Northwestern Elementary - 04

221 3rd St
Mellette, SD 57461
(School attendance zone shown in map)
6/
10
Top 50%
Serving 124 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Northwestern Elementary - 04 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 60-69% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-49% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is equal to the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian).

Quick Facts (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 124 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 6%
  • : Top 50% in SD
  • : 60-69% (Top 20%)
  • : 40-49% (Btm 50%)
  • : <50% (Top 30%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Northwestern Elementary - 04 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Northwestern Elementary - 04's student population of 124 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 10 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
124 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Mascot
Wild Boars

School Rankings

Northwestern Elementary - 04 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 Northwestern Elementary - 04 is 0.12, 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.
This School
State Level (SD)
#255 out of 619 schools
(Top 50%)
60-69%
42%
40-49%
51%
<50%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
1%
8%
Black
1%
3%
White
94%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.12
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
10%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
6%
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Wild Boars
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northwestern Elementary - 04's ranking?
Northwestern Elementary - 04 is ranked #255 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?
60-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 40-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Northwestern Elementary - 04?
124 students attend Northwestern Elementary - 04.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Northwestern Elementary - 04 students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northwestern Elementary - 04?
Northwestern Elementary - 04 has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Northwestern Elementary - 04 offer ?
Northwestern Elementary - 04 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Northwestern Elementary - 04 part of?
Northwestern Elementary - 04 is part of Northwestern Area School District 56-7.

School Reviews

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Quick Facts (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 124 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 6%
  • : Top 50%
  • : 60-69% (Top 20%)
  • : 40-49% (Btm 50%)
  • : <50% (Top 30%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education

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