For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 1,538 students in Codington County, SD.
The top-ranked public preschools in Codington County, SD are Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06, Florence Elementary - 02 and Waverly-south Shore Elementary - 02. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Codington County, SD public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 61% (versus the South Dakota public pre school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Codington County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of South Dakota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public preschool average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Codington County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5 12th St Sw
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6350
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6350
Gr: PK-K | 296 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
Florence Elementary - 02
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
515 Main Ave
Florence, SD 57235
(605) 758-2412
Florence, SD 57235
(605) 758-2412
Gr: PK-5 | 179 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
Waverly-south Shore Elementary - 02
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
319 Mary Pl
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 886-9174
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 886-9174
Gr: PK-5 | 128 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #44.
Henry Elementary - 02
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
111 N Cedar
Henry, SD 57243
(605) 532-5364
Henry, SD 57243
(605) 532-5364
Gr: PK-5 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Codington County, SD?
The top-ranked public preschools in Codington County, SD include Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06, Florence Elementary - 02 and Waverly-south Shore Elementary - 02.
How many public preschools are located in Codington County?
7 public preschools are located in Codington County.
What is the racial composition of students in Codington County?
Codington County public preschools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public preschools average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
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.
