Serving 502 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 12:1 is equal to the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 502 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 56%
- 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
Top Rankings
South Middle School - 36 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
South Middle School - 36's student population of 502 students has declined by 25% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
502 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
School Rankings
South Middle School - 36 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 636 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Middle School - 36 is 0.72, 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
#557 out of 636 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
12:1
12:1
American Indian
21%
14%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
14%
8%
Black
2%
3%
White
44%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
18%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Middle School - 36's ranking?
South Middle School - 36 is ranked #557 out of 636 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 Southwest Middle School - 38 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?
502 students attend South Middle School - 36.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of South Middle School - 36 students are White, 21% of students are American Indian, 18% of students are Two or more races, 14% 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 12:1, which is equal to 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
Review South Middle School - 36. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.
