Serving 40 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Bowdle Elementary - 02 ranks in the top 20% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-79% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-59% (which is approximately equal to the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 6:1 is lower than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 40 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Minority Enrollment: 15%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 60-79% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Bowdle Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district of Bowdle, SD, covering an area of approximately 275.1 square miles. The typical drive to the school takes about 15-20 minutes, with an average distance of 10.4 miles to the zone's edge and a furthest reach of 15.6 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Bowdle Elementary - 02 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Bowdle Elementary - 02's student population of 40 students has declined by 40% over five school years.
The teacher population of 7 teachers has declined by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
40 students
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
School Calendar
Average Class Size
15 students
School Rankings
Bowdle Elementary - 02 ranks within the top 20% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bowdle Elementary - 02 is 0.27, which is less 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
#81 out of 619 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-79%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
12:1
American Indian
5%
14%
Asian
8%
2%
Hispanic
n/a
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
85%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)10%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
18%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bowdle Elementary - 02's ranking?
Bowdle Elementary - 02 is ranked #81 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 50-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Bowdle Elementary - 02?
40 students attend Bowdle Elementary - 02.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Bowdle Elementary - 02 students are White, 8% of students are Asian, 5% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bowdle Elementary - 02?
Bowdle Elementary - 02 has a student ration of 6:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Bowdle Elementary - 02 offer ?
Bowdle Elementary - 02 offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Bowdle Elementary - 02 part of?
Bowdle Elementary - 02 is part of Bowdle School District 22-1.
School Reviews
Review Bowdle Elementary - 02. 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
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
