For the 2026 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 (2026)
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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