Powell High School is a public high school located in Powell, Tennessee, just north of Knoxville. It is part of the Knox County Schools. The first high school in Powell was established in 1874 and was called Perkins High School.
Serving 1,253 students in grades 9-12, Powell High 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 17% (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 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,253 students
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Graduation Rate: 88% (Top 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 46% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Powell High School's student population of 1,253 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,253 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
80 teachers
Year Founded
1948
School Rankings
Powell High 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 Powell High School is 0.52, 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
#1234 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
40%
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
19%
16%
Black
8%
20%
White
66%
57%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
88%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Panther
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Powell High School's ranking?
Powell High School is ranked #1234 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Powell High School often compared to?
Powell High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Karns High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
17% 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).
What is the graduation rate of Powell High School?
The graduation rate of Powell High School is 88%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend Powell High School?
1,253 students attend Powell High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Powell High School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What grades does Powell High School offer ?
Powell High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Powell High School part of?
Powell High School is part of Knox County School District.
School Reviews
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