DeKalb County High School is located in Smithville, Tennessee. It is the only high school in the county and serves grades 9–12 with an enrollment of 814 as of August 10, 2023. The school's mascot is a tiger and the school colors are black and gold.
Serving 783 students in grades 9-12, De Kalb County High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 11% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Tennessee state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 783 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 23%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
De Kalb County High School's student population of 783 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 55 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
783 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Year Founded
1963
Colors
Black, Gold
School Rankings
De Kalb County High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,761 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of De Kalb County High School is 0.38, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#983 out of 1761 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
40%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
17%
15%
Black
2%
21%
White
77%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
55%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Dekalb County Tiger
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is De Kalb County High School's ranking?
De Kalb County High School is ranked #983 out of 1,761 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% TN state average), while 45% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of De Kalb County High School?
The graduation rate of De Kalb County High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend De Kalb County High School?
783 students attend De Kalb County High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of De Kalb County High School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of De Kalb County High School?
De Kalb County High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 15:1.
What grades does De Kalb County High School offer ?
De Kalb County High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is De Kalb County High School part of?
De Kalb County High School is part of Dekalb County School District.
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