in Knoxville's Knox County, operating as a regular public school with a student-teacher ratio of 15.1:1 across 89 full-time equivalent teachers. The school ranks in the 48th percentile statewide, placing 929th among Tennessee's 1,796 high schools, with room for continued academic growth and development. The school draws from a well-established community where families demonstrate strong educational values, with 45% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher.

This supportive environment is reflected in the area's economic stability, featuring a median household income of $90,247 and median home values around $287,100, while maintaining a low poverty rate of just 6.4%. With over 1,300 students, Karns High School offers the advantages of a larger school environment while maintaining manageable class sizes through its favorable student-teacher ratio. The substantial teaching staff of 89 educators provides opportunities for diverse course offerings and individual attention as students work toward their graduation goals.

Located in Knoxville's large suburban setting, the school serves the 37931 ZIP code area, which encompasses over 30,000 residents in a thriving community that values both educational achievement and suburban family life.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.9Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+2.2 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendImproving
Academics5.5Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency21.4%
Reading/ELA Proficiency48.2%
Math vs. State Avg-17.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+7.4 pts
Overall Proficiency35%
Expected (poverty-adj.)47%
vs. Expected-11.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile37th
College Readiness6.1Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation16.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.8Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,538

Karns High School — Students at Karns High School score 35% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores TN TCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 11.1%
School
State
39.2%
ELA Proficiency 40.1%
School
State
40.8%

Based on 8 test records from TN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
7%
ELA
38%
2021*
Math
5%
ELA
34%
2025
Math
21.4%
ELA
48.2%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.9/10.

How Karns High School Compares

See how Karns High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.6/10
56th percentile in TN
Academic
5.5/10
5.5/10
Growth
8.9/10
Above average
Environment
5.8/10
Above average

Location

2710 Byington Solway RD, Knoxville, TN 37931

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Karns High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. THE EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF KNOXVILLE (rated 8.1/10, 4.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Claxton Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 5.2 miles away, in nearby Powell), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Karns Elementary (rated 7.8/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Knoxville, see our Knoxville schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Ball Camp Elementary Knoxville 1.2 mi 6.8
Karns Middle School Knoxville 1.2 mi 4.6
Karns Elementary Knoxville 1.3 mi 7.8
GRACE COVENANT BAPTIST ACADEMY Knoxville 2.9 mi
TATES SCHOOL Knoxville 2.8 mi 7.0
Cedar Bluff Middle School Knoxville 3.1 mi 4.7
WEBB SCHOOL OF KNOXVILLE Knoxville 3.4 mi 5.5
Cedar Bluff Elementary Knoxville 3.2 mi 6.1
GRACE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Knoxville 3.3 mi 4.2
THE EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF KNOXVILLE Knoxville 4.0 mi 8.1
Hardin Valley Middle School Knoxville 3.6 mi 6.1
Hardin Valley Academy Knoxville 3.6 mi 7.3
Hardin Valley Elementary Knoxville 3.9 mi 7.5
Amherst Elementary School Knoxville 4.1 mi 7.2
CEDAR SPRINGS WEEKDAY SCHOOL Knoxville 4.8 mi
MORNING STAR CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Knoxville 5.2 mi
Claxton Elementary Powell 5.2 mi 8.1
KNOXVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Knoxville 4.9 mi 6.3
PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF WEST KNOXVILLE Knoxville 5.2 mi
Farragut Intermediate Knoxville 5.7 mi 7.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 37931 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$91,284

Median Home Value

$317,100

Median Rent

$1,450/mo

Population

31,149

College Educated

44.8%

Homeownership

71%

Avg Commute

22.8 min

Poverty Rate

6.5%

Median Age

38.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding Karns High School has a median household income of $91,284. It is a well-educated community where 45% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $317,100, with a median rent of $1,450/month. The local poverty rate of 6.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 23 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Central Magnet School Murfreesboro, TN 6.6
Clinton High School Clinton, TN 6.6
FATHER RYAN HIGH SCHOOL Nashville, TN 6.6
Hixson High School Hixson, TN 6.6
Ridgeway High Memphis, TN 6.6
Valor Flagship Academy Nashville, TN 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Karns High School

What grades does Karns High School serve?

Karns High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Karns High School?

Karns High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,341 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Karns High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Karns High School is 15.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Karns High School rank in TN?

Karns High School is ranked #787 out of 1,785 schools in TN.

What is Karns High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Karns High School has a composite rating of 6.6 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Karns High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Karns High School has 11.1% math proficiency and 40.1% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Karns High School a charter school?

No, Karns High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Karns High School a Title I school?

No, Karns High School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
8 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
20 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (3,466/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Knoxville). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,341
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
89
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Knox County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Knox County
District Enrollment
60,604
Schools in District
94
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,187
District Rank
#35 of 88

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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