Serving 443 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Hawthorne Elementary - 56 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 10-14% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 443 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hawthorne Elementary - 56 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Hawthorne Elementary - 56's student population of 443 students has grown by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
443 students
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
Average Class Size
15 students
School Rankings
Hawthorne Elementary - 56 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 Hawthorne Elementary - 56 is 0.80, 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
#601 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
13%
14%
Asian
4%
2%
Hispanic
22%
9%
Black
20%
3%
White
31%
66%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
1%
3%
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 Hawthorne Elementary - 56's ranking?
Hawthorne Elementary - 56 is ranked #601 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Hawthorne Elementary - 56 often compared to?
Hawthorne Elementary - 56is often viewed alongside schools like Harvey Dunn Elementary - 54, Bridges At Horace Mann - 52 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Hawthorne Elementary - 56?
443 students attend Hawthorne Elementary - 56.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
31% of Hawthorne Elementary - 56 students are White, 22% of students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Black, 13% of students are American Indian, 9% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hawthorne Elementary - 56?
Hawthorne Elementary - 56 has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Hawthorne Elementary - 56 offer ?
Hawthorne Elementary - 56 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hawthorne Elementary - 56 part of?
Hawthorne Elementary - 56 is part of Sioux Falls School District 49-5.
In what neighborhood is Hawthorne Elementary - 56 located?
Hawthorne Elementary - 56 is located in the North End West neighborhood of Sioux Falls, SD.
School Reviews
Review Hawthorne Elementary - 56. 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
