For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 2,490 students in Brookings, SD.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Brookings, 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, SD public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Brookings have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary school average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Brookings, SD (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.
Camelot Intermediate - 06
(Math: 29% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1401 15th St S
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4400
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4400
Gr: 4-5 | 523 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #55.
George S. Mickelson Middle School - 02
(Math: 31% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1801 12th St S
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4500
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4500
Gr: 6-8 | 780 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: n/an/a
1910 12th St S
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4714
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4714
Gr: K-5
Rank: n/an/a
1910 12th St S
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4714
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4714
Gr: 6-8 | 4 students
Brookings, South Dakota Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
521 4th St
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4400
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4400
Gr: PK-5 | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
E Central Multi-district High School (Closed 2012)
Vocational School
700 Elm Ave
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4754
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4754
Gr: 9-12
Select Credit Recovery Center (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
700 Elm Ave
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4757
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 696-4757
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Brookings, SD?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Brookings, SD include Medary Elementary - 05, Dakota Prairie Elementary - 07 and Hillcrest Elementary - 04.
How many public elementary schools are located in Brookings?
7 public elementary schools are located in Brookings.
What is the racial composition of students in Brookings?
Brookings public elementary schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary schools average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Which public elementary schools in Brookings are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Brookings 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
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.