Serving 959 students in grades 6-8, Ben Reifel Middle School - 68 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 32% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 959 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 40%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ben Reifel Middle School - 68 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Ben Reifel Middle School - 68's student population of 959 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 68 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
959 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
68 teachers
School Rankings
Ben Reifel Middle School - 68 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 636 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ben Reifel Middle School - 68 is 0.60, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#488 out of 636 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
42%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
3%
14%
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
12%
8%
Black
15%
3%
White
60%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
28%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ben Reifel Middle School - 68's ranking?
Ben Reifel Middle School - 68 is ranked #488 out of 636 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
32% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 45% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Ben Reifel Middle School - 68?
959 students attend Ben Reifel Middle School - 68.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Ben Reifel Middle School - 68 students are White, 15% of students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Ben Reifel Middle School - 68?
Ben Reifel Middle School - 68 has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Ben Reifel Middle School - 68 offer ?
Ben Reifel Middle School - 68 offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Ben Reifel Middle School - 68 part of?
Ben Reifel Middle School - 68 is part of Sioux Falls School District 49-5.
School Reviews
Review Ben Reifel Middle School - 68. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.

Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.

What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.