Serving 867 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Discovery Elementary - 26 ranks in the top 20% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 61% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 59% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 867 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 61% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 59% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Discovery Elementary - 26 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Discovery Elementary - 26's student population of 867 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 49 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
867 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
49 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
Discovery Elementary - 26 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 Discovery Elementary - 26 is 0.37, 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
#111 out of 636 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
42%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
59%
51%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
42%

Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
12:1

American Indian
2%
14%

Asian
1%
2%

Hispanic
7%
8%

Black
7%
3%

White
79%
67%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%

All Ethnic Groups



Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
15%
31%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
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 Discovery Elementary - 26's ranking?
Discovery Elementary - 26 is ranked #111 out of 636 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Discovery Elementary - 26 often compared to?
Discovery Elementary - 26is often viewed alongside schools like Explorer Elementary - 04, Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17, John F. Kennedy Elementary - 57 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
61% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Discovery Elementary - 26?
867 students attend Discovery Elementary - 26.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Discovery Elementary - 26 students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Discovery Elementary - 26?
Discovery Elementary - 26 has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Discovery Elementary - 26 offer ?
Discovery Elementary - 26 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is Discovery Elementary - 26 part of?
Discovery Elementary - 26 is part of Sioux Falls School District 49-5.
School Reviews
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