Serving 135 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 14:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 11% 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: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 135 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 11%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Northwestern Elementary School's attendance zone serves the entire Mellette, SD school district, covering approximately 669.6 square miles. Families may typically drive 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 27.1 miles away.
- 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
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Northwestern Elementary - 04's student population of 135 students has grown by 8% 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)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
135 students
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
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 0.20, 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
#255 out of 619 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
Hispanic
4%
9%
Black
1%
3%
White
89%
66%
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)3%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
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?
135 students attend Northwestern Elementary - 04.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Northwestern Elementary - 04 students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% 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 14:1, which is higher than 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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