Serving 332 students in grades Prekindergarten-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 17:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 332 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 10%
- 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 332 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
332 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Year Founded
1905
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Mascot
Wild Boars
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 0.19, 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
17:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
3%
8%
Black
n/a
3%
White
90%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
14%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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?
332 students attend Jefferson Elementary - 09.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Jefferson Elementary - 09 students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Jefferson Elementary - 09?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 has a student ration of 17:1, 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 Prekindergarten-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

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.