For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,933 students in Dekalb County, TN (there are 2 private schools, 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 21% (versus the Tennessee public school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 37% statewide average). Schools in Dekalb County have an average ranking of 3/10, 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)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Dekalb West Elementary School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
101 Bulldog Ln
Dowelltown, TN 37059
(615) 536-5332
Dowelltown, TN 37059
(615) 536-5332
Grades: PK-8
| 456 students
Rank: #22.
De Kalb County High School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1130 West Broad St
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-4094
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-4094
Grades: 9-12
| 783 students
Rank: #33.
Northside Elementary School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
400 North Congress Blvd
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-1575
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-1575
Grades: 2-5
| 582 students
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
Grades: 6-8
| 558 students
Rank: n/an/a
242 Tiger Dr
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 497-2254
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 497-2254
Grades: 10-12
| 1 students
Rank: n/an/a
221 E Bryant St
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-4415
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-4415
Grades: PK-2
| 553 students
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).
Recent Articles
Sexual Harassment at Age 6: The Tale of a First Grade Suspension
A six-year old in Aurora, Colorado, was suspended after singing an LMFAO song to a little girl in his class and reportedly “shaking his booty.” We look at the case and the sexual harassment problem in public schools today.
How Scaffolding Could Change the Way Your Child Learns
This article explores the concept of instructional scaffolding, a teaching method that enhances learning by breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. It highlights how scaffolding supports students in developing critical thinking skills and becoming more independent learners. The article discusses the benefits of scaffolding, including improved engagement and reduced anxiety, and provides strategies for its implementation across various educational levels.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.