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 60% (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 Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 867 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 60% (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 grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
867 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
49 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
School Rankings
Discovery Elementary - 26 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 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 619 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
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
Sioux Falls School District 49-5
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Discovery Elementary - 26's ranking?
Discovery Elementary - 26 is ranked #111 out of 619 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 Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17, All City Elementary - 50, Explorer Elementary - 04 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60% 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 (No virtual instruction).
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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