The 10 Best Schools in Knoxville, TN

10 of the Top Schools in Knoxville, Tennessee

While this list highlights 10 of the best schools in Knoxville, TN, it’s by no means exhaustive. The greater Knoxville area, including Maryville, Alcoa, and surrounding communities, is home to many more high-performing public and private schools across all grade levels. If you’re considering building or remodeling a home near a specific school or in a certain district, we’d be happy to talk with you about your goals. Our home construction company has completed projects across East Tennessee, and we’re always available to help you align your home plans with the educational priorities of your family.

1. Farragut High School

Farragut High School is consistently ranked among the best public high schools in Knoxville, TN and is one of the crown jewels of Knox County Schools. Known for academic rigor, strong athletics, and highly involved faculty, Farragut regularly posts some of the highest ACT and AP scores in the state. The school serves a suburban area west of downtown, where many families choose to build custom homes near top schools.

Living in the Farragut district means access to excellent education, community amenities, and a high standard of living. It’s no surprise that we frequently build and remodel homes in this area for families that want homes that match the excellence of the school system.

School Specs:

• Location: West Knoxville (Knox County Schools)

• Grades: 9–12

• Tuition: Free (public)

• Highlights: College prep, AP courses, competitive sports, strong parent involvement

2. Webb School of Knoxville

Among the top private schools in Knoxville, TN, Webb School provides an elite K–12 college preparatory experience. Located on a scenic campus in West Knoxville, Webb offers a rigorous curriculum, a wide range of extracurriculars, and exceptional college counseling. It attracts families looking for a values-driven yet academically challenging environment.

Parents looking for private schools near Knoxville often find that Webb delivers in both academics and atmosphere. Homes in the surrounding area reflect the same level of prestige, and many families trust Debuty Builders, Inc. to design and build high-end, personalized residences nearby.

School Specs:

• Location: West Knoxville

• Grades: K–12

• Tuition: $25,000+ annually

• Highlights: Private, co-ed, college prep, small class sizes, full athletics and arts

3. Hardin Valley Academy

Hardin Valley Academy is one of the most innovative and fast-growing schools in the region. As part of Knox County Schools, it offers students a modern curriculum with a focus on engineering, health sciences, and information technology. This school consistently ranks high in Knoxville school ratings and has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best public high schools in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The surrounding Hardin Valley community is rapidly developing, with a blend of new neighborhoods and larger lots. Families are drawn to the area not just for the school but also for the opportunity to build spacious, modern homes, something Debuty Builders, Inc. specializes in with high-end custom construction and remodeling projects.

School Specs:

• Location: Northwest Knoxville (Knox County Schools)

• Grades: 9–12

• Tuition: Free (public)

• Highlights: Career and technical academies, AP and dual enrollment courses, modern campus

4. Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK)

Christian Academy of Knoxville offers a private, faith-based education and serves students from kindergarten through high school. Known for its well-rounded approach, CAK balances academics with spiritual and personal development. It is one of the most respected private schools in Knoxville, TN, especially for families looking for smaller class sizes and individualized attention.

CAK's location makes it ideal for families planning to build or renovate in the area. These homeowners work with experienced Knoxville custom builders to build homes that reflect both their values and lifestyle, blending function, beauty, and lasting craftsmanship.

School Specs:

• Location: West Knoxville

• Grades: K–12

• Tuition: $11,000–$15,000 annually

• Highlights: Christian worldview, college prep curriculum, athletics, fine arts

5. Sequoyah Elementary School

Located in the prestigious Sequoyah Hills neighborhood, Sequoyah Elementary is one of the best elementary schools in Knoxville, Tennessee. It has a long-standing tradition of excellence, with consistently high test scores, strong parental engagement, and experienced educators. It’s a cornerstone of the Knoxville school system and a major reason families are drawn to the area.

Many homeowners near Sequoyah Elementary prioritize school access when planning a renovation or new build. Our team at Debuty Builders, Inc. regularly completes kitchen and bath remodels or additions in this area to help families make the most of their ideal location.

School Specs:

• Location: Sequoyah Hills (Knox County Schools)

• Grades: K–5

• Tuition: Free (public)

• Highlights: Academic excellence, community involvement, strong arts and music programs

6. Bearden Middle School

Serving the Bearden area of West Knoxville, Bearden Middle School is a high-performing option for families looking for the best middle schools near me. The school is known for its leadership programs, competitive academic teams, and community support. As a part of Knox County Schools, it offers strong feeder paths to Bearden High School.

