For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 1,690 students in Watertown, SD.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Watertown, SD are Lincoln Elementary - 05, Jefferson Elementary - 09 and Mellette Elementary - 07. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Watertown, SD public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Watertown have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% 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 Watertown, SD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lincoln Elementary - 05
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1100 13th St Ne
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6340
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6340
Gr: 1-4 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #22.
Jefferson Elementary - 09
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1701 N Maple St
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6390
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6390
Gr: 1-4 | 333 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Mellette Elementary - 07
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
619 2nd St Nw
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6385
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6385
Gr: 1-4 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #44.
Watertown Intermediate School - 13
(Math: 41% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
601 11th St Ne
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6355
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6355
Gr: 5-6 | 532 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #55.
Waverly-south Shore Elementary - 02
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
319 Mary Pl
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 886-9174
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 886-9174
Gr: PK-5 | 128 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #66.
Waverly-south Shore Middle School - 03
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
319 Mary Pl
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 886-9174
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 886-9174
Gr: 6-8 | 69 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Watertown, SD?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Watertown, SD include Lincoln Elementary - 05, Jefferson Elementary - 09 and Mellette Elementary - 07.
How many public elementary schools are located in Watertown?
6 public elementary schools are located in Watertown.
What is the racial composition of students in Watertown?
Watertown public elementary schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary schools average of 36% (majority American Indian).
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