Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Improved Public Elementary Schools in South Dakota (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Improved Public Elementary Schools in South Dakota (2026)

The most improved public elementary schools in South Dakota are Wolf Creek Colony Elementary - 04, Cedar Grove Colony Elementary - 14 and Glendale Colony Elementary - 04.
A school's improvement is based on a its total rise in ranking spots during the last five years (2021-26).
Improved Rank Range: 208 573 Avg. Improved Rank: 312

Most Improved Public Elementary Schools in South Dakota (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Ranking Change (2021-26)
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Wolf Creek Colony Elementary - 04
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Rank Change: +573
(from 602 to 29)
Grades: K-8
42906 Colony Rd
Freeman, SD 57029
(605) 925-4216
Rank: #22.
Cedar Grove Colony Elementary - 14
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Rank Change: +483
(from 505 to 22)
Grades: K-8
36926 266th St
Platte, SD 57369
(605) 337-2468
Rank: #33.
Glendale Colony Elementary - 04
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +443
(from 570 to 127)
Grades: K-8
17866 Glendale Dr
Tulare, SD 57476
(605) 266-2151
Rank: #44.
Brentwood Colony Elementary - 05
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +430
(from 612 to 182)
Grades: K-8
15442 343rd Ave
Faulkton, SD 57438
(605) 598-6266
Rank: #55.
Spink Colony Elementary - 03
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +429
(from 602 to 173)
Grades: K-8
18206 Spink Ln
Tulare, SD 57476
(605) 266-2151
Rank: #66.
Thunderbird Colony Elementary - 10
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +384
(from 505 to 121)
Grades: K-8
15185 346th Ave
Faulkton, SD 57438
(605) 598-6266
Rank: #77.
Timber Lake Elementary - 02
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Rank Change: +383
(from 434 to 51)
Grades: PK-5
500 Main St
Timber Lake, SD 57656
(605) 865-3654
Rank: #88.
Waubay Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Rank Change: +382
(from 438 to 56)
Grades: PK-6
202 W School Rd
Waubay, SD 57273
(605) 947-4529
Rank: #99.
Kadoka Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +364
(from 469 to 105)
Grades: PK-5
800 Bayberry St
Kadoka, SD 57543
(605) 837-2173
Rank: #1010.
Bowdle Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +357
(from 438 to 81)
Grades: K-5
3083 2nd Ave
Bowdle, SD 57428
(605) 285-6590
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
Rolland Colony Elementary - 05
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +331
(from 589 to 258)
Grades: K-8
48088 210th St
White, SD 57276
(605) 542-2541
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
Structured Teaching - 12
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +331
(from 589 to 258)
Grades: 6-12
201 N West Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 367-7647
Rank: #1313.
Opal Elementary - 15
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +323
(from 505 to 182)
Grades: K-8
18010 Opal Rd
Union Center, SD 57787
(605) 269-2264
Rank: #1414.
Clearfield Colony Elementary - 07
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +312
(from 570 to 258)
Grades: K-8
40248 293rd Ave
Tripp, SD 57376
(605) 935-6766
Rank: #15 - 1815. - 18.
Mobridge Upper Elementary - 04
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +303
(from 405 to 102)
Grades: 3-5
1107 1st Ave E
Mobridge, SD 57601
(605) 845-9210
Rank: #15 - 1815. - 18.
Maurine Elementary - 04
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +303
(from 505 to 202)
Grades: K-8
17291 Us Hwy 212
Faith, SD 57626
(605) 967-2152
Rank: #15 - 1815. - 18.
Milesville Elementary - 08
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +303
(from 505 to 202)
Grades: K-8
22053 Harding Grove Rd
Philip, SD 57567
(605) 859-2001
Rank: #15 - 1815. - 18.
Pearl Creek Colony Elementary - 05
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +303
(from 505 to 202)
Grades: 4-8
21085 415th Ave
Iroquois, SD 57353
(605) 546-2210
Rank: #1919.
Hanson Elementary - 06
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Rank Change: +288
(from 303 to 15)
Grades: PK-5
230 6th St
Alexandria, SD 57311
(605) 239-4387
Rank: #2020.
Big Stone City Middle School - 03
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Rank Change: +272
(from 301 to 29)
Grades: 6-8
655 Walnut St
Big Stone City, SD 57216
(605) 862-8108
Rank: #2121.
Mayfield Colony Elementary - 04
(Math: <50% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
Rank Change: +266
(from 589 to 323)
Grades: K-8
43188 Mayfield Rd
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Rank: #2222.
Montrose Elementary - 02
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Rank Change: +264
(from 313 to 49)
Grades: PK-5
309 S Church Ave
Montrose, SD 57048
(605) 363-5025
Rank: #2323.
Tea Area Legacy Elementary - 01
(Math: 68% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Rank Change: +257
(from 300 to 43)
Grades: K-5
500 W Charish St
Tea, SD 57064
(605) 498-2700
Rank: #24 - 2924. - 29.
Claremont Colony Elementary - 04
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +247
(from 505 to 258)
Grades: K-8
46271 184th St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Rank: #24 - 2924. - 29.
Riverside Colony Elementary - 15
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +247
(from 505 to 258)
Grades: K-8
40361 200th St
Huron, SD 57350
(605) 353-7800
Rank: #24 - 2924. - 29.
Rosette Colony Elementary - 03
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +247
(from 505 to 258)
Grades: PK-8
12465 359th Ave
Ipswich, SD 57451
(605) 426-6832
Rank: #24 - 2924. - 29.
Shamrock Colony Elementary - 05
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +247
(from 505 to 258)
Grades: K-8
19087 413th Ave
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Rank: #24 - 2924. - 29.
Westwood Rural Elementary - 05
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +247
(from 505 to 258)
Grades: K-8
499 Westwood Rd
Britton, SD 57430
(605) 448-2234
Rank: #24 - 2924. - 29.
White Rock Colony Elementary - 03
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +247
(from 505 to 258)
Grades: K-8
47788 102nd St
Rosholt, SD 57260
(605) 537-4790
Rank: #3030.
Platte - Geddes Jr. High - 03
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +238
(from 328 to 90)
Grades: 6-8
400 Illinois Ave
Platte, SD 57369
(605) 337-3391
Rank: #3131.
South Central Elementary - 03
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +232
(from 405 to 173)
Grades: PK-5
401 Birdsell St
Bonesteel, SD 57317
(605) 654-2314
Rank: #3232.
Jamesville Colony Elementary - 03
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +225
(from 483 to 258)
Grades: K-8
43582 Ne Jim River Rd
Menno, SD 57045
(605) 387-5161
Rank: #33 - 3433. - 34.
Norris Elementary - 08
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
Rank Change: +223
(from 631 to 408)
Grades: K-5
331 School Loop
White River, SD 57579
(605) 462-6455
Rank: #33 - 3433. - 34.
O'kreek Elementary - 14
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
Rank Change: +223
(from 631 to 408)
Grades: K-8
44 School St
Okreek, SD 57563
(605) 856-3507
Rank: #3535.
Mount Vernon Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +208
(from 313 to 105)
Grades: PK-5
500 N Main
Mount Vernon, SD 57363
(605) 236-5237
Show 100 more public schools in SD (out of 414 total schools)
Loading...

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
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
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
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (SD):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
 Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
15 Failures of U.S. Public Education in 2025
15 Failures of U.S. Public Education in 2025
 Uniforms: The Pros and Cons
Uniforms: The Pros and Cons
 Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons

More Articles

Opinion
Public School Jobs
Evaluating Public Schools
Local School Topics
Parenting and Learning Issues