KCS Moves From Satisfactory to Advancing: District Recognized for Significant Academic Progress

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) – Knox County Schools has been recognized as an “Advancing” district from the Tennessee Department of Education—one of the state’s highest designations—reflecting the district’s year-over-year focus on its four core priorities and the hard work taking place in the classroom.

Each year, the state assigns designations to districts based on the previous year’s performance in a series of indicators, including academic proficiency, growth in student learning, chronic absenteeism, college-and-career readiness, and support for English Language Learners.

Three years ago, KCS was identified as a District In Need of Improvement—a designation reserved for districts in the bottom 5 percent statewide. Over the past two years, the district has earned a Satisfactory rating.

“For the past two years, I’ve said I would not be satisfied with ‘Satisfactory,’” Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk said. “Reaching the Advancing designation is a tremendous milestone. This kind of progress doesn’t happen overnight. It is the result of a clear focus on strong instruction, meaningful relationships, and high expectations for every student.”

In addition to the district’s new designation, 18 schools earned the state’s top honor as Reward Schools, recognizing outstanding gains in student achievement and growth across all student groups.

That number matches last year’s total, reflecting both the district’s consistency and its commitment to maintaining high standards of excellence.

“These results demonstrate the collective effort of our principals, teachers, and staff who have stayed focused on strengthening instruction and improving student outcomes,” said Dr. Keith Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Academics. “Every student subgroup showed growth this year, graduation rates continue to rise, and college-and-career-readiness metrics are trending upward. That’s the kind of progress that moves an entire district forward.”

This year, 18 schools received designations that reflect a need for additional support—up from three last year, but down significantly from 2022, when 29 schools were identified. Of particular note, Lonsdale Elementary exited the Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) designation, reflecting major progress in student growth and achievement.

“Seeing Lonsdale Elementary come off the CSI list is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Rysewyk. “It shows that when we align our supports and stay focused on strong instruction, our students rise to the challenge. When we have the right leaders and team of teachers who believe in every child, schools can make remarkable progress. ”

Of the 18 schools:

The 2024–25 school year marked an unprecedented milestone for our students and schools. For the fourth consecutive year, KCS made gains in every tested subject area—ELA, math, science, and social studies.

“The gains we see today—and the recognition our district has earned—are not the result of chance,” Rysewyk said. “I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together—and even more optimistic about what lies ahead.”

A complete list of Reward Schools is available below.