Top Rankings
South Central 26-5 School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 5%)
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
Student Attention
Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there is 1 public preschool serving 58 students in South Central 26-5 School District. This district's average pre testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public pre schools in South Dakota.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Preschool in South Central 26-5 School District have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the South Dakota public pre school average of 44%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 45% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public preschool average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
2 Schools
145 Schools
# Students
58 Students
30,673 Students
# Teachers
7 Teachers
2,364 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
8:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
South Central 26-5 School District, which is ranked within the top 30% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
Overall District Rank
#48 out of 148 school districts
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
42%
Graduation Rate
(17-18)≥50%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.51
0.54
% American Indian
41%
13%
% Asian
n/a
1%
% Hispanic
n/a
9%
% Black
n/a
5%
% White
57%
66%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $27,017 is higher than the state median of $13,146. The school district revenue/student has grown by 27% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $29,328 is higher than the state median of $12,647. The school district spending/student has grown by 67% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$2 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$2 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student (18-19)
$27,017
$13,146
Spending / Student (18-19)
$29,328
$12,647
Best South Central 26-5 School District ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Preschools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
South Central Elementary - 03
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
401 Birdsell St
Bonesteel, SD 57317
(605) 654-2314
Bonesteel, SD 57317
(605) 654-2314
Gr: PK-5 | 58 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Recent Articles

Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.

Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.

NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here’s what parents and educators need to know.