Serving 957 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 33% (which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (which is equal to the Tennessee state average of 37%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Tennessee state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 957 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 31%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in TN
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 41% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Karns Middle School's student population of 957 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 61 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
957 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
61 teachers
School Rankings
Karns Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,761 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 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#668 out of 1761 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
40%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
13%
15%
Black
9%
21%
White
69%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Karns Middle School's ranking?
Karns Middle School is ranked #668 out of 1,761 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?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% 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?
957 students attend Karns Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Karns Middle School students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Karns Middle School?
Karns Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 15:1.
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 3/27/2020
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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