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 (26-27)
- 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%)
- Attendance Zone: South Middle School serves the northern part of Rapid City, SD, covering an area of approximately 8.2 square miles, where most families typically have a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school. The furthest edge of the attendance zone is about 2.5 miles from the school.
- 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
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
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%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
42%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
American Indian
23%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Asian
1%
2%
Showing 2012–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Hispanic
12%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 31-year historical data
Black
2%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
White
45%
66%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Two or more races
17%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)36.3%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
54%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 31-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 27-year historical data
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 Southwest Middle School - 38, East Middle School - 30, 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
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
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
