Serving 486 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Rapid Valley Elementary - 12 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 46% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 43% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 486 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 46% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Rapid Valley Elementary - 12's student population of 486 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
486 students
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Campus Size
700 acres
School Rankings
Rapid Valley Elementary - 12 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 Rapid Valley Elementary - 12 is 0.54, which is more 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
#424 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
American Indian
10%
14%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
11%
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
65%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
13%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)22.2%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rapid Valley Elementary - 12's ranking?
Rapid Valley Elementary - 12 is ranked #424 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Rapid Valley Elementary - 12 often compared to?
Rapid Valley Elementary - 12is often viewed alongside schools like Valley View Elementary - 13 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
46% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 43% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Rapid Valley Elementary - 12?
486 students attend Rapid Valley Elementary - 12.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Rapid Valley Elementary - 12 students are White, 13% of students are Two or more races, 11% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Rapid Valley Elementary - 12?
Rapid Valley Elementary - 12 has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Rapid Valley Elementary - 12 offer ?
Rapid Valley Elementary - 12 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Rapid Valley Elementary - 12 part of?
Rapid Valley Elementary - 12 is part of Rapid City Area School District 51-4.
School Reviews
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