The surrounding Bearden area is highly sought-after for both its location and school quality. Homeowners here often choose to remodel older homes or build custom additions, and they rely on Debuty Builders, Inc. to deliver quality, on-time results.

School Specs:

• Location: Bearden (Knox County Schools)

• Grades: 6–8

• Tuition: Free (public)

• Highlights: STEM curriculum, arts programs, leadership development

7. L&N STEM Academy

L&N STEM Academy is a magnet school in the heart of downtown and one of the most unique public schools in Tennessee. With a specialized curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering, and math, it draws students from across Knox County Schools who are looking for a challenging, future-ready education.

Homes near downtown Knoxville are gaining popularity among families who want access to schools like L&N while enjoying city amenities. Whether it's historic home renovations or new construction, homeowners in this area want a contractor who can do the job right the first time. 

School Specs:

• Location: Downtown Knoxville (Knox County Schools)

• Grades: 9–12

• Tuition: Free (public magnet school)

• Highlights: STEM-focused, high college placement, innovative learning spaces

8. Sacred Heart Cathedral School

Sacred Heart Cathedral School is one of the most well-known private schools in Knoxville, offering a faith-centered curriculum with strong academics and community values. It serves pre-K through 8th grade and is affiliated with the Diocese of Knoxville.

Families in areas like West Hills often prioritize proximity to Sacred Heart when choosing where to live. As the area grows, Debuty Builders, Inc. continues to work with families looking to upgrade or build homes that reflect their values and educational priorities.

School Specs:

• Location: West Hills, Knoxville

• Grades: PreK–8

• Tuition: $8,000–$10,000 annually

• Highlights: Catholic education, community service, strong academics

9. Montgomery Ridge Intermediate School

Just outside Knoxville in Maryville, Montgomery Ridge is a key reason why the Maryville City Schools district is considered one of the best school districts in Tennessee. This intermediate school has an excellent reputation for nurturing student achievement and preparing kids for middle and high school.

Maryville continues to be one of the best-kept secrets in East Tennessee. It's affordable, scenic, and home to excellent schools. As a Knoxville home building and remodeling contractor, we work with families relocating to Knoxville who want a high-quality home to match their school choice, and of course, those who have been here for a while. 

School Specs:

• Location: Maryville (Maryville City Schools)

• Grades: 4–7

• Tuition: Free (public)

• Highlights: High test scores, strong teacher retention, student-focused programs

10. Alcoa High School

Alcoa High School may be smaller in size, but it delivers some of the highest results in the state. As part of the Alcoa City Schools district, this school consistently ranks in the top public schools in Tennessee, particularly in graduation rates, ACT scores, and athletics.

Alcoa’s growing appeal includes affordability, school quality, and proximity to Knoxville. Debuty Builders, Inc. is active in this area, offering custom home construction and whole-home remodels for families who want to live near schools like Alcoa High.

School Specs:

• Location: Alcoa (Alcoa City Schools)

• Grades: 9–12

• Tuition: Free (public)

• Highlights: High academic achievement, athletic excellence, small class sizes

Knoxville’s Experienced Builder

Your choice of school matters and so does your choice of builder. You want a contractor that can specialize in building and remodeling homes in the areas served by the best schools in Knoxville, TN. Whether you're planning a custom home near a top high school, or upgrading your space in a district known for the best elementary or middle schools, we deliver quality that aligns with your family's priorities. Here are a few questions you should ask a contractor before remodeling.

At Debuty Builders, Inc., we’ve worked with families who value both the strength of the local school districts and the quality of their homes. As one of Knoxville's best custom home builders, we deliver the same level of excellence in our work as these schools do in education, offering high-end custom homes, whole home remodels, kitchen remodels, additions, and bathroom remodels near the area’s top educational institutions.

Working with Debuty Builders, Inc.

When it comes to building or remodeling near one of the best schools in Knoxville, TN, the process matters just as much as the final result. We bring years of experience and a proven process that gives homeowners confidence in methods from start to finish. Take a look at the timeline for a new custom home and think about what that might look like for your family. 

We invite you to explore our portfolio to see the caliber of work we deliver across East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Maryville, Alcoa, and surrounding areas. Whether it’s a new custom home or a full-home remodel, our clients appreciate our clear communication, transparent budgeting, and attention to detail. If you're a local trying to decide if you should move or remodel, we can help with that too. 

When you're ready to build or remodel near one of the best schools in Knoxville, use our cost guide to start thinking about your project budget, and when you’re ready, we’ll walk you through every step of our process. From first consultation to final walkthrough, we make sure your home reflects your goals and supports your lifestyle.

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