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)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dekalb West Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
101 Bulldog Ln
Dowelltown, TN 37059
(615) 536-5332
Dowelltown, TN 37059
(615) 536-5332
Gr: PK-8 | 466 students Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Northside Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
400 North Congress Blvd
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-1575
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-1575
Gr: 2-5 | 544 students Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #33.
Dekalb Middle School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1132 West Broad St
Smithville, TN 37166
(615) 597-7987
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
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
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.