For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,933 students in Dekalb County, TN (there are , serving 71 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Dekalb County, TN are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Dekalb County, TN are Dekalb West Elementary School, De Kalb County High School and Northside Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dekalb County, TN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the Tennessee public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 37% statewide average). Schools in Dekalb County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Tennessee public schools.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Dekalb County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dekalb West Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
101 Bulldog Ln
Dowelltown, TN 37059
(615) 536-5332
Dowelltown, TN 37059
(615) 536-5332
Gr: PK-8 | 456 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
De Kalb County High School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1130 West Broad St
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-4094
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-4094
Gr: 9-12 | 783 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #33.
Northside Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
400 North Congress Blvd
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-1575
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-1575
Gr: 2-5 | 582 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #44.
Dekalb Middle School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1132 West Broad St
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-7987
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-7987
Gr: 6-8 | 558 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: n/an/a
242 Tiger Dr
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 497-2254
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 497-2254
Gr: 10-12 | 1 student
Rank: n/an/a
221 E Bryant St
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-4415
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-4415
Gr: PK-2 | 553 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Dekalb County, TN?
The top ranked public schools in Dekalb County, TN include Dekalb West Elementary School, De Kalb County High School and Northside Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Dekalb County?
6 public schools are located in Dekalb County.
What percentage of students in Dekalb County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Dekalb County are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dekalb County?
Dekalb County public schools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
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