Serving 931 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Karns Elementary 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 31% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 31% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 931 students
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in TN
- Math Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Karns Elementary School's student population of 931 students has declined by 24% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
931 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
67 teachers
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
Karns Elementary 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 Elementary School is 0.47, 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
#998 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
15%
16%
Black
6%
20%
White
71%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
49%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Karns Elementary School's ranking?
Karns Elementary School is ranked #998 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Karns Elementary School often compared to?
Karns Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ball Camp Elementary School, Hardin Valley Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
31% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 31% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
How many students attend Karns Elementary School?
931 students attend Karns Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Karns Elementary School students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What grades does Karns Elementary School offer ?
Karns Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Karns Elementary School part of?
Karns Elementary School is part of Knox County School District.
School Reviews
Review Karns Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
