Whitewood Elementary - 04

603 Garfield St
Whitewood, SD 57793
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
10/
10
Top 5%
Serving 138 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Whitewood Elementary - 04 ranks in the top 5% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80-89% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-79% (which is higher 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 10% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 138 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 10%
  • : Top 5% in SD
  • : 80-89% (Top 1%)
  • : 70-79% (Top 10%)
  • : ≥50% (Top 20%)
  • : Whitewood Elementary's attendance zone covers the entire district of Whitewood, SD, and encompasses approximately 3,117.1 square miles, with typical drive times to the school ranging from 20 to 30 minutes and an average distance of 45.5 miles to the zone's edge, reaching as far as 85.8 miles from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Whitewood Elementary - 04 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

Whitewood Elementary - 04's student population of 138 students has grown by 56% over five school years.
The teacher population of 10 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
138 students

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

School Rankings

Whitewood Elementary - 04 ranks within the top 5% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Whitewood Elementary - 04 is 0.19, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (SD)
#8 out of 619 schools
(Top 5%)

Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data

80-89%
42%

Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data

70-79%
51%

Showing 2011–2022. View full 13-year historical data

≥50%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

American Indian
4%
14%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data

Hispanic
2%
9%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 31-year historical data

Black
1%
3%

Showing 2003–2025. View full 33-year historical data

White
90%
66%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data

Two or more races
3%
6%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data

All Ethnic Groups
10%
0.19

Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data

(22-23)
8.7%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
34%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 31-year historical data

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
21%
7%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • 2022 National ESEA Distinguished School

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whitewood Elementary - 04's ranking?
Whitewood Elementary - 04 is ranked #8 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80-89% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 70-79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Whitewood Elementary - 04?
138 students attend Whitewood Elementary - 04.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Whitewood Elementary - 04 students are White, 4% of students are American Indian, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Whitewood Elementary - 04?
Whitewood Elementary - 04 has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Whitewood Elementary - 04 offer ?
Whitewood Elementary - 04 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Whitewood Elementary - 04 part of?
Whitewood Elementary - 04 is part of Meade School District 46-1.

School Reviews

4   10/10/2025
Love this school! We chose this school for two reasons: its small classes and their PreK program. My kiddos get the individual attention that they need with the smaller classes, and just this past year, the school added a free PreK (two-days-a-week). This allowed me to work more hours, and I knew my child was in a safe and challenging environment. Thank you!
- Posted by Parent - Appreciative Mother

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 138 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 10%
  • : Top 5%
  • : 80-89% (Top 1%)
  • : 70-79% (Top 10%)
  • : ≥50% (Top 20%)
  • : Whitewood Elementary's attendance zone covers the entire district of Whitewood, SD, and encompasses approximately 3,117.1 square miles, with typical drive times to the school ranging from 20 to 30 minutes and an average distance of 45.5 miles to the zone's edge, reaching as far as 85.8 miles from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education

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