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 Public Elementary Schools in South Dakota (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Public Elementary Schools in South Dakota (2026)

The top-ranked public elementary schools in South Dakota are Challenge Center - 51, Adventure Elementary - 10 and Warner Elementary - 02. The cities and towns with the highest concentration of top-ranked public elementary schools are Brandon, Warner and Ethan.
A school's overall testing rank is based on a it's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. The average percentage of students achieving math proficiency in South Dakota is 43%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 51%.

Top-Ranked Public Elementary Schools in South Dakota (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Challenge Center - 51
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 2-5
3101 S 4th Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 367-6170
Rank: #22.
Adventure Elementary - 10
(Math: 86% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
Math: 86% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
27220 472nd Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
(605) 432-2567
Rank: #33.
Warner Elementary - 02
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
Math: 80-84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
110 1st Ave Sw
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Rank: #44.
Fred Assam Elementary - 06
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 80-84% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-4
7700 E Willowwood St
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
(605) 582-1500
Rank: #55.
Lake Preston Elementary - 02
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
Math: 70-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
300 1st St Ne
Lake Preston, SD 57249
(605) 847-4464
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Faulkton Elementary - 02
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 70-79% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-5
1114 Court St
Faulkton, SD 57438
(605) 598-6266
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Whitewood Elementary - 04
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 70-79% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-5
603 Garfield St
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Rank: #88.
Warner Middle School - 03
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: 6-8
110 1st Ave Sw
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Rank: #99.
Leola Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥80% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
820 Leola Ave
Leola, SD 57456
(605) 439-3477
Rank: #1010.
Hanson Elementary - 06
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-5
230 6th St
Alexandria, SD 57311
(605) 239-4387
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
Ethan Elementary - 02
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 80-84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-6
320 S 2nd St
Ethan, SD 57334
(605) 227-4211
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
Lennox Elementary - 02
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 80-84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-4
305 W 5th Ave
Lennox, SD 57039
(605) 647-2203
Rank: #13 - 1413. - 14.
Lennox Intermediate - 09
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 10%)
Grades: 5-6
208 W 5th Ave
Lennox, SD 57039
(605) 647-2203
Rank: #13 - 1413. - 14.
Lincoln Elementary - 05
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 10%)
Grades: 1-4
1100 13th St Ne
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6340
Rank: #1515.
C C Lee Elementary - 05
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 70-74% (Top 5%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 10%)
Grades: K-5
1900 N State St
Aberdeen, SD 57401
(605) 725-7500
Rank: #16 - 1716. - 17.
Big Stone City Elementary - 01
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: ≥80% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-79% (Top 20%)
Grades: PK-5
655 Walnut St
Big Stone City, SD 57216
(605) 862-8108
Rank: #16 - 1716. - 17.
Cedar Grove Colony Elementary - 14
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: ≥80% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-79% (Top 20%)
Grades: K-8
36926 266th St
Platte, SD 57369
(605) 337-2468
Rank: #18 - 1918. - 19.
Arlington Elementary - 02
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 65-69% (Top 10%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-6
306 S Main St
Arlington, SD 57212
(605) 983-5741
Rank: #18 - 1918. - 19.
Inspiration Elementary - 08
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 65-69% (Top 10%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-4
3401 S Sparta Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
(605) 582-5890
Rank: #2020.
Robert Bennis Elementary - 05
(Math: 72% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 72% (Top 5%)
Reading: 71% (Top 10%)
Grades: K-4
2001 S Sioux Blvd
Brandon, SD 57005
(605) 582-8010
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
Big Stone City Middle School - 03
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-79% (Top 20%)
Grades: 6-8
655 Walnut St
Big Stone City, SD 57216
(605) 862-8108
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
Wolf Creek Colony Elementary - 04
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
Math: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-79% (Top 20%)
Grades: K-8
42906 Colony Rd
Freeman, SD 57029
(605) 925-4216
Rank: #2323.
Sonia Sotomayor Elementary - 65
(Math: 68% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Math: 68% (Top 10%)
Reading: 74% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-5
1510 S Lake Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 367-4655
Rank: #2424.
Miller Elementary - 02
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Math: 65-69% (Top 10%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 10%)
Grades: K-6
623 E 4th St
Miller, SD 57362
(605) 853-2711
Rank: #2525.
Platte - Geddes Elementary - 02
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Math: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 20%)
Grades: K-5
401 S Iowa Av
Platte, SD 57369
(605) 337-2468
Rank: #2626.
Centerville Elementary - 02
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Math: 70-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 20%)
Grades: PK-5
610 Lincoln St
Centerville, SD 57014
(605) 563-2291
Rank: #2727.
Dell Rapids Elementary - 02
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Math: 70-74% (Top 5%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 20%)
Grades: K-4
309 W 15th St
Dell Rapids, SD 57022
(605) 428-5473
Rank: #28 - 3128. - 31.
All City Elementary - 50
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Math: 60-64% (Top 20%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 10%)
Grades: K-5
2511 W Brookings St
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 367-6120
Rank: #28 - 3128. - 31.
Bridgewater-emery Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Math: 60-64% (Top 20%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-5
510 N Main St
Bridgewater, SD 57319
(605) 729-2541
Rank: #28 - 3128. - 31.
Groton Area Middle School - 04
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Math: 60-64% (Top 20%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 10%)
Grades: 6-8
502 N 2nd St
Groton, SD 57445
(605) 397-8381
Rank: #28 - 3128. - 31.
Hanson Middle School - 02
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Math: 60-64% (Top 20%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 10%)
Grades: 6-8
230 6th St
Alexandria, SD 57311
(605) 239-4387
Rank: #3232.
Canistota Elementary - 02
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Math: 70-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-69% (Top 20%)
Grades: PK-5
431 4th Ave
Canistota, SD 57012
(605) 296-3458
Rank: #3333.
Tea Area Legacy Elementary - 01
(Math: 68% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Math: 68% (Top 10%)
Reading: 69% (Top 20%)
Grades: K-5
500 W Charish St
Tea, SD 57064
(605) 498-2700
Rank: #3434.
Brandon Elementary - 03
(Math: 67% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Math: 67% (Top 10%)
Reading: 69% (Top 20%)
Grades: PK-4
501 Holly Blvd
Brandon, SD 57005
(605) 582-6315
Rank: #3535.
Sturgis Elementary - 03
(Math: 69% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Math: 69% (Top 10%)
Reading: 67% (Top 20%)
Grades: K-4
1121 Ballpark Rd
Sturgis, SD 57785
(605) 347-2386
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

Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
 School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
The Impact of Social Media on Students – 2025 Updated Insights
The Impact of Social Media on Students – 2025 Updated Insights
 What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
 10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools

More Articles

Local School Topics
Public School Policies
About Public Schools
Parenting and Learning Issues
Public School Jobs