Serving 666 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, John Harris Elementary - 23 ranks in the top 20% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 64% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 63% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 666 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 64% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 63% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: John Harris Elementary serves the southeast part of Sioux Falls, SD, covering an area of approximately 4.6 square miles. Most families can expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 3.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
John Harris Elementary - 23 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
John Harris Elementary - 23's student population of 666 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
666 students
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Rankings
John Harris Elementary - 23 ranks within the top 20% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of John Harris Elementary - 23 is 0.37, 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
#73 out of 619 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
14%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
5%
9%
Black
5%
3%
White
79%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)5.3%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Harris Elementary - 23's ranking?
John Harris Elementary - 23 is ranked #73 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are John Harris Elementary - 23 often compared to?
John Harris Elementary - 23is often viewed alongside schools like All City Elementary - 50, Horizon Elementary - 09, Challenge Center - 51 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 63% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend John Harris Elementary - 23?
666 students attend John Harris Elementary - 23.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of John Harris Elementary - 23 students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of John Harris Elementary - 23?
John Harris Elementary - 23 has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does John Harris Elementary - 23 offer ?
John Harris Elementary - 23 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is John Harris Elementary - 23 part of?
John Harris Elementary - 23 is part of Sioux Falls School District 49-5.
School Reviews
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