Serving 13 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Opal Elementary - 15 ranks in the top 30% 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 ≥50% (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.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 13 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in SD
- Math Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Opal Elementary serves the entire district of Union Center, SD, encompassing an extensive attendance zone of approximately 3,117 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located nearly 70 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Opal Elementary - 15 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Opal Elementary - 15's student population of 13 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 1 teachers has declined by 50% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
13 students
Total Classroom Teachers
1 teacher
School Calendar
School Rankings
Opal Elementary - 15 ranks within the top 30% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Opal Elementary - 15 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
#182 out of 619 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
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)7.7%
22.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch (22-23)
21%
30%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (19-20)
25%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Opal Elementary - 15's ranking?
Opal Elementary - 15 is ranked #182 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% 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 ≥50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Opal Elementary - 15?
13 students attend Opal Elementary - 15.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
100% of Opal Elementary - 15 students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Opal Elementary - 15?
Opal Elementary - 15 has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Opal Elementary - 15 offer ?
Opal Elementary - 15 offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Opal Elementary - 15 part of?
Opal Elementary - 15 is part of Meade School District 46-1.
School Reviews
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