Summary
Dekalb High School is a small rural school in De Kalb, Texas, serving 277 students in grades 9-12 as part of the Dekalb Independent School District (Isd), where about 61% of students are economically disadvantaged. This school stands out for its exceptionally high graduation rate, consistently above 98% in recent years, and a very low student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1, which allows for personalized attention. However, its overall academic performance is mixed, with a state ranking in the 46th percentile for the 2025-2026 school year, reflecting challenges in some core subjects despite strengths in others.
One of Dekalb High School's biggest strengths is in Biology, where 78.16% of students were proficient in the 2025-2026 school year, outperforming the state average of 70.51% and nearby schools like Hooks High School and James Bowie High School. On the flip side, the school struggles significantly in English I Reading, with only 41.24% proficiency—well below the state average of 55.43% and the lowest among its neighbors. This uneven performance suggests that success may depend heavily on individual teachers or departments rather than a school-wide approach. Additionally, there is a notable gap in how the school serves different student groups: female students rank in the 61st percentile, while male students rank in the 35th percentile, a 26-point difference that is the largest among nearby schools.
Despite spending less per student ($13,351) than peers like New Boston High School ($14,444), Dekalb achieves a higher graduation rate and excels in Biology, showing resourcefulness in certain areas. The school also shines in supporting specific subgroups, with Special Education students ranking in the 83rd percentile and Gifted and Talented students in the 91st percentile in the 2024-2025 school year. However, performance for other groups can be volatile from year to year, likely due to small class sizes where a few students can shift the data. For parents, this school offers a caring environment with strong graduation outcomes and targeted programs, but it may require extra support at home for subjects like English and Algebra I.
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