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%)
- Attendance Zone: Rapid Valley Elementary serves the eastern part of Rapid City, SD, covering an area of approximately 16.8 square miles, with most families typically driving 5-10 minutes to reach the school and an average distance of 2.2 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone. The furthest edge of the zone is about 5.8 miles away.
- 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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