Serving 95 students in grades 9-12, Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 95 students
- Minority Enrollment: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in TN)
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Tennessee for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy's student population of 95 students has grown by 35% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
95 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
10 teachers
School Rankings
The diversity score of Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy is 0.71, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)<50%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
31%
16%
Black
24%
20%
White
37%
57%
Hawaiian
2%
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)100%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% TN state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy?
The graduation rate of Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy is 85-89%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy?
95 students attend Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy students are White, 31% of students are Hispanic, 24% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What grades does Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy offer ?
Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy part of?
Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy is part of Knox County School District.
In what neighborhood is Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy located?
Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Knoxville, TN. There are 1 other public schools located in Lincoln Park.
School Reviews
Review Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
