De Kalb County High School

Summary:

De Kalb County High School is a public high school in Smithville, Tennessee, serving 807 students in grades 9-12 as part of the DeKalb County School District, which is ranked 94 out of 139 districts in the state.

While De Kalb County High School has a significantly higher percentage of Hispanic students (15.49%) compared to nearby schools, it consistently underperforms on standardized tests, particularly in subjects like Algebra, Biology, and US History. For example, in 2023-2024, only 22.8% of 11th-grade students were proficient in US History, compared to the state average of 41%. The school's academic challenges are further compounded by its lower per-student spending ($8,749 in 2020-2021) compared to nearby Watertown High School ($11,886) and Gordonsville High School ($9,254).

Interestingly, De Kalb County High School's performance varies significantly across grade levels, with 9th-grade students outperforming 10th-grade students in subjects like Biology I and English I. Additionally, the school has seen a decline in enrollment over the past few years, from 903 students in 2020-2021 to 807 students in 2022-2023, accompanied by a shift in its racial makeup, with a decrease in White students and an increase in Hispanic students. These trends, combined with the significant performance gaps between different student subgroups, suggest potential equity concerns that the school and district may need to address to improve student outcomes.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 1130 West Broad ST
       Smithville, TN  37166


(615) 597-4094

District: DeKalb County

SchoolDigger Rank:
199th of 392 Tennessee High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,177 Help


Feeder schools for De Kalb County High School:

Elementary:    DeKalb West Elementary
    Northside Elementary
    Smithville Elementary
Middle:    DeKalb Middle School

Student/teacher ratio:  15.0 Help
Number of students:  807

Racial breakdown:

White:
79.9%
Hispanic:
15.5%
Two or more races:
3.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  64.8% Help


 See top rated Tennessee high schools

 Compare De Kalb County High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details De Kalb County High School ranks worse than 50.8% of high schools in Tennessee. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 44.92. (See more...)
Help
The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of De Kalb County High School freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at De Kalb County High School is $11,177.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

De Kalb County High School:

SchoolDigger ranks De Kalb County High School 199th of 392 Tennessee public high schools. (See De Kalb County High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


DeKalb County:

SchoolDigger ranks DeKalb County 89th of 140 Tennessee school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for De Kalb County High School?

Rank History for De Kalb County High School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at De Kalb County High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2010 68.18 80th 267 70.0%
2011 66.70 89th 273 67.4%
2012 53.31 156th 269 42.0%
2013 40.62 220th 285 22.8%
2014 39.05 216th 296 27.0%
2015 53.16 171st 300 43.0%
2016 44.05 200th 351 43.0%
2017 44.48 143rd 273 47.6%
2018 48.10 153rd 341 55.1%
2019 35.21 225th 342 34.2%
2021 32.46 235th 347 32.3%
2022 41.28 202nd 358 43.6%
2023 35.60 244th 384 36.5%
2024 44.92 199th 392 49.2%
See the entire list of Tennessee High School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at De Kalb County High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 54.69 39th 159 75.5%
2021 48.65 41st 125 67.2%
2023 18.71 146th 154 5.2%
2024 45.48 75th 183 59.0%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at De Kalb County High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 52.70 94th 308 69.5%
2019 24.20 253rd 302 16.2%
2021 47.00 145th 317 54.3%
2022 53.82 107th 322 66.8%
2023 37.03 210th 330 36.4%
2024 56.05 110th 337 67.4%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at De Kalb County High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 33.18 236th 337 30.0%
2021 31.50 242nd 340 28.8%
2022 39.62 210th 350 40.0%
2023 28.96 272nd 366 25.7%
2024 42.06 207th 365 43.3%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at De Kalb County High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 70.49 3rd 11 72.7%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at De Kalb County High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 35.41 211th 329 35.9%
2021 30.27 241st 332 27.4%
2022 40.57 190th 349 45.6%
2023 41.11 191st 359 46.8%
2024 44.07 184th 366 49.7%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at De Kalb County High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 40.04 111th 208 46.6%
2022 59.48 51st 222 77.0%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at De Kalb County High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 35.24 96th 159 39.6%
2019 33.54 95th 153 37.9%
2021 36.85 109th 180 39.4%
2022 38.11 114th 189 39.7%
2023 24.99 161st 202 20.3%
2024 32.12 156th 209 25.4%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at De Kalb County High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 42.67 167th 307 45.6%
2019 28.14 243rd 301 19.3%
2021 27.05 243rd 306 20.6%
2022 33.86 221st 312 29.2%
2023 31.50 237th 325 27.1%
2024 37.97 192nd 326 41.1%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Tennessee Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

De Kalb County High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 







Data source: Tennessee Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)
0%

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100%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Monday, September 14, 2015

Open Quote I went to this school for four years over ten years ago, so it could be better by now. A LOT of small town political issues take place in this school that unfortunately involve the students. (I know this can take place anywhere, but this is a WHOLE other level!)

I graduated over ten years ago, and I have not been back since. I was involved in numerous extracurricular activities, but at the end of the day it all came down to who you were or who your family is. There was a handful of good teachers who were really genuine and engaging in their students, but for the most part, it SUCKED for lack of better words. No guidance at all whatsoever. I didn't even know we had a guidance counselor until I was a senior. Lol Close Quote



Enrollment information for De Kalb County High School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 730 9 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 740
1989 736 8 1 1 n/a n/a n/a 0 746
1990 748 9 2 5 0 n/a n/a 0 764
1991 733 14 1 2 0 n/a n/a 0 750
1992 750 14 1 2 0 n/a n/a 0 767
1993 733 20 3 2 0 n/a n/a 0 758
1994 827 21 2 2 0 n/a n/a -60 792
1995 816 16 1 2 0 n/a n/a -29 806
1996 816 16 1 2 0 n/a n/a -29 806
1997 842 14 0 3 1 n/a n/a -20 840
1998 791 14 0 10 1 n/a n/a 0 816
1999 761 13 0 7 0 n/a n/a 0 781
2000 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 797 797
2001 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 737 737
2002 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 720 720
2003 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 720 720
2004 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 742 742
2005 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 800 800
2006 737 11 1 26 1 n/a n/a 0 776
2007 751 11 1 44 2 n/a n/a 0 809
2008 737 12 2 42 0 n/a n/a 0 793
2009 751 15 5 51 1 n/a n/a 0 823
2010 737 11 6 52 0 n/a n/a 0 806
2011 754 8 6 55 0 0 2 0 825
2012 759 7 5 66 2 0 4 0 843
2013 740 8 3 69 2 0 5 0 827
2014 738 12 2 62 3 0 0 0 817
2015 740 16 0 73 3 0 1 0 833
2016 730 13 1 85 3 0 1 0 833
2017 755 16 3 91 3 0 2 0 870
2018 741 13 5 99 0 0 5 0 863
2019 704 15 5 101 0 0 8 0 833
2020 681 15 4 97 1 0 13 0 811
2021 703 18 4 103 1 0 15 0 844
2022 684 16 3 117 2 0 18 0 840
2023 645 8 3 125 0 0 26 0 807

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at De Kalb County High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 740 42.0 17.6 n/a
1989 746 42.0 17.7 n/a
1990 764 42.0 18.1 n/a
1991 750 42.0 17.8 n/a
1992 767 42.0 18.2 n/a
1993 758 42.0 18.0 n/a
1994 792 45.0 17.6 n/a
1995 806 45.0 17.9 n/a
1996 806 45.0 17.9 n/a
1997 840 n/a 0.0 n/a
1998 816 n/a 0.0 n/a
1999 781 n/a 0.0 n/a
2000 797 n/a 0.0 n/a
2001 737 n/a 0.0 n/a
2002 720 n/a n/a n/a
2003 720 n/a n/a n/a
2004 742 n/a n/a n/a
2005 800 n/a n/a n/a
2006 776 40.0 19.4 n/a
2007 809 48.1 16.8 40.2
2008 793 52.7 15.0 41.7
2009 823 50.0 16.5 43.3
2010 806 50.0 16.1 48.6
2011 825 50.0 16.5 50.7
2012 843 49.7 16.9 56.1
2013 827 52.0 15.9 56.7
2014 817 52.0 15.7 58.3
2015 833 53.0 15.7 59.3
2016 833 53.0 15.7 64.8
2017 870 53.0 16.4 n/a
2018 863 55.5 15.5 n/a
2019 833 52.5 15.8 n/a
2020 811 47.4 17.1 n/a
2021 844 47.3 17.8 n/a
2022 840 52.0 16.1 n/a
2023 807 53.5 15.0 n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio De Kalb County High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 740 42.0 17.6 n/a
1989 746 42.0 17.7 n/a
1990 764 42.0 18.1 n/a
1991 750 42.0 17.8 n/a
1992 767 42.0 18.2 n/a
1993 758 42.0 18.0 n/a
1994 792 45.0 17.6 n/a
1995 806 45.0 17.9 n/a
1996 806 45.0 17.9 n/a
1997 840 n/a 0.0 n/a
1998 816 n/a 0.0 n/a
1999 781 n/a 0.0 n/a
2000 797 n/a 0.0 n/a
2001 737 n/a 0.0 n/a
2002 720 n/a n/a n/a
2003 720 n/a n/a n/a
2004 742 n/a n/a n/a
2005 800 n/a n/a n/a
2006 776 40.0 19.4 n/a
2007 809 48.1 16.8 40.2
2008 793 52.7 15.0 41.7
2009 823 50.0 16.5 43.3
2010 806 50.0 16.1 48.6
2011 825 50.0 16.5 50.7
2012 843 49.7 16.9 56.1
2013 827 52.0 15.9 56.7
2014 817 52.0 15.7 58.3
2015 833 53.0 15.7 59.3
2016 833 53.0 15.7 64.8
2017 870 53.0 16.4 n/a
2018 863 55.5 15.5 n/a
2019 833 52.5 15.8 n/a
2020 811 47.4 17.1 n/a
2021 844 47.3 17.8 n/a
2022 840 52.0 16.1 n/a
2023 807 53.5 15.0 n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for De Kalb County High School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $442 (5.6%) $6,971 (87.9%) $7,933
2020 $405 (4.8%) $7,354 (86.8%) $8,472
2021 $998 (11.4%) $7,274 (83.1%) $8,749
2022 $775 (8.3%) $7,986 (85.7%) $9,318
2023 $1,561 (14.0%) $8,975 (80.3%) $11,177

Data source: Tennessee Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on De Kalb County High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 225th of 342 High schoolsRanks 244th of 384 High schools
 2.2%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
9th Grade Algebra I (De Kalb County High School)11.38.4
 2.9%
   9th Grade Algebra I (DeKalb County)11.38.4
 2.9%
   9th Grade Algebra I (Tennessee)21.817.8
 4%
9th Grade English I (De Kalb County High School)25.132.3
 7.2%
   9th Grade English I (DeKalb County)25.132.3
 7.2%
   9th Grade English I (Tennessee)33.336
 2.7%
10th Grade Algebra II (De Kalb County High School)26.610.7
 15.9%
   10th Grade Algebra II (DeKalb County)26.610.7
 15.9%
   10th Grade Algebra II (Tennessee)46.747.7
 1%
10th Grade English II (De Kalb County High School)39.949.1
 9.2%
   10th Grade English II (DeKalb County)39.949.1
 9.2%
   10th Grade English II (Tennessee)4450.7
 6.7%
11th Grade Algebra II (De Kalb County High School)14.310.7
 3.6%
   11th Grade Algebra II (DeKalb County)14.310.7
 3.6%
   11th Grade Algebra II (Tennessee)17.716.8
 0.9%
11th Grade Geometry (De Kalb County High School)19.832.3
 12.5%
   11th Grade Geometry (DeKalb County)19.832.3
 12.5%
   11th Grade Geometry (Tennessee)2017.1
 2.9%
12th Grade Geometry (De Kalb County High School)7.75.3
 2.4%
   12th Grade Geometry (DeKalb County)7.75.3
 2.4%
   12th Grade Geometry (Tennessee)2.93.6
 0.7%
All Grades Algebra I (De Kalb County High School)16.67.7
 8.9%
   All Grades Algebra I (DeKalb County)25.79.9
 15.8%
   All Grades Algebra I (Tennessee)27.423.2
 4.2%
All Grades Algebra II (De Kalb County High School)25.415.3
 10.1%
   All Grades Algebra II (DeKalb County)25.415.3
 10.1%
   All Grades Algebra II (Tennessee)27.425.6
 1.8%
All Grades English I (De Kalb County High School)24.930.8
 5.9%
   All Grades English I (DeKalb County)24.930.8
 5.9%
   All Grades English I (Tennessee)32.735.4
 2.7%
All Grades English II (De Kalb County High School)38.648.3
 9.7%
   All Grades English II (DeKalb County)38.648.3
 9.7%
   All Grades English II (Tennessee)42.749.4
 6.7%
All Grades Geometry (De Kalb County High School)31.531.7
 0.2%
   All Grades Geometry (DeKalb County)31.531.7
 0.2%
   All Grades Geometry (Tennessee)33.928.6
 5.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students833807
 3.1%
African American158
 46.7%
American Indian00
Asian53
 40%
Hispanic101125
 23.8%
Pacific Islander00
White704645
 8.4%
Two or More Races826
 225%


Schools Near De Kalb County High School









Frequently Asked Questions about De Kalb County High School

De Kalb County High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : DeKalb West Elementary
Elementary : Northside Elementary
Elementary : Smithville Elementary
Middle : DeKalb Middle School

In the 2022-23 school year, 807 students attended De Kalb County High School.

Students at De Kalb County High School are 80% White, 15% Hispanic, 3% Two or more races.

De Kalb County High School ranks 199th of 392 Tennessee high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Tennessee Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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