Serving 333 students in grades 1-4, Jefferson Elementary - 09 ranks in the top 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65-69% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower 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 17% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 1-4
- Enrollment: 333 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 17%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Jefferson Elementary - 09 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Jefferson Elementary - 09's student population of 333 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 1-4
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
333 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
Jefferson Elementary - 09 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 Jefferson Elementary - 09 is 0.31, 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
#236 out of 619 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
6%
14%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
4%
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
83%
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
25%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Watertown School District 14-4
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jefferson Elementary - 09's ranking?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 is ranked #236 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?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Jefferson Elementary - 09?
333 students attend Jefferson Elementary - 09.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of Jefferson Elementary - 09 students are White, 6% of students are American Indian, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Jefferson Elementary - 09?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Jefferson Elementary - 09 offer ?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 offers enrollment in grades 1-4 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Jefferson Elementary - 09 part of?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 is part of Watertown School District 14-4.
School Reviews
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