Serving 781 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 18% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 781 students
- Minority Enrollment: 24%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: De Kalb County High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Smithville, TN, covering approximately 329 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 10.9 miles from the school to the edge of the zone.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
De Kalb County High School's student population of 781 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
781 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
55 teachers
Showing 2015–2024. View full 38-year historical data
Year Founded
1963
Average Class Size
20 students
School Rankings
De Kalb County High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of De Kalb County High School is 0.39, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#869 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
37%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
40%
Hispanic
18%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 28-year historical data
Black
2%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
76%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Graduation Rate
85-89%
87.3%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.5%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
55%
45%
Showing 2010–2025. View full 19-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
6%
Showing 2010–2025. View full 19-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black, Gold
School Mascot
Dekalb County Tiger
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is De Kalb County High School's ranking?
De Kalb County High School is ranked #869 out of 1,728 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?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% 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 85-89%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 87.3%.
How many students attend De Kalb County High School?
781 students attend De Kalb County High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of De Kalb County High School students are White, 18% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
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.
School Reviews
Review De Kalb County High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
