Best Dekalb Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 5,955 students in Dekalb, IL (there are 3 private schools, serving 225 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Dekalb, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Dekalb, IL are Jefferson Elementary School, Dekalb High School and Littlejohn Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dekalb, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 13% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 16% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Dekalb have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Dekalb, IL (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
211 Mccormick Dr
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815) 754-2263
Gr: K-5 | 308 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #22.
Dekalb High School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
501 W Dresser Rd
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815) 754-2100
Gr: 9-12 | 2,134 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #33.
Littlejohn Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 21%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1121 School St
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815) 754-2258
Gr: K-5 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #44.
Huntley Middle School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1515 S 4th St
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815) 754-2241
Gr: 6-8 | 865 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #55.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
220 E Sunset Pl
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815) 754-2212
Gr: K-5 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #66.
Clinton Rosette Middle School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
650 N 1st St
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815) 754-2226
Gr: 6-8 | 575 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #77.
Founders Elementary School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 9%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
821 S 7th St
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815) 754-3800
Gr: K-5 | 565 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3225 Sangamon Dr
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815) 754-9936
Gr: K-5 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Tyler Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1021 Alden Circle
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815) 754-2389
Gr: K-5 | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: n/an/a
Beyond One Barb Transition Center
Alternative School
530 Charter St
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815) 754-2100
Gr: 12
Rank: n/an/a
1515 S 4th St
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815) 754-2999
Gr: PK | 281 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 74%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Dekalb, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Dekalb, IL include Jefferson Elementary School, Dekalb High School and Littlejohn Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Dekalb?
11 public schools are located in Dekalb.
What percentage of students in Dekalb go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Dekalb are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dekalb?
Dekalb public schools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Dekalb are often viewed compared to one another?

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