Serving 179 students in grades 4-5, Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04 ranks in the top 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 48% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 58% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 4-5
- Enrollment: 179 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 58% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04's student population of 179 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 13 teachers has declined by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 4-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
179 students
Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
School Rankings
Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04 ranks within the top 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04 is 0.47, 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
#202 out of 619 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
4%
14%
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
15%
9%
Black
2%
3%
White
71%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
14%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Dakota Valley School District 61-8
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04's ranking?
Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04 is ranked #202 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 58% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04?
179 students attend Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04 students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04?
Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04 has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04 offer ?
Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04 offers enrollment in grades 4-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04 part of?
Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04 is part of Dakota Valley School District 61-8.
School Reviews
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