Serving 131 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Howard Elementary - 02 ranks in the top 20% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-69% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (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 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 131 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 4%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-59% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Howard Elementary - 02 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Howard Elementary - 02's student population of 131 students has declined by 24% over five school years.
The teacher population of 11 teachers has declined by 35% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
131 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
School Rankings
Howard Elementary - 02 ranks within the top 20% of all 636 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Howard Elementary - 02 is 0.08, 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
#125 out of 636 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(22-23)60-69%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
42%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
2%
8%
Black
n/a
3%
White
96%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
18%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
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 Howard Elementary - 02's ranking?
Howard Elementary - 02 is ranked #125 out of 636 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Howard Elementary - 02?
131 students attend Howard Elementary - 02.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of Howard Elementary - 02 students are White, 2% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Howard Elementary - 02?
Howard Elementary - 02 has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Howard Elementary - 02 offer ?
Howard Elementary - 02 offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Howard Elementary - 02 part of?
Howard Elementary - 02 is part of Howard School District 48-3.
School Reviews
Review Howard 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

Understanding Self-Contained Classrooms in ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools
Learn about the history of public schools incorporating self-contained classrooms, and whether they are right for your child.

Can Naviance Succeed Improve College and Career Readiness?
Learn about a new student assessment system, Naviance Succeed, which provides tools and support to increase student college and career readiness. A number of school districts are using the tool this year in hopes of improving student performance through more accurate assessment process than are currently available.

Do You Need After School Day Care? ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools May Be the Solution
Learn about how your child's public school may be the best source of after school and vacation day care.