Best Dekalb County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 2,149 students in Dekalb County, TN.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Dekalb County, TN are Dekalb West Elementary School, Northside Elementary School and Dekalb Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dekalb County, TN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Tennessee public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 36% statewide average). Elementary schools in Dekalb County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Tennessee public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public elementary school average of 44% (majority Black).

Best Public Elementary 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.
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: #33.
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
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 elementary schools in Dekalb County, TN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Dekalb County, TN include Dekalb West Elementary School, Northside Elementary School and Dekalb Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Dekalb County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Dekalb County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dekalb County?
Dekalb County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public elementary schools average of 44% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Dekalb County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Dekalb County include: Dekalb West Elementary School vs. Dekalb Middle School

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.

Quick Links