Top Rankings
South Central 26-5 School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 5%)
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
Student Attention
Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 58 students in South Central 26-5 School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 8/10, which is in the top 30% of public elementary schools in South Dakota.
Public Elementary Schools in South Central 26-5 School District have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 49% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public elementary school average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
2 Schools
497 Schools
# Students
58 Students
101,009 Students
# Teachers
7 Teachers
7,507 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
8:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
South Central 26-5 School District, which is ranked within the top 30% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
Overall District Rank
#48 out of 148 school districts
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
42%
Graduation Rate
(17-18)≥50%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.51
0.55
% American Indian
41%
17%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
n/a
8%
% Black
n/a
3%
% White
57%
64%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $27,017 is higher than the state median of $13,121. The school district revenue/student has grown by 27% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $29,328 is higher than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has grown by 67% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$2 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$2 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student (18-19)
$27,017
$13,121
Spending / Student (18-19)
$29,328
$12,623
Best South Central 26-5 School District Public Elementary Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
South Central Elementary - 03
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
401 Birdsell St
Bonesteel, SD 57317
(605) 654-2314
Bonesteel, SD 57317
(605) 654-2314
Gr: PK-5 | 58 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: n/an/a
900 Washington St
Burke, SD 57523
(605) 775-2645
Burke, SD 57523
(605) 775-2645
Gr: 6-12
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
