For the 2025 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 (2025)
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: Elk Point-jefferson Elementary - 02 vs. Dakota Valley Elementary - 02, Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 vs. Elk Point-jefferson Elementary - 02, Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 vs. Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04
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.