Serving 380 students in grades Kindergarten-3, Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 ranks in the top 20% 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 55-59% (which is higher 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 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: Kindergarten-3
- Enrollment: 380 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 30%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Dakota Valley Elementary - 02's student population of 380 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-3
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
380 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Every Learner. Future Ready.
School Rankings
Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 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 Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 is 0.49, 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
#80 out of 619 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
4%
14%
Asian
4%
2%
Hispanic
14%
8%
Black
1%
3%
White
70%
67%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
15%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
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 Dakota Valley Elementary - 02's ranking?
Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 is ranked #80 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 often compared to?
Dakota Valley Elementary - 02is often viewed alongside schools like Elk Point-jefferson Elementary - 02, Dakota Valley Upper Elementary - 04 by visitors of our site.
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 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Dakota Valley Elementary - 02?
380 students attend Dakota Valley Elementary - 02.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 students are White, 14% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are American Indian, 4% of students are Asian, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dakota Valley Elementary - 02?
Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 offer ?
Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-3 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 part of?
Dakota Valley Elementary - 02 is part of Dakota Valley School District 61-8.
School Reviews
Review Dakota Valley Elementary - 02. 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

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.