Serving 333 students in grades 1-4, Jefferson Elementary - 09 ranks in the top 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65-69% (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 17% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 1-4
- Enrollment: 333 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 17%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Jefferson Elementary - 09 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Jefferson Elementary - 09's student population of 333 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 1-4
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
333 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
Jefferson Elementary - 09 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 Jefferson Elementary - 09 is 0.31, 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
#236 out of 619 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
6%
14%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
4%
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
83%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)2.4%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jefferson Elementary - 09's ranking?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 is ranked #236 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?
65-69% 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 Jefferson Elementary - 09?
333 students attend Jefferson Elementary - 09.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of Jefferson Elementary - 09 students are White, 6% of students are American Indian, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Jefferson Elementary - 09?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Jefferson Elementary - 09 offer ?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 offers enrollment in grades 1-4 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Jefferson Elementary - 09 part of?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 is part of Watertown School District 14-4.
School Reviews
Review Jefferson Elementary - 09. 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
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
