For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 6,457 students in Dekalb County, IN (there are 2 private schools, serving 598 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Dekalb County, IN are educated in public schools (compared to the IN state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Dekalb County, IN are James R Watson Elementary School, Riverdale Elementary School and Dekalb Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dekalb County, IN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Indiana public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 41% statewide average). Schools in Dekalb County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Indiana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public school average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Schools in Dekalb County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
James R Watson Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
901 Eckhart Ave
Auburn, IN 46706
(260) 920-1014
Auburn, IN 46706
(260) 920-1014
Grades: PK-5
| 579 students
Rank: #22.
Riverdale Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6127 Sr 1
Saint Joe, IN 46785
(260) 337-5464
Saint Joe, IN 46785
(260) 337-5464
Grades: K-6
| 297 students
Rank: #33.
Dekalb Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3338 Cr 427
Waterloo, IN 46793
(260) 920-1013
Waterloo, IN 46793
(260) 920-1013
Grades: 6-8
| 774 students
Rank: #44.
Mckenney-harrison Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
400 South Indiana Ave
Auburn, IN 46706
(260) 920-1015
Auburn, IN 46706
(260) 920-1015
Grades: PK-5
| 647 students
Rank: #55.
Dekalb High School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3424 Cr 427
Waterloo, IN 46793
(260) 920-1012
Waterloo, IN 46793
(260) 920-1012
Grades: 9-12
| 1,052 students
Rank: #66.
Garrett High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
801 E Houston St
Garrett, IN 46738
(260) 357-4114
Garrett, IN 46738
(260) 357-4114
Grades: 9-12
| 558 students
Rank: #77.
Eastside Junior-senior High School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
603 E Green St
Butler, IN 46721
(260) 868-2186
Butler, IN 46721
(260) 868-2186
Grades: 7-12
| 564 students
Rank: #88.
Country Meadow Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2410 Cr 10
Ashley, IN 46705
(260) 920-1017
Ashley, IN 46705
(260) 920-1017
Grades: PK-5
| 302 students
Rank: #99.
J E Ober Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
801 E Houston St
Garrett, IN 46738
(260) 357-3112
Garrett, IN 46738
(260) 357-3112
Grades: K-5
| 712 students
Rank: #1010.
Garrett Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
801 E Houston St
Garrett, IN 46738
(260) 357-5745
Garrett, IN 46738
(260) 357-5745
Grades: 6-8
| 387 students
Rank: #1111.
Waterloo Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
300 E Douglas St
Waterloo, IN 46793
(260) 920-1011
Waterloo, IN 46793
(260) 920-1011
Grades: PK-5
| 224 students
Rank: #1212.
Butler Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1025 S Broadway
Butler, IN 46721
(260) 868-2123
Butler, IN 46721
(260) 868-2123
Grades: K-6
| 361 students
Dekalb County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
7236 County Road 427
Auburn, IN 46706
Auburn, IN 46706
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Dekalb County, IN?
The top ranked public schools in Dekalb County, IN include James R Watson Elementary School, Riverdale Elementary School and Dekalb Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Dekalb County?
12 public schools are located in Dekalb County.
What percentage of students in Dekalb County go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Dekalb County are educated in public schools (compared to the IN state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dekalb County?
Dekalb County public schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public schools average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public schools in Dekalb County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Dekalb County include: Butler Elementary School vs. Eastside Junior-senior High School, Dekalb High School vs. Garrett High School, James R Watson Elementary School vs. Mckenney-harrison Elementary School
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