For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 4,283 students in Dekalb County, IN.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Dekalb County, IN are James R Watson Elementary School, Riverdale Elementary School and Mckenney-harrison Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dekalb County, IN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Indiana public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 40% statewide average). Elementary schools in Dekalb County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Indiana public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public elementary school average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Dekalb County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
James R Watson Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
901 Eckhart Ave
Auburn, IN 46706
(260) 920-1014
Auburn, IN 46706
(260) 920-1014
Gr: PK-5 | 590 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Riverdale Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6127 Sr 1
Saint Joe, IN 46785
(260) 337-5464
Saint Joe, IN 46785
(260) 337-5464
Gr: K-6 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Mckenney-harrison Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
400 South Indiana Ave
Auburn, IN 46706
(260) 920-1015
Auburn, IN 46706
(260) 920-1015
Gr: PK-5 | 620 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
Dekalb Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3338 Cr 427
Waterloo, IN 46793
(260) 920-1013
Waterloo, IN 46793
(260) 920-1013
Gr: 6-8 | 759 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
Country Meadow Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2410 Cr 10
Ashley, IN 46705
(260) 920-1017
Ashley, IN 46705
(260) 920-1017
Gr: PK-5 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #66.
J E Ober Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
801 E Houston St
Garrett, IN 46738
(260) 357-3112
Garrett, IN 46738
(260) 357-3112
Gr: K-5 | 704 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #77.
Waterloo Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
300 E Douglas St
Waterloo, IN 46793
(260) 920-1011
Waterloo, IN 46793
(260) 920-1011
Gr: PK-5 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #88.
Garrett Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
801 E Houston St
Garrett, IN 46738
(260) 357-5745
Garrett, IN 46738
(260) 357-5745
Gr: 6-8 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #99.
Butler Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1025 S Broadway
Butler, IN 46721
(260) 868-2123
Butler, IN 46721
(260) 868-2123
Gr: K-6 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Dekalb County, IN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Dekalb County, IN include James R Watson Elementary School, Riverdale Elementary School and Mckenney-harrison Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Dekalb County?
9 public elementary schools are located in Dekalb County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dekalb County?
Dekalb County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public elementary schools in Dekalb County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Dekalb County include: James R Watson Elementary School vs. Mckenney-harrison Elementary School, J E Ober Elementary School vs. Mckenney-harrison Elementary School, Mckenney-harrison Elementary School vs. James R Watson Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.