Serving 666 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, John Harris Elementary - 23 ranks in the top 20% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 64% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 63% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 666 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 64% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 63% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
John Harris Elementary - 23 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
John Harris Elementary - 23's student population of 666 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
666 students
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Rankings
John Harris Elementary - 23 ranks within the top 20% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of John Harris Elementary - 23 is 0.37, 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
#73 out of 619 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
14%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
5%
9%
Black
5%
3%
White
79%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sioux Falls School District 49-5
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Harris Elementary - 23's ranking?
John Harris Elementary - 23 is ranked #73 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are John Harris Elementary - 23 often compared to?
John Harris Elementary - 23is often viewed alongside schools like Horizon Elementary - 09, All City Elementary - 50, Challenge Center - 51 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 63% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend John Harris Elementary - 23?
666 students attend John Harris Elementary - 23.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of John Harris Elementary - 23 students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of John Harris Elementary - 23?
John Harris Elementary - 23 has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does John Harris Elementary - 23 offer ?
John Harris Elementary - 23 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is John Harris Elementary - 23 part of?
John Harris Elementary - 23 is part of Sioux Falls School District 49-5.
School Reviews
Review John Harris Elementary - 23. 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.
