Serving 69 students in grades 6-8, Chester Middle School - 03 ranks in the top 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is equal to the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 69 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 4%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Chester Middle School - 03's student population of 69 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 6 teachers has grown by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
69 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Cooperatively preparing all students to succeed as life-long learners in an ever-changing world
School Rankings
Chester Middle School - 03 ranks within the top 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Chester Middle School - 03 is 0.08, 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
#230 out of 619 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
n/a
8%
Black
n/a
3%
White
96%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
9%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
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 Chester Middle School - 03's ranking?
Chester Middle School - 03 is ranked #230 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Chester Middle School - 03?
69 students attend Chester Middle School - 03.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of Chester Middle School - 03 students are White, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Chester Middle School - 03?
Chester Middle School - 03 has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Chester Middle School - 03 offer ?
Chester Middle School - 03 offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Chester Middle School - 03 part of?
Chester Middle School - 03 is part of Chester Area School District 39-1.
School Reviews
Review Chester Middle School - 03. 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

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.