Pierre School District 32-2

211 S Poplar Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(District boundaries shown in map)
6/
10
Top 50%

Top Rankings

Pierre School District 32-2 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:

Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Highest graduation rate (Top 5%)
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 1,894 students in Pierre School District 32-2. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 6/10, which is in the top 50% of public elementary schools in South Dakota.
Public Elementary Schools in Pierre School District 32-2 have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 49% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary school average of 36% (majority American Indian).

Overview

This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
5 Schools
495 Schools
# Students
2,749 Students
101,294 Students
# Teachers
167 Teachers
7,455 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
16:1

Student By Grade

District Rank

Pierre School District 32-2, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 92% has increased from 80-84% over five school years.
This School District
State Average (SD)
#61 out of 148 school districts
(Top 50%)
48%
42%
53%
51%
49%
42%
92%
82%
(2022-23)
20.3%
22.5%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.53
0.56
% American Indian
15%
16%
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
5%
9%
% Black
1%
3%
% White
66%
64%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
12%
6%
All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $12,136 in this school district is less than the state median of $13,054. The school district revenue/student has grown by 12% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $10,798 is less than the state median of $12,558. The school district spending/student has grown by 17% over four school years.
This School District
This State (SD)
Total Revenue
$33 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$30 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$12,136
$13,054
Spending / Student
$10,798
$12,558

Best Pierre School District 32-2 Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Buchanan Elementary - 03
(Math: 56% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
100 N Buchanan Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7310
Gr: K-5 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
Kennedy Elementary - 08
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2306 Brookstone Loop
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7370
Gr: K-5 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #33.
Jefferson Elementary - 06
(Math: 47% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
900 N Poplar Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7320
Gr: K-5 | 377 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #44.
Georgia Morse Middle School - 02
(Math: 46% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
309 E Capitol Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7330
Gr: 6-8 | 672 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 31%

Recent Articles

How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
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
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
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.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • District size: 5 schools
  • Grades: K-12
  • Enrollment: 2,749 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 34%
  • : 92% (Top 5% in SD)
  • : Top 50%
  • : 48% (Top 50%)
  • : 53% (Top 50%)
  • : 49% (Top 30%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education

Quick Links