Serving 931 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Karns Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 31% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 31% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 931 students
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in TN
- Math Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Karns Elementary serves the western part of Knoxville, TN, covering an area of approximately 15.2 square miles. Most families typically have a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 5.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Karns Elementary School's student population of 931 students has declined by 24% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
931 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
67 teachers
School Rankings
Karns Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Karns Elementary School is 0.47, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#998 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
40%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
15%
16%
Black
6%
20%
White
71%
57%
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
49%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Karns Elementary School's ranking?
Karns Elementary School is ranked #998 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Karns Elementary School often compared to?
Karns Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hardin Valley Elementary School, Ball Camp Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
31% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 31% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
How many students attend Karns Elementary School?
931 students attend Karns Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Karns Elementary School students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What grades does Karns Elementary School offer ?
Karns Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Karns Elementary School part of?
Karns Elementary School is part of Knox County School District.
School Reviews
Review Karns Elementary School. 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
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.
