WATERLOO, Ind. (WLKI)- DeKalb High School has once again earned recognition in the U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, marking the seventh consecutive year the school has received the designation.
According to a news release from the school district, DeKalb High School ranked 53rd among Indiana's 490 public high schools in the 2026-2027 rankings. The placement puts the school within the top 11% of public high schools statewide.
DeKalb also ranked among the top 40% of public high schools nationally, earning it the designation of a U.S. News Best High School. The school received additional recognition within the Fort Wayne metropolitan area.
Nearly 18,000 public high schools across the country were evaluated for the annual rankings. The review considered several measures, including college readiness, college-level curriculum offerings, state assessment proficiency and performance, outcomes among underserved students and graduation rates.
The rankings were produced in partnership with RTI International, a nonprofit research organization. The evaluation used information from official third-party sources, including state education agencies, the U.S. Department of Education, the College Board and the International Baccalaureate.
DeKalb High School Principal Marcus Wagner said the recognition reflects the work taking place throughout the school.
"We are incredibly proud of our students and staff for earning this recognition for the seventh consecutive year," Wagner said. "Our teachers and staff are committed to helping every student reach their potential and preparing them for success beyond high school."
Superintendent Steve Teders said the achievement also reflects support from students' families and the broader community.
"This recognition belongs to our entire DeKalb High School community," Teders said. "We are proud to continue building on this tradition of excellence."
DeKalb High School previously received the U.S. News Best High School designation each year from 2020 through 2025. The latest recognition extends that streak to seven consecutive years.