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 (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 138 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 10%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-79% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: 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
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science 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)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
138 students
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
School Calendar
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.
Overall Testing Rank
#8 out of 619 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-89%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-79%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
4%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
2%
9%
Black
1%
3%
White
90%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)8.7%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
21%
7%
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!
Review Whitewood Elementary - 04. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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