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
Enrollment
1,341
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
6.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
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
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Karns High School — Students at Karns High School score 35% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores TN TCAP (2024-25)
Based on 8 test records from TN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 7% (2019) to 21.4% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 38% (2019) to 48.2% (2025).
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
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
- Phone
- (865) 539-8670
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Knox County- District Enrollment
- 60,604
- Schools in District
- 94
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,187
- District Rank
- #35 of 88
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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