- Crossville Elementary School — Grades K–3 · 658 students
- Crossville High School — Grades 9–12 · 649 students
- Geraldine School — Grades PK–12 · 1,211 students
- Plainview School — Grades PK–12 · 1,167 students
- Fyffe High School — Grades PK–12 · 954 students
- Sylvania School — Grades PK–12 · 915 students
- Collinsville High School — Grades PK–12 · 906 students
- Crossville Middle School — Grades 4–8 · 770 students
- Ider School — Grades PK–12 · 586 students
- Valley Head High School — Grades PK–12 · 517 students
- Henagar Junior High School — Grades PK–8 · 261 students
- Ruhuma Junior High School — Grades PK–8 · 175 students
| Metric | DeKalb County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 16 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,200/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Near average |
About DeKalb County School District
Zip code 35981 in Dekalb, Alabama is served by DeKalb County School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K–12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of DeKalb County School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, DeKalb County School District spends approximately $11,200 per student per year, placing it 18% above the Alabama state average of approximately $9,500 and below the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Below-average funding can mean larger class sizes, fewer elective offerings, and limited extracurricular programs. Families with specialized needs should verify specific program availability directly with the district. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At multiple schools serving grades Pre-K–12th, DeKalb County School District qualifies as a district of unknown size serving students from Pre-K–12th. Contact DeKalb County School District to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), DeKalb County School District ranks among Alabama’s below average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2017–18 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Alabama is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
DeKalb County School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Alabama benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 35981
Children in zip code 35981 are assigned to DeKalb County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 35981, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact DeKalb County School District at (256)638-6921 or visit www.dekalbk12.org. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Alabama districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Dekalb
For families considering a purchase in the Dekalb area, district assignment matters financially. Because DeKalb County School District serves zip code 35981, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 35981. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Alabama, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support DeKalb County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 35981.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with DeKalb County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 35981 data.