Very Good
#282 of 1,823 schools in IN
Top 15% in state
Dekalb High School
High School · DeKalb Co Ctl United Sch Dist
3424 CR 427, Waterloo, IN 46793
Enrollment
1,052
Student-Teacher
17.5:1
Score
7.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,052
Student-Teacher
17.5:1
Score
7.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Waterloo
#1 of 3
public schools
Indiana high schools
#52 of 388
In district
#1 of 6
DeKalb Co Ctl United Sch Dist
Academic growth
9.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Dekalb High School
DeKalb High School serves 1,052 students in grades 9-12 in Waterloo, Indiana, operating as a regular public school in DeKalb County. With 60 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17.5:1, providing reasonable class sizes for individualized attention. Academically, DeKalb High School has room for growth, with 31% of students demonstrating proficiency or above in mathematics across grade levels.
The school ranks #1302 out of 1831 Indiana high schools, placing it in the 29th percentile statewide. While these metrics indicate opportunities for improvement, the school's dedicated teaching staff works within a community-focused environment to support student development. The school draws from a stable rural community where the median household income reaches $74,177 and median home values sit at $165,400.
With 18% of local residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a poverty rate of 10%, the surrounding area of ZIP code 46793 reflects a working-class community of 4,281 residents. DeKalb High School is positioned in a rural setting near the town of Waterloo, offering students a close-knit educational environment where they can develop both academically and personally within their local community.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Dekalb High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Dekalb High School — Students at Dekalb High School score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
37.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IN EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 test records from IN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.6/10.
How Dekalb High School Compares
See how Dekalb High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 31% (2019) to 31% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 64% (2019) to 70% (2021).
Location
3424 CR 427, Waterloo, IN 46793
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Dekalb High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Eastside Junior-Senior High School (rated 6.9/10, 9.3 miles away, in nearby Butler), with a comparable rating. Another option is Garrett High School (rated 6.2/10, 6.1 miles away, in nearby Garrett), a more accessible option. Additionally, Hamilton Community High School (rated 5.6/10, 10.1 miles away, in nearby Hamilton), a more accessible option. For more schools in Waterloo, see our Waterloo schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 12.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| DeKalb Middle School Waterloo | 0.2 mi | 4.4 |
| Waterloo Elementary School Waterloo | 2.0 mi | 5.5 |
| James R Watson Elementary School Auburn | 2.4 mi | 5.3 |
| McKenney-Harrison Elementary Sch Auburn | 3.2 mi | 6.6 |
| Country Meadow Elementary School Ashley | 6.0 mi | 4.2 |
| J E Ober Elementary School Garrett | 6.1 mi | 5.3 |
| Garrett Middle School Garrett | 6.1 mi | 4.1 |
| Garrett High School Garrett | 6.1 mi | 6.2 |
| ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Garrett | 6.5 mi | 6.3 |
| Riverdale Elementary School Saint Joe | 9.6 mi | 8.1 |
| Hamilton Community Elementary Sch Hamilton | 10.1 mi | 9.1 |
| Hamilton Community High School Hamilton | 10.1 mi | 5.6 |
| Pleasant Lake Elementary School Pleasant Lake | 11.7 mi | 5.3 |
| Butler Elementary School Butler | 8.9 mi | 5.0 |
| Eastside Junior-Senior High School Butler | 9.3 mi | 6.9 |
| OAK FARM SCHOOL Avilla | 9.7 mi | 8.3 |
| Leo Elementary School Leo | 12.8 mi | 5.0 |
| Leo Junior/Senior High School Leo | 13.0 mi | 4.8 |
| GATEWAY WOODS SCHOOL Leo | 13.1 mi | — |
| CAMPBELL ROAD SCHOOL Spencerville | 12.4 mi | 3.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 46793 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$74,412
Median Home Value
$177,500
Median Rent
$840/mo
Population
4,122
College Educated
16.5%
Homeownership
84.5%
Avg Commute
24.9 min
Poverty Rate
9.4%
Median Age
38.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Dekalb High School has a median household income of $74,412. It is a community where 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $177,500, with a median rent of $840/month. The local poverty rate of 9.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 25 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Mississinewa High School Gas City, IN | 7.8 |
| Owen Valley Community High School Spencer, IN | 7.8 |
| West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School West Lafayette, IN | 7.8 |
| West Noble High School Ligonier, IN | 7.8 |
| Pendleton Heights High School Pendleton, IN | 7.7 |
| Blackford Jr-Sr High School Hartford City, IN | 8.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dekalb High School
What grades does Dekalb High School serve?
Dekalb High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Dekalb High School?
Dekalb High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,052 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Dekalb High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Dekalb High School is 17.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Dekalb High School rank in IN?
Dekalb High School is ranked #282 out of 1,823 schools in IN.
What is Dekalb High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Dekalb High School has a composite rating of 7.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Dekalb High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Dekalb High School has 35.0% math proficiency and 67.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Dekalb High School a charter school?
No, Dekalb High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Dekalb High School a Title I school?
No, Dekalb High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Dekalb High School?
37.7% of students at Dekalb High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,052
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 60
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 37.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- DeKalb County
- Phone
- (260) 920-1012
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
DeKalb Co Ctl United Sch Dist- District Enrollment
- 3,578
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,445
- District Rank
- #1 of 6
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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