Serving 74 students in grades Kindergarten-4, Jones County Elementary - 02 ranks in the top 30% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-79% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-59% (which is approximately equal to the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% 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: Kindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 74 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 70-79% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-59% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Jones County Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Murdo, SD, covering approximately 947 square miles. Families typically face a drive of 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located up to 25.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Jones County Elementary - 02 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Jones County Elementary - 02's student population of 74 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 8 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-4
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
74 students
Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Our mission at Jones County School District is to create a learning environment in which every individual is empowered to reach their full potential.
School Rankings
Jones County Elementary - 02 ranks within the top 30% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Jones County Elementary - 02 is 0.35, 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
#172 out of 619 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-79%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
12:1
American Indian
4%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
1%
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
79%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
16%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)21.6%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
19%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Coyotes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jones County Elementary - 02's ranking?
Jones County Elementary - 02 is ranked #172 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 40-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Jones County Elementary - 02?
74 students attend Jones County Elementary - 02.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Jones County Elementary - 02 students are White, 16% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Jones County Elementary - 02?
Jones County Elementary - 02 has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Jones County Elementary - 02 offer ?
Jones County Elementary - 02 offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-4 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Jones County Elementary - 02 part of?
Jones County Elementary - 02 is part of Jones County School District 37-3.
School Reviews
Review Jones County Elementary - 02. 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
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
