Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Schools in Dekalb County (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Dekalb County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,933 students in Dekalb County, TN (there are 1 private school, serving 3 private students). 100% 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)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dekalb West Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
101 Bulldog Ln
Dowelltown, TN 37059
(615) 536-5332
Gr: PK-8 | 466 students Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
De Kalb County High School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1130 West Broad St
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-4094
Gr: 9-12 | 781 students Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #33.
Northside Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
400 North Congress Blvd
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-1575
Gr: 2-5 | 544 students Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #44.
Dekalb Middle School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1132 West Broad St
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-7987
Gr: 6-8 | 534 students Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: n/an/a
De Kalb County Adult High School
242 Tiger Dr
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 497-2254
Gr: 10-12
Rank: n/an/a
Dekalb County Schools Adult Education Virtual School
110 South Public Square
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-4084
Gr: 9-12 | 784 students Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: n/an/a
Smithville Elementary School
221 E Bryant St
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-4415
Gr: PK-2 | 535 students Minority enrollment: 22%

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?
100% 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).
Which public schools in Dekalb County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Dekalb County include: Dekalb West Elementary School vs. Dekalb Middle School

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (TN):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links: