Serving 618 students in grades 6-8, South Middle School - 36 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 24% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 618 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
South Middle School - 36's student population of 618 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 45 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
618 students
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Rankings
South Middle School - 36 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Middle School - 36 is 0.71, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#539 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
23%
14%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
12%
9%
Black
2%
3%
White
45%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
17%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)36.3%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
54%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Middle School - 36's ranking?
South Middle School - 36 is ranked #539 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are South Middle School - 36 often compared to?
South Middle School - 36is often viewed alongside schools like East Middle School - 30, Southwest Middle School - 38, North Middle School - 35 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend South Middle School - 36?
618 students attend South Middle School - 36.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of South Middle School - 36 students are White, 23% of students are American Indian, 17% of students are Two or more races, 12% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Middle School - 36?
South Middle School - 36 has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does South Middle School - 36 offer ?
South Middle School - 36 offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is South Middle School - 36 part of?
South Middle School - 36 is part of Rapid City Area School District 51-4.
School Reviews
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