Serving 35 students in grades 9-12, Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤20% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 21-39% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is equal to 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 33% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 35 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Graduation Rate: 50-59% (Btm 50% in SD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09's student population of 35 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 3 teachers has grown by 50% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
35 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
School Rankings
Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 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
#559 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
6%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
9%
8%
Black
n/a
3%
White
71%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
14%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
50-59%
82%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
29%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09's ranking?
Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 is ranked #559 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 often compared to?
Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09is often viewed alongside schools like Black Hills Education Connections - 06 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 21-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09?
The graduation rate of Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 is 50-59%, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 82%.
How many students attend Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09?
35 students attend Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 students are White, 14% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Hispanic, and 6% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09?
Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 offer ?
Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 part of?
Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 is part of Belle Fourche School District 09-1.
School Reviews
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