Serving 424 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Cardinal Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Nebraska for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55-59% (which is approximately equal to the Nebraska state average of 58%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Nebraska state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the Nebraska state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Nebraska state average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 424 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NE
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-79% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Cardinal Elementary School serves the eastern part of South Sioux City, NE, covering an area of approximately 2.6 square miles. Families within this zone can typically reach the school within 5 to 10 minutes, with the furthest edge located about 1.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NE Dept. of Education
School Overview
Cardinal Elementary School's student population of 424 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
424 students
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Rankings
Cardinal Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 901 schools in Nebraska (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cardinal Elementary School is 0.49, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#635 out of 901 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
58%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-79%
62%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
70%
23%
Black
7%
7%
White
15%
61%
Hawaiian
2%
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)12.7%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
19%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NE Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cardinal Elementary School's ranking?
Cardinal Elementary School is ranked #635 out of 901 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Nebraska.
What schools are Cardinal Elementary School often compared to?
Cardinal Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dakota City Elementary School, Homer Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 58% NE state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% NE state average).
How many students attend Cardinal Elementary School?
424 students attend Cardinal Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Cardinal Elementary School students are Hispanic, 15% of students are White, 7% of students are Black, 2% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cardinal Elementary School?
Cardinal Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the Nebraska state average of 12:1.
What grades does Cardinal Elementary School offer ?
Cardinal Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cardinal Elementary School part of?
Cardinal Elementary School is part of So Sioux City Community Schools.
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