Serving 873 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Discovery Elementary - 26 ranks in the top 20% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 59% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 873 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 20%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 60% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 59% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Discovery Elementary - 26 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Discovery Elementary - 26's student population of 873 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 50 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
873 students
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
School Rankings
Discovery Elementary - 26 ranks within the top 20% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Discovery Elementary - 26 is 0.35, 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
#111 out of 619 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
12:1
American Indian
3%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
6%
9%
Black
6%
3%
White
80%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
16%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
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 Discovery Elementary - 26's ranking?
Discovery Elementary - 26 is ranked #111 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Discovery Elementary - 26 often compared to?
Discovery Elementary - 26is often viewed alongside schools like Explorer Elementary - 04, Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17, John F. Kennedy Elementary - 57 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Discovery Elementary - 26?
873 students attend Discovery Elementary - 26.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Discovery Elementary - 26 students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Discovery Elementary - 26?
Discovery Elementary - 26 has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Discovery Elementary - 26 offer ?
Discovery Elementary - 26 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Discovery Elementary - 26 part of?
Discovery Elementary - 26 is part of Sioux Falls School District 49-5.
School Reviews
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