Summary:
The city of Knoxville, Tennessee is home to 17 high schools that vary in size, student demographics, academic performance, and other key metrics. The data reveals a mix of top-performing schools, such as L N STEM Academy and Farragut High School, which rank among the best in the state, as well as schools that struggle to meet academic standards, like Fulton High and Austin East High/Magnet.
The data suggests that higher spending per student does not automatically translate to better academic performance, as seen in the case of Fulton High and South Doyle High, which have relatively high per-student spending but lag behind in test scores and rankings. In contrast, the top-performing schools, such as L N STEM Academy and Farragut High, seem to have a strong school culture and access to resources that contribute to their academic success, beyond just funding levels. This highlights the importance of factors like school culture, resources, and specialized programs in shaping student outcomes.
The data also reveals significant disparities in student performance across the high schools, even within the same Knox County district. Schools with higher percentages of students from low-income backgrounds, like Fulton High and Austin East High/Magnet, struggle to meet state academic standards, underscoring the need for additional support and resources for these communities. The strong performance of L N STEM Academy, a specialized STEM-focused school, also emphasizes the value of such programs in preparing students for college and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Thank you for your feedback!