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 (2026-27)
- 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
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