Serving 396 students in grades 1-4, South Park Elementary - 03 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 40-44% (which is approximately equal to the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 1-4
- Enrollment: 396 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
South Park Elementary - 03's student population of 396 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 1-4
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
396 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
South Park Elementary - 03 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 South Park Elementary - 03 is 0.33, 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
#478 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
3%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
9%
8%
Black
n/a
3%
White
81%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
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 South Park Elementary - 03's ranking?
South Park Elementary - 03 is ranked #478 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend South Park Elementary - 03?
396 students attend South Park Elementary - 03.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of South Park Elementary - 03 students are White, 9% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Park Elementary - 03?
South Park Elementary - 03 has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does South Park Elementary - 03 offer ?
South Park Elementary - 03 offers enrollment in grades 1-4 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is South Park Elementary - 03 part of?
South Park Elementary - 03 is part of Belle Fourche School District 09-1.
School Reviews
Review South Park Elementary - 03. 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

Why Single-Sex ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.