Serving 296 students in grades Prekindergarten-Kindergarten, Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06 ranks in the top 20% 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 70-74% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
- Enrollment: 296 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 23%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: McKinley Elementary serves the southern part of Watertown, SD, covering an area of approximately 4 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive to the school of 5 to 10 minutes, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06's student population of 296 students has grown by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
296 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06 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 Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06 is 0.39, 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
#96 out of 619 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
3%
14%
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
11%
9%
Black
1%
3%
White
77%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)9.1%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
23%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06's ranking?
Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06 is ranked #96 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06?
296 students attend Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06 students are White, 11% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06?
Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06 has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06 offer ?
Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-Kindergarten (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06 part of?
Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06 is part of Watertown School District 14-4.
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