Karns High School

I would highly recommend all the Karns schools. Both of my children attended from K-12. Karns High School is the best kept secret in Knox County. KHS offered classes which were appropriate for my daughter who was an average student, an athlete and heavily involved in social/club activities as well as numerous AP and Honors classes for my son who graduated in the top ten of his class. My daughter has graduated from private college and my son is attending college now. THANK YOU TEACHERS!!! Even though the demographic of KHS changed during the rezoning, it is an excellent school. The teachers are AMAZING. I can only recall two teachers I was not happy with out of 8 years of high school and I can't count all the teachers who went above and beyond to help students (mine included) if they needed a little extra help, support or just a friendly ear. For example, the golf coach/teacher sets an example for his athletes and encourages and helps athletes learn from mistakes. I have seen many coaches yell at a student athlete rather than try to turn it into a learning experience. The new administration has been smart to solicit input from the community and students.
—Submitted by a parent

Because both of my children graduated from Karns High School and my oldest son teaches there now.
—Submitted by a parent

A few years ago I would have given Karns HS 5 stars. However, things have changed. Ever since Hardin Valley opened and Knox county changed the zoning , Karns is headed down hill. The biggest problem exsists due to the lack of discipline. The administrators are always threatening the problem students, but do not follow through. In the last 2 years, I have seen 3 teachers get 'shoved' by students. One of those teachers suffered brain damage. There are frequent fights among the students and many of these students treat the teachers and administrators with no respect. It's not unusual to see students swearing at their teachers.The administrators do not back their teachers. To make matters worse, the Karns administrators pressure the teachers to pass their failing students, just to bring up the graduation rate. Most important the school is not safe.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a graduated of the 'Elite' Farragut High School and my children were zoned there until recently. I was not sure of what kind of experience my children would receive at Karns. Now that my oldest son is a Junior and my middle one is a Sophmore, I am very pleased with their experience. I was impressed by the dual credit classes they offer. Which means they can take a class that gets them both a high schhol and college credit. They have every AP class my son needs to take. He is a Duke TIP student and everything he needs is offered at Karns. The sports program need more support, and they seem to be improving on that. Any sport your child would want to be a part of seems to be offer there, including Rugby. I highly recommend the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the elementary was good, the junior high was ok, but the high school is terrible.Their are some teachers that care but cannot do much due to poor leadership. Never any help if a parent has a concern, way overcrowded and nobody cares, drive-thru education
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Karns all 4 years of high school. I was involved in Sports, Leadership, HOSA, CDC Peer Tutoring and Newspaper. I LOVED Karns!! This school is very family oriented! You do however get the education that is expected from a public school but the teachers take their time and go out of their way to help you in what ever is needed. The only thing I didn t like was the overcrowding but the school system has taken over and is building a new school to help out! The faculty and staff is very school spirited, not to mention the parents and definitely the students! I recommend this school to everyone!GO BEAVERS!

I was a Karns beaver from kindergarten to graduation! Karns needs to offer more challenging classes, and less 'joke' classes. Most teachers do not challenge their students. Like any high school, cliques unfortunately exsist. Most people are easy going. The football team is under-rated. We have got great players, but need more support and better leadership. Parent involvement is attempted by the staff, but it is rarely carried out by the student. Despite its problems, I would highly recommend Karns.
—Submitted by a former student

All and all Karns is a good school it could be better but it is one of the top 3 Public Schools in Knox County but the people at Karns are either really nice or really mean there is no in between many of the students are snobbier and more stuck up than your average school but there also down to earth people there, the sports programs are either at or above average. I would recommend if you live in Knox County and want a good education for your child.
—Submitted by Robert James, a parent

I am a junior, soon to be senior at karns high school. im am involved in SPIF, FBLA, and DECA. I also video tape the football games for karns every year. my opinion on Karns is that it's about average. There are definatly worse and better schools than Karns. All the rumors about fights everyday and people getting caught doin drugs everyday are just what they are, rumors. Unless the student puts himself into a bad situation, nothing really happens. Some teachers are good and then some arent. Ive found out that if u dont like the teacher u dont do very well in that class. But sometimes its the students that make the teacher bad. I think where Karns can improve is: enforcing dress code, more parent involvement, and maybe a little bit better quality teachers in certain areas. But all in all, Ive enjoyed my time here at Karns.
—Submitted by travis, a student

I love Karns! The people there are wonderful!The teachers are incredibly helpful and kind! The school is always so clean and beautiful. And even though we dont win all of our sport games there are always tons of fans cheering them on the whole way! Thanx Karns, for such a wonderful experience!
—Submitted by a former student

I think Karns is a joke. All the school is, is a popularity contest. I know most schools are but almost everyone there is mean and extremely rude so if you want your students getting hurt then send them to Karns. If not I recommend them to go anywhere else.
—Submitted by Kim, a parent

I used to go karns. they tauht me very good and i love the school because what i learnd there. the education is good and the sports program is hard beat. go beavers! anyone who says karns isnt a good school neds to look at the students to see why its so great. people there are nice and have lots of school spirit and cheer on the football team. any school that cheers so much for the team has got to be a good school. i suport karns and im shamed of the parents and kids who complain abot our fine instition. shame on you.
—Submitted by a parent

I was told there is a dress code at the Karns High School. How surprised I was when I visited several times during 2003 & saw naked belly buttons, jeans half-way down boys behinds,etc. When I inquired about this and the 'dress code' I was informed the teachers/administration ignore it and when there is a check day for the dress code the students already know in advance. I know that schools have more on their 'plate' than checking daily wear by students but please, if you have a dress code enforce it!
—Submitted by a parent

I have attended Karns now for 2 years. I am appalled at the lack of respect the teachers offer the students. I have even been taught the wrong things! It's obvious to me that some of the teachers are teaching the wrong things for the wrong reasons. But, there are a few amazing teachers who have helped me understand things the right way..the easy way. I would never recomend Karns to anyone who values respect,truth, or civility among teachers and students alike.
—Submitted by Heather, a student

My child went to this school for a good 2 years, and there were the best 2 of her high school career! Thank you Teachers, friends and Karns community! You are wonderful.
—Submitted by Christine Mallahan, a parent