Serving 21 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤20% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 7:1 is lower than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 21 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: New Elm Spring Colony Elementary serves the northeast part of Ethan, SD, covering an area of approximately 1.4 square miles. Most families can expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 1.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08's student population of 21 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 3 teachers has grown by 50% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
21 students
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Rankings
New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08 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 New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08 is 0.00, 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
#408 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
n/a
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
100%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.1%
22.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch
86%
34%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08's ranking?
New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08 is ranked #408 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?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08?
21 students attend New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
100% of New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08 students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08?
New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08 has a student ration of 7:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08 offer ?
New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08 part of?
New Elm Spring Colony Elementary - 08 is part of Parkston School District 33-3.
School Reviews
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