DeKalb County Schools & Education
DeKalb County, Tennessee
School Score
39/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,797
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,215
School Score
39/100
Higher = better
State avg 47/100
State School Rank
#71
of 95 counties (1 = best)
Explore DeKalb County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in DeKalb County, Tennessee
Compact System Serving the DeKalb Region
DeKalb County operates six public schools that serve a total of 2,938 students. The landscape features a balanced mix of three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This unified district provides a straightforward educational journey for local families.
Solid Graduation Rates and Local Investment
The county maintains a 92.0% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $5,797 is below the state average of $6,215, the county's school score of 52.0 shows it is performing near state standards. This indicates a solid return on investment for the local community's education tax dollars.
One District, No Charter Schools
The DeKalb County school district is the sole provider for the county's 2,938 students across its six campuses. No charter schools operate in the area, reflecting a community focus on a single, cohesive public school system. This allows for a unified curriculum and consistent administrative support for all students.
Town-Centered Schools with Rural Reach
Four of the county's schools are located in town settings, while two remain rural, offering a mix of community environments. De Kalb County High School is the largest facility with 807 students, whereas DeKalb West Elementary is the smallest with 448 students. The average school size is 588, which is slightly higher than many neighboring rural counties but still manageable.
Find Your Community in DeKalb County
Buying a home in DeKalb County offers families access to a reliable, unified school district with graduation rates that beat the national average. Proximity to the town-based schools in Smithville can be a major draw for parents who value a centralized school community. Consider the local schools as a core part of your real estate search in this Tennessee county.
School Overview
Total Schools
6
in DeKalb County
Total Enrollment
2,938
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in DeKalb County
DeKalb County
6 Public Schools in DeKalb County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De Kalb County High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 807 |
| Smithville Elementary | DeKalb County | PK–2 | Primary | 599 |
| Northside Elementary | DeKalb County | 2–5 | Primary | 558 |
| DeKalb Middle School | DeKalb County | 6–8 | Middle | 526 |
| DeKalb West Elementary | DeKalb County | PK–8 | Primary | 448 |
| De Kalb County Adult High School | DeKalb County | 10–12 | High | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,797
State avg $6,215
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in DeKalb County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in DeKalb County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in DeKalb County, Tennessee — FAQ
What does the school system look like in DeKalb County, Tennessee?
DeKalb County operates six public schools that serve a total of 2,938 students. The landscape features a balanced mix of three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This unified district provides a straightforward educational journey for local families.
How do schools in DeKalb County perform academically?
The county maintains a 92.0% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $5,797 is below the state average of $6,215, the county's school score of 52.0 shows it is performing near state standards. This indicates a solid return on investment for the local community's education tax dollars.
What are the major school districts in DeKalb County, Tennessee?
The DeKalb County school district is the sole provider for the county's 2,938 students across its six campuses. No charter schools operate in the area, reflecting a community focus on a single, cohesive public school system. This allows for a unified curriculum and consistent administrative support for all students.
What is the school experience like in DeKalb County?
Four of the county's schools are located in town settings, while two remain rural, offering a mix of community environments. De Kalb County High School is the largest facility with 807 students, whereas DeKalb West Elementary is the smallest with 448 students. The average school size is 588, which is slightly higher than many neighboring rural counties but still manageable.
How can I find homes near good schools in DeKalb County, Tennessee?
Buying a home in DeKalb County offers families access to a reliable, unified school district with graduation rates that beat the national average. Proximity to the town-based schools in Smithville can be a major draw for parents who value a centralized school community. Consider the local schools as a core part of your real estate search in this Tennessee county.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.