Serving 900 students in grades 6-8, Karns Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 32% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (which is equal to the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 900 students
- Minority Enrollment: 31%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in TN
- Math Proficiency: 32% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 41% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Karns Middle School serves the western part of Knoxville, TN, covering an area of approximately 55.2 square miles. Families typically have a drive of 10 to 12 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 4.6 miles to the edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 10.4 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Karns Middle School's student population of 900 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
900 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
61 teachers
Showing 2015–2024. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Karns Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Karns Middle School is 0.50, 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
#727 out of 1728 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
37%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
40%
Asian
2%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
15%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
Black
7%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
69%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)26%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
50%
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
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Karns Middle School's ranking?
Karns Middle School is ranked #727 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
32% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
How many students attend Karns Middle School?
900 students attend Karns Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Karns Middle School students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What grades does Karns Middle School offer ?
Karns Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Karns Middle School part of?
Karns Middle School is part of Knox County School District.
School Reviews
1 10/10/2025
I am reviewing the sports programs. The academic part of the school is great and they work with my child on things whenever he needs extra help! They go above and beyond, but the sports programs are biased! If you don't, as a parent, Removed up to the coaches or know someone it doesn't matter how good or how hard your kid try's they will never make a middle school team. I feel like a kid should make it based on how they perform but the way the basketball program works is if your parent Removed up or gives money then your child will make the team. It's a proven fact! Take for example Scott and Jessica Ritters son, he is terrible at basketball but because his parents are in charge of everything for rec league basketball and she Removed up to the coaches; he makes the team! Just goes to show you no matter what you teach your child about effort and practicing hard it's all about who kisses but the most and who you know! Way to show the kids how to work hard coach!! Unfortunately karns has always been this way ever since I attended school. Good luck coach I really hope you have a great season with kids who give no effort but their parents can buy their place on your team!! I guess money really does buy people!
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![AE @ Karns Middle School [Princeton Roberts Highlights] Class of 2030 DE/OT](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XrsVZ0f18zw/0.jpg "Princeton Roberts Held Down The Edge And Didn’t Give Up A Sack The Entire Night At Karns Middle. For Two Weeks In A Row It’s Been Hard For Teams To have Success Running To His Side Of The Ball. Once He Learns To Be Effective In The Pass Game, He Will Be Dominant!")
