Serving 316 students in grades Prekindergarten-3, Hillcrest Elementary - 04 ranks in the bottom 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 45-49% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-3
- Enrollment: 316 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 26%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Hillcrest Elementary serves the northern part of Brookings, SD, encompassing an attendance zone of approximately 105.4 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 15 to 20 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 16.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Hillcrest Elementary - 04's student population of 316 students has grown by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-3
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
316 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
School Rankings
Hillcrest Elementary - 04 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hillcrest Elementary - 04 is 0.44, 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
#385 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
3%
14%
Asian
4%
2%
Hispanic
9%
9%
Black
3%
3%
White
74%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)16.5%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
19%
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 Hillcrest Elementary - 04's ranking?
Hillcrest Elementary - 04 is ranked #385 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Hillcrest Elementary - 04 often compared to?
Hillcrest Elementary - 04is often viewed alongside schools like Medary Elementary - 05, Dakota Prairie Elementary - 07 by visitors of our site.
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 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Hillcrest Elementary - 04?
316 students attend Hillcrest Elementary - 04.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Hillcrest Elementary - 04 students are White, 9% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, 3% of students are American Indian, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hillcrest Elementary - 04?
Hillcrest Elementary - 04 has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Hillcrest Elementary - 04 offer ?
Hillcrest Elementary - 04 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-3 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hillcrest Elementary - 04 part of?
Hillcrest Elementary - 04 is part of Brookings School District 05-1.
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