Serving 165 students in grades 2-5, Challenge Center - 51 ranks in the top 1% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥95% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥95% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 2-5
- Enrollment: 165 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 18%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1% in SD
- Math Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 1%)
- Attendance Zone: Challenge Center - 51's attendance zone encompasses the entire Sioux Falls school district, covering approximately 74.5 square miles. Typically, families can expect a 10-15 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 5.3 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 9.5 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Challenge Center - 51 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Challenge Center - 51's student population of 165 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 11 teachers has grown by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 2-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
165 students
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Challenge Center - 51 ranks within the top 1% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Challenge Center - 51 is 0.32, 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
#1 out of 619 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥90%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
14%
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
6%
9%
Black
5%
3%
White
82%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)5.5%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
9%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Challenge Center - 51's ranking?
Challenge Center - 51 is ranked #1 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Challenge Center - 51 often compared to?
Challenge Center - 51is often viewed alongside schools like All City Elementary - 50, John Harris Elementary - 23 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥95% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while ≥95% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Challenge Center - 51?
165 students attend Challenge Center - 51.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Challenge Center - 51 students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Challenge Center - 51?
Challenge Center - 51 has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Challenge Center - 51 offer ?
Challenge Center - 51 offers enrollment in grades 2-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Challenge Center - 51 part of?
Challenge Center - 51 is part of Sioux Falls School District 49-5.
School Reviews
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