South Central Elementary - 03

401 Birdsell St
Bonesteel, SD 57317
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
8/
10
Top 30%
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 (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 52 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 39%
  • : Top 30% in SD
  • : 60-79% (Top 5%)
  • : 40-59% (Btm 50%)
  • : ≥50% (Top 20%)
  • : South Central Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire Bonesteel school district, covering approximately 316.3 square miles. Families typically drive 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 10.5 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 16.2 miles.
  • 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

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)
Total Students
52 students

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

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.
This School
State Level (SD)
#173 out of 619 schools
(Top 30%)

Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data

60-79%
42%

Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data

40-59%
51%

Showing 2011–2022. View full 13-year historical data

≥50%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
12:1

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

American Indian
37%
14%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data

White
61%
66%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data

Two or more races
2%
6%

Showing 2014–2025. View full 14-year historical data

All Ethnic Groups
39%
0.50

Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data

(22-23)
9.6%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
62%
34%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 31-year historical data

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 27-year historical data

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

Review South Central Elementary - 03. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 52 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 39%
  • : Top 30%
  • : 60-79% (Top 5%)
  • : 40-59% (Btm 50%)
  • : ≥50% (Top 20%)
  • : South Central Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire Bonesteel school district, covering approximately 316.3 square miles. Families typically drive 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 10.5 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 16.2 miles.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education

Quick Links