Serving 267 students in grades 1-4, Mellette Elementary - 07 ranks in the top 50% 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 60-64% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower than 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 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 1-4
- Enrollment: 267 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 28%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Mellette Elementary serves the southeastern part of Watertown, SD, covering an area of approximately 0.6 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 0.8 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mellette Elementary - 07 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Mellette Elementary - 07's student population of 267 students has grown by 27% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has grown by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 1-4
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
267 students
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Motto
Empowering All Students to Succeed in an Ever-Changing World.
School Rankings
Mellette Elementary - 07 ranks within the top 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mellette Elementary - 07 is 0.46, 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
#254 out of 619 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
6%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
8%
9%
Black
1%
3%
White
72%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
13%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)13.5%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
16%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mellette Elementary - 07's ranking?
Mellette Elementary - 07 is ranked #254 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Mellette Elementary - 07?
267 students attend Mellette Elementary - 07.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Mellette Elementary - 07 students are White, 13% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mellette Elementary - 07?
Mellette Elementary - 07 has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Mellette Elementary - 07 offer ?
Mellette Elementary - 07 offers enrollment in grades 1-4 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Mellette Elementary - 07 part of?
Mellette Elementary - 07 is part of Watertown School District 14-4.
School Reviews
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