For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,022 students in Union County, SD.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Union County, SD are Dakota Valley Elementary - 02, Dakota Valley Middle School - 03 and Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Union County, SD public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Union County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% 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 Union County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dakota Valley Elementary - 02
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
80 Northshore Dr
North Sioux City, SD 57049
(605) 422-3840
North Sioux City, SD 57049
(605) 422-3840
Gr: K-3 | 380 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #22.
Dakota Valley Middle School - 03
(Math: 47% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1150 Northshore Dr
North Sioux City, SD 57049
(605) 422-3830
North Sioux City, SD 57049
(605) 422-3830
Gr: 6-8 | 341 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04
(Math: 48% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1150 Northshore Dr
North Sioux City, SD 57049
(605) 422-3830
North Sioux City, SD 57049
(605) 422-3830
Gr: 4-5 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #44.
Beresford Elementary - 02
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
209 S 4th St
Beresford, SD 57004
(605) 763-5012
Beresford, SD 57004
(605) 763-5012
Gr: K-5 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
Elk Point-jefferson Middle School - 03
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
402 S Douglas St
Elk Point, SD 57025
(605) 356-5901
Elk Point, SD 57025
(605) 356-5901
Gr: 6-8 | 139 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #66.
Alcester-hudson Elementary - 04
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
409 E 6th St
Alcester, SD 57001
(605) 934-2171
Alcester, SD 57001
(605) 934-2171
Gr: K-6 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #77.
Elk Point-jefferson Elementary - 02
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
500 S Franklin St
Elk Point, SD 57025
(605) 356-5801
Elk Point, SD 57025
(605) 356-5801
Gr: K-5 | 333 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #88.
Beresford Middle School - 03
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
205 W Maple St
Beresford, SD 57004
(605) 763-2139
Beresford, SD 57004
(605) 763-2139
Gr: 6-8 | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Union County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Aspire High School - 02 (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1109 West Cedar
Beresford, SD 57004
(605) 763-8011
Beresford, SD 57004
(605) 763-8011
Gr: 9-12
Po Box 578
Elk Point, SD 57025
(605) 356-5901
Elk Point, SD 57025
(605) 356-5901
Gr: 9-12 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Po Box 232
Beresford, SD 57004
(605) 957-4151
Beresford, SD 57004
(605) 957-4151
Gr: 4-5 | 172 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Woodfield Center (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
205 W Maple
Beresford, SD 57004
(605) 763-2139
Beresford, SD 57004
(605) 763-2139
Gr: 5-12 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Union County, SD?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Union County, SD include Dakota Valley Elementary - 02, Dakota Valley Middle School - 03 and Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04.
How many public elementary schools are located in Union County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Union County.
What is the racial composition of students in Union County?
Union County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 19% 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 Union County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Union County include: Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04 vs. Dakota Valley Elementary - 02, Elk Point-jefferson Elementary - 02 vs. Dakota Valley Elementary - 02, Beresford Elementary - 02 vs. Elk Point-jefferson Elementary - 02
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