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Average

#1090 of 1,823 schools in IN

Dekalb Middle School

Middle School · DeKalb Co Ctl United Sch Dist

3338 CR 427, Waterloo, IN 46793

Enrollment

774

Student-Teacher

15.5:1

Score

5.9

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Indiana schools

#1,090 of 1,823

In Waterloo

#2 of 3

public schools

In district

#4 of 6

DeKalb Co Ctl United Sch Dist

Academic growth

7.1 / 10

Very Good

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Dekalb Middle School

5.9/10

Middle School in Waterloo · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Dekalb High School

6.5/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Waterloo Elementary School

5.5/10

1.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Dekalb Middle School

Dekalb Middle School is a public middle school in Waterloo, IN, part of DeKalb Co Ctl United Sch Dist. Dekalb Middle School serves approximately 774 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 15.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Dekalb Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,090 of 1,823 schools in IN.

Structured state assessment records for Dekalb Middle School show 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.4 pts above IN schools
  • This school 5.9 · Average
  • IN avg 5.5

What Parents Should Know

Dekalb Middle School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.1Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.04 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.4Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency32.1% (2025 ILEARN)
Reading/ELA Proficiency42.1% (2025 ILEARN)
Math vs. State Avg-7.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+1.5 pts
Overall Proficiency37% (2025 ILEARN, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)44% (model expectation from 2025 ILEARN)
vs. Expected-6.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile36th
Resources & Environment4.7Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,445
Chronic Absenteeism20.5%

Dekalb Middle School — Students at Dekalb Middle School score 37% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

44.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 55.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
38.2% (2025 ILEARN)
ELA Proficiency 63.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
40.5% (2025 ILEARN)

Based on 37 test records from IN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
85%
ELA
79%
2010
Math
81%
ELA
76%
2011
Math
83%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
81%
ELA
76%
2013
Math
84%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
58%
ELA
71%
2015
Math
65%
ELA
73%
2016
Math
66%
ELA
72%
2017
Math
66%
ELA
76%
2018
Math
49%
ELA
64%
2019
Math
49%
ELA
64%
2020*
Math
34%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
34%
ELA
52%
2022
Math
35%
2025
Math
32.3%
ELA
42.1%

* 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: 7.1/10.

How Dekalb Middle School Compares

See how Dekalb Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.9/10
40th percentile in IN
Academic
5.4/10
Average
Growth
7.1/10
Very Good
Environment
4.7/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
44%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
50 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
20.5%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

3338 CR 427, Waterloo, IN 46793

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Dekalb Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Leo Elementary School (rated 7.1/10, 13.0 miles away, in nearby Leo), which scores notably higher. Another option is Garrett Middle School (rated 5.2/10, 6.3 miles away, in nearby Garrett), with a comparable rating. Additionally, CAMPBELL ROAD SCHOOL (rated 3.8/10, 12.5 miles away, in nearby Spencerville), a more accessible option. For more schools in Waterloo, see our Waterloo schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.5 mi
School Distance Rating
DeKalb High School Waterloo 0.2 mi 6.5
Waterloo Elementary School Waterloo 1.8 mi 5.5
James R Watson Elementary School Auburn 2.6 mi 6.9
McKenney-Harrison Elementary Sch Auburn 3.4 mi 6.6
Country Meadow Elementary School Ashley 5.9 mi 4.1
J E Ober Elementary School Garrett 6.2 mi 5.0
Garrett Middle School Garrett 6.3 mi 5.2
Garrett High School Garrett 6.3 mi 6.8
ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Garrett 6.7 mi 6.3
Hamilton Community Elementary Sch Hamilton 9.9 mi 4.2
Hamilton Community High School Hamilton 9.9 mi 4.7
Riverdale Elementary School Saint Joe 9.7 mi 7.1
Pleasant Lake Elementary School Pleasant Lake 11.5 mi 4.0
Butler Elementary School Butler 8.8 mi 4.3
Eastside Junior-Senior High School Butler 9.2 mi 8.2
OAK FARM SCHOOL Avilla 9.8 mi 8.3
Leo Elementary School Leo 13.0 mi 7.1
Leo Junior/Senior High School Leo 13.1 mi 6.7
GATEWAY WOODS SCHOOL Leo 13.3 mi
CAMPBELL ROAD SCHOOL Spencerville 12.5 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

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Hamilton Heights Middle School Arcadia, IN 5.9
Southport 6th Grade Academy Indianapolis, IN 5.9
George Rogers Clark School Vincennes, IN 6.0
Merrillville Intermediate School Merrillville, IN 6.0
Plaza Park International Prep Acad Evansville, IN 6.0
Concord Intermediate School Elkhart, IN 5.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Dekalb Middle School

What grades does Dekalb Middle School serve?

Dekalb Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Dekalb Middle School?

Dekalb Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 774 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Dekalb Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Dekalb Middle School is 15.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Dekalb Middle School rank in IN?

Dekalb Middle School ranks #1,090 of 1,823 schools in IN.

What is Dekalb Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Dekalb Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Dekalb Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Dekalb Middle School has 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Dekalb Middle School a charter school?

No, Dekalb Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Dekalb Middle School a Title I school?

No, Dekalb Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Dekalb Middle School?

44.1% of students at Dekalb Middle 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
10 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
46 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
774
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
50
Free/Reduced Lunch
44.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
DeKalb County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
20.5%

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