For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 204 students in Brookings County, SD.
The top-ranked public preschools in Brookings County, SD are Medary Elementary - 05, Dakota Prairie Elementary - 07 and Hillcrest Elementary - 04. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Brookings County, SD public preschool have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the South Dakota public pre school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Brookings County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public preschool average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Brookings County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Medary Elementary - 05
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
718 5th St S
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4300
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4300
Gr: PK-3 | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
Dakota Prairie Elementary - 07
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
111 26th St S
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4900
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4900
Gr: PK-3 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Hillcrest Elementary - 04
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
304 15th Ave
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4600
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4600
Gr: PK-3 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #44.
Elkton Elementary - 02
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
508 Buffalo St
Elkton, SD 57026
(605) 542-2541
Elkton, SD 57026
(605) 542-2541
Gr: PK-6 | 186 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Brookings County, SD?
The top-ranked public preschools in Brookings County, SD include Medary Elementary - 05, Dakota Prairie Elementary - 07 and Hillcrest Elementary - 04.
How many public preschools are located in Brookings County?
1 public preschools are located in Brookings County.
What is the racial composition of students in Brookings County?
Brookings County public preschools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public preschools average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Brookings County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Brookings County include: Dakota Prairie Elementary - 07 vs. Medary Elementary - 05, Medary Elementary - 05 vs. Dakota Prairie Elementary - 07, Hillcrest Elementary - 04 vs. Medary Elementary - 05
Recent Articles
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.