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Welcome to

Knox County Schools

the first choice for families. the best choice for students.

As the third-largest public school system in the state and the 68th-largest in the nation, KCS spans 508 square miles of rural, urban, and suburban communities within Knox County, including the City of Knoxville and Town of Farragut. Every day, approximately 9,000 dedicated staff make learning possible for more than 60,000 students across the district.

OUR MISSION is to prepare students for life by providing a high-quality education that is accessible, meaningful, and future-focused.

OUR VISION is to be the cornerstone of education in Knox County, empowering students to grow their talents, strengths, and skills to build a stronger community.

Learn more about KCS

STATS

5 regions

Knox County Schools is organized into five regions based on feeder patterns and geographic proximity. Each region is led by a director, supervisor, and instructional leadership team, with no region serving more than 20 schools.

93% Graduation Rate

With a 93% graduation rate in 2024—up from 90% in 2023—students are leaving KCS prepared for success in college, careers, or military service. The Class of 2024 collectively earned $179 million in scholarships.

18 Reward Schools

Knox County Schools is home to 18 TDOE Reward Schools, recognized for their high levels of performance and continuous improvement across all student groups and performance indicators.

121 Languages

More than 121 languages and dialects are spoken by KCS students, highlighting the cultural richness and global connections that thrive in our schools.

KCS Priorities

Four
Priorities

KCS Priorities

At KCS, we prioritize:

Excellence in Foundational Skills
Great Educators in Every School
Career Empowerment and Preparation
Success for Every Student

These four priorities reflect the values that guide our work every day and demonstrate our commitment to making KCS an excellent place to learn and teach — a public school system grounded in academic excellence and dedicated to developing the next generation of Knox County.

"This is the role of a school system in any healthy community. Only we are uniquely positioned to prepare every student to excel academically and graduate prepared for the future. By remaining focused on these four priorities, that is precisely what we are positioning ourselves to do." - Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk

Excellence in
Foundational Skills

excellence

EXCELLENCE IN FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS

Early literacy and middle school math are foundational to a student’s academic and lifelong success. By preparing students to read proficiently by third grade and to reach or surpass proficiency in Algebra I by ninth grade, KCS is equipping every student with the skills needed to succeed in and beyond the classroom.

educators

GREAT EDUCATORS IN EVERY CLASSROOM

Great educators are core to the mission of KCS. By investing in meaningful professional development and growth opportunities, and pursuing innovative strategies to retain and recruit high-quality educators, KCS is positioning great educators in every classroom.

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Career Empowerment
& Preparation

career

CAREER EMPOWERMENT & PREPARATION

KCS is committed to preparing students for graduation and life after graduation. By providing students with early and meaningful opportunities to explore colleges and careers, KCS is empowering students to approach their future with confidence, prepared for the three E’s: employment, enrollment, or enlistment.

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Success for
Every Student

student

SUCCESS FOR EVERY STUDENT

Early literacy and middle school math are foundational to a student’s academic and lifelong success.By preparing students to read proficiently by third grade and to reach or surpass proficiency in Algebra I by ninth grade, KCS is equipping every student with the skills needed to succeed in and beyond the classroom.

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KCS Initiatives

865 Academies

Safe Schools Safe Students

Teach Knox

Headlines & Hashtags

More Than a Status Change: Building Lasting Growth at Lonsdale Elementary

The Lonsdale Elementary community has something big to celebrate: the school has officially exited the state’s Priority school list, marking an important milestone years in the making.

District Highlights
Hall Pass
Lonsdale Elementary

Rising Together: How KCS Reached New Heights in Student Growth

KCS reached a major milestone this year with record-setting student growth! From districtwide achievements to Austin-East High’s remarkable growth, students, teachers, and school communities are showing what’s possible when we rise together.

Austin-East Magnet High
District Highlights
Hall Pass

Central High Students Lead a Hands-On Monarch Conservation Effort

Students at Central High are taking the lead in a remarkable conservation effort through the school’s Monarch Butterfly Project—an initiative that blends science, curiosity, and hands-on learning in powerful ways.

Central High
District Highlights
Hall Pass

Brewing New Skills: The Daily Drip Brings Hands-On Learning to Life at Gibbs Middle

Students at Gibbs Middle have been getting a taste of something special with the school’s new café, The Daily Drip—a project designed to blend learning, collaboration, and hands-on experience in a fun, innovative way.

District Highlights
Gibbs Middle
Hall Pass

Through Their Lens: AE Students Showcase Their School

Students at Austin-East High have taken storytelling into their own hands, producing Setting It Straight: The Austin-East Documentary, a project that highlights the excellence, creativity, and pride of their school.

Austin-East Magnet High
District Highlights
Hall Pass

Living History: Central JROTC Students Interview 100-Year-Old WWII Veteran

For most students, World War II is something learned only from textbooks. But Central High JROTC cadets Noah Keese, Bella Glass, and Aden Hirsch got a firsthand look at history when they interviewed Gaylon Wilson, a 100-year-old WWII veteran — and a Central alum.