Serving 432 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Buchanan Elementary - 03 ranks in the top 20% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 56% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 59% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 432 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 56% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 59% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Buchanan Elementary serves the southeastern part of Pierre, SD, encompassing an attendance zone of approximately 149.6 square miles. Families living in this area typically face a 20-30 minute drive to the school, with the average distance from the school to the zone's edge being about 12.5 miles, and the furthest point reaching up to 27.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Buchanan Elementary - 03 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Buchanan Elementary - 03's student population of 432 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
432 students
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Buchanan Elementary - 03 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 Buchanan Elementary - 03 is 0.58, 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
#118 out of 619 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
12:1
American Indian
14%
14%
Asian
3%
2%
Hispanic
5%
9%
Black
1%
3%
White
62%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
15%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)9.5%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
28%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buchanan Elementary - 03's ranking?
Buchanan Elementary - 03 is ranked #118 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Buchanan Elementary - 03 often compared to?
Buchanan Elementary - 03is often viewed alongside schools like Kennedy Elementary - 08, Jefferson Elementary - 06 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
56% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Buchanan Elementary - 03?
432 students attend Buchanan Elementary - 03.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Buchanan Elementary - 03 students are White, 15% of students are Two or more races, 14% of students are American Indian, 5% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Buchanan Elementary - 03?
Buchanan Elementary - 03 has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Buchanan Elementary - 03 offer ?
Buchanan Elementary - 03 offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Buchanan Elementary - 03 part of?
Buchanan Elementary - 03 is part of Pierre School District 32-2.
School Reviews
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