Serving 203 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤5% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 6-9% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 203 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: McLaughlin Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Mc Laughlin, SD, covering an area of approximately 794.7 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive to the school of 20 to 30 minutes, with an average distance of 21.5 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 27.1 miles to the furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Mclaughlin Elementary - 02's student population of 203 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
203 students
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Year Founded
1935
School Calendar
School Rankings
Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 is 0.10, 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
#611 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
12:1
American Indian
95%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
n/a
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
2%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33.5%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
7%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mclaughlin Elementary - 02's ranking?
Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 is ranked #611 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 6-9% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Mclaughlin Elementary - 02?
203 students attend Mclaughlin Elementary - 02.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 students are American Indian, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mclaughlin Elementary - 02?
Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 offer ?
Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 part of?
Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 is part of Mclaughlin School District 15-2.
School Reviews
Review Mclaughlin 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.
