Karns High School is a public high school in the Karns community of Knox County, Tennessee administered by the Knox County Schools public school district.
Serving 1,365 students in grades 9-12, Karns High 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 11% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 34% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,365 students
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 34% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Karns High School serves the west part of Knoxville, TN, covering an area of approximately 32.3 square miles. Most students live within a 10-12 minute drive, with an average distance of 3.6 miles to the school's edge and some residing as far as 7.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Karns High School's student population of 1,365 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,365 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
90 teachers
Showing 2015–2024. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1913
School Calendar
School Rankings
Karns High 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 High School is 0.53, 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
#1242 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
37%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
40%
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
20%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Black
8%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
65%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
90%
87.3%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34.1%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
29%
45%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue, Gold
School Mascot
Beavers
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Karns High School's ranking?
Karns High School is ranked #1242 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Karns High School often compared to?
Karns High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hardin Valley Academy, Powell High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Karns High School?
The graduation rate of Karns High School is 90%, which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 87.3%.
How many students attend Karns High School?
1,365 students attend Karns High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Karns High School students are White, 20% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What grades does Karns High School offer ?
Karns High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Karns High School part of?
Karns High School is part of Knox County School District.
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