Serving 313 students in grades Kindergarten-5, South Park Elementary - 16 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 20-24% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (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 62% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 313 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
South Park Elementary - 16's student population of 313 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
313 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
South Park Elementary - 16 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 Park Elementary - 16 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
#540 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
35%
14%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
10%
9%
Black
1%
3%
White
38%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
15%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)48.9%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Park Elementary - 16's ranking?
South Park Elementary - 16 is ranked #540 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are South Park Elementary - 16 often compared to?
South Park Elementary - 16is often viewed alongside schools like Woodrow Wilson Elementary - 17, Grandview Elementary - 06 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend South Park Elementary - 16?
313 students attend South Park Elementary - 16.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of South Park Elementary - 16 students are White, 35% of students are American Indian, 15% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Park Elementary - 16?
South Park Elementary - 16 has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does South Park Elementary - 16 offer ?
South Park Elementary - 16 offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is South Park Elementary - 16 part of?
South Park Elementary - 16 is part of Rapid City Area School District 51-4.
School Reviews
Review South Park Elementary - 16. 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
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
