Serving 72 students in grades 9-12, Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
The student-teacher ratio of 7:1 is lower than the Tennessee state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 72 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
- Minority Enrollment: 46%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in TN)
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Tennessee for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy's student population of 72 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 10 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
72 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
School Rankings
The diversity score of Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy is 0.61, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)<50%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
14%
15%
Black
28%
21%
White
54%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
96%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% TN state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy?
The graduation rate of Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy is 85-89%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy?
72 students attend Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
54% of Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy students are White, 28% of students are Black, 14% of students are Hispanic, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy?
Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy has a student ration of 7:1, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 15:1.
What grades does Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy offer ?
Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy part of?
Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy is part of Knox County School District.
In what neighborhood is Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy located?
Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Knoxville, TN. There are 1 other public schools located in Lincoln Park.
School Reviews
Review Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy. 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
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
