Skip to main content

Below Average

#1560 of 1,785 schools in TN

Dekalb Middle School

Middle School · DeKalb County

1132 West Broad ST, Smithville, TN 37166

Enrollment

558

Student-Teacher

15.1:1

Score

4.4

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Smithville

#3 of 4

public schools

Tennessee middle schools

#273 of 338

In district

#4 of 5

DeKalb County

About Dekalb Middle School

DeKalb Middle School is a regular public school located in Smithville, Tennessee. Serving students from sixth to eighth grade, the school has an enrollment of 558 students and maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 15.1:1 with 37 full-time equivalent teachers. DeKalb Middle School sits in a town setting that provides a close-knit community atmosphere for its students.

While DeKalb Middle School's MySchoolScout rating is 3.3 out of 10 and it ranks 1481st among Tennessee schools, the school focuses on student development rather than solely academic performance. Students achieve proficiency rates in ELA/Reading at 23%, Math at 27%, Science at 28%, and Social Studies at 39%. These scores indicate areas where the school has room for improvement but also highlight strengths in certain subjects.

DeKalb Middle School offers a supportive environment in its town setting, fostering community involvement and personal growth among its students.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.6Fair40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.61 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendStable
Academics4.7Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency28.9%
Reading/ELA Proficiency24.1%
Math vs. State Avg-10.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-16.7 pts
Overall Proficiency27%
Expected (poverty-adj.)35%
vs. Expected-8.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile28th
Resources & Environment5.1Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$9,893

Dekalb Middle School — Students at Dekalb Middle School score 26% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores TN TCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 26.6%
School
State
39.2%
ELA Proficiency 23.0%
School
State
40.8%

Based on 8 test records from TN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
38%
ELA
26%
2021*
Math
13%
ELA
19%
2025
Math
28.9%
ELA
24.1%

* 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: 3.6/10.

How Dekalb Middle School Compares

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

Overall Score
4.4/10
13th percentile in TN
Academic
4.7/10
4.7/10
Growth
3.6/10
Below average
Environment
5.1/10
Above average

Location

1132 West Broad ST, Smithville, TN 37166

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Dekalb Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Smith County Middle School (rated 4.6/10, 18.5 miles away, in nearby Carthage), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Cannon County Middle School (rated 2.5/10, 16.1 miles away, in nearby Woodbury), a more accessible option. For more schools in Smithville, see our Smithville schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 17.2 mi
School Distance Rating
De Kalb County High School Smithville 0.1 mi 4.2
De Kalb County Adult High School Smithville 0.1 mi
DEKALB CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Smithville 2.7 mi 8.3
Smithville Elementary Smithville 2.7 mi 7.1
Northside Elementary Smithville 2.7 mi 8.1
DeKalb West Elementary Liberty 8.2 mi 5.4
Dibrell Elementary Mcminnville 11.4 mi 6.0
Gordonsville High School Gordonsville 14.6 mi 3.8
Gordonsville Elementary School Gordonsville 14.7 mi 7.2
Forks River Elementary Elmwood 17.0 mi 3.6
CENTERTOWN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Mc Minnville 17.1 mi
Cannon County High School Woodbury 15.3 mi 4.2
New Middleton Elementary Gordonsville 16.4 mi 5.4
Cassville Elementary Sparta 14.2 mi 8.8
Centertown Elementary Mcminnville 18.3 mi 5.6
Cannon County Elementary School Woodbury 16.1 mi 3.9
Cannon County Middle School Woodbury 16.1 mi 2.5
FAULKNER SPRINGS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Mc Minnville 18.2 mi
Smith County Middle School Carthage 18.5 mi 4.6
Cornerstone Elementary Baxter 17.2 mi 8.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 37166 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$46,713

Median Home Value

$183,600

Median Rent

$768/mo

Population

15,116

College Educated

18.2%

Homeownership

65.6%

Avg Commute

27.2 min

Poverty Rate

22%

Median Age

42.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Dekalb Middle School has a median household income of $46,713. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $183,600, with a median rent of $768/month. The area has a poverty rate of 22.0%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 27 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
Cordova Middle Cordova, TN 4.4
North Middle School Lenoir City, TN 4.4
Thurgood Marshall Middle Antioch, TN 4.4
East Hickman Middle School Lyles, TN 4.5
Pigeon Forge Junior High School Pigeon Forge, TN 4.5
Power Center Academy Middle Memphis, TN 4.5

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 558 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Dekalb Middle School is 15.1:1. 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 TN?

Dekalb Middle School is ranked #1560 out of 1,785 schools in TN.

What is Dekalb Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Dekalb Middle School has a composite rating of 4.4 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 Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Dekalb Middle School has 26.6% math proficiency and 23.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (1,650/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Smithville). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
558
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
37
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
DeKalb County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

DeKalb County
District Enrollment
2,933
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,613
District Rank
#4 of 5

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 methodology

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.