For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 689 students in Union County, SD.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Union County, SD are Dakota Valley Middle School - 03, Elk Point-jefferson Middle School - 03 and Beresford Middle School - 03. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Union County, SD public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the South Dakota public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 49% statewide average). Middle schools in Union County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public middle school average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Middle Schools in Union County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dakota Valley Middle School - 03
(Math: 47% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1150 Northshore Dr
North Sioux City, SD 57049
(605) 422-3830
North Sioux City, SD 57049
(605) 422-3830
Gr: 6-8 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #22.
Elk Point-jefferson Middle School - 03
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
402 S Douglas St
Elk Point, SD 57025
(605) 356-5901
Elk Point, SD 57025
(605) 356-5901
Gr: 6-8 | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #33.
Beresford Middle School - 03
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
205 W Maple St
Beresford, SD 57004
(605) 763-2139
Beresford, SD 57004
(605) 763-2139
Gr: 6-8 | 153 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
Alcester-hudson Jr. High - 03
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
409 E 6th St
Alcester, SD 57001
(605) 934-1890
Alcester, SD 57001
(605) 934-1890
Gr: 7-8 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Union County, SD?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Union County, SD include Dakota Valley Middle School - 03, Elk Point-jefferson Middle School - 03 and Beresford Middle School - 03.
How many public middle schools are located in Union County?
4 public middle schools are located in Union County.
What is the racial composition of students in Union County?
Union County public middle schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public middle schools average of 42% (majority American Indian).
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