Serving 52 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, South Central Elementary - 03 ranks in the top 30% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-79% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-59% (which is approximately equal to the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 7:1 is lower than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 52 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
- Minority Enrollment: 39%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 60-79% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-59% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: South Central Elementary serves the entire district of Bonesteel, SD, spanning approximately 316.3 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 16.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Central Elementary - 03 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
South Central Elementary - 03's student population of 52 students has grown by 23% over five school years.
The teacher population of 7 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
52 students
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
EXCELLENCE TODAY. SUCCESS TOMORROW.
School Rankings
South Central Elementary - 03 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 South Central Elementary - 03 is 0.50, 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
#173 out of 619 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-79%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
12:1
American Indian
37%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
n/a
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
61%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)9.6%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
62%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Central Elementary - 03's ranking?
South Central Elementary - 03 is ranked #173 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?
60-79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 40-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend South Central Elementary - 03?
52 students attend South Central Elementary - 03.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of South Central Elementary - 03 students are White, 37% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Central Elementary - 03?
South Central Elementary - 03 has a student ration of 7:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does South Central Elementary - 03 offer ?
South Central Elementary - 03 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is South Central Elementary - 03 part of?
South Central Elementary - 03 is part of South Central School District 26-5.
School Reviews
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