For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,753 students in Box Elder, SD.
The top-ranked public schools in Box Elder, SD are Patriot Elementary -06, Douglas High School - 03 and Vandenberg Elementary - 02. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Box Elder, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Box Elder have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Box Elder, SD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Patriot Elementary -06
(Math: 56% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
421 Don Williams Dr
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0080
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0080
Gr: K-3 | 936 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #22.
Douglas High School - 03
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
420 Patriot Dr
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0030
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0030
Gr: 9-12 | 752 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #33.
Vandenberg Elementary - 02
(Math: 42% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
561 Briggs St
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0060
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0060
Gr: 4-5 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #44.
Douglas Middle School - 01
(Math: 28% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
691 Tower Rd
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0050
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0050
Gr: 6-8 | 623 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Box Elder, South Dakota Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
401 Don Williams Dr
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0080
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0080
Gr: K-1 | 464 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
420 Patriot Drive
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0013
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0013
Gr: 9-12 | 703 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
441 Don Williams Dr
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0070
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0070
Gr: 2-3 | 492 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Box Elder, SD?
The top-ranked public schools in Box Elder, SD include Patriot Elementary -06, Douglas High School - 03 and Vandenberg Elementary - 02.
How many public schools are located in Box Elder?
5 public schools are located in Box Elder.
What is the racial composition of students in Box Elder?
Box Elder public schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the South Dakota public schools average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Which public schools in Box Elder are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Box Elder include: Douglas Preschool - 08 vs. Douglas High School - 03, Vandenberg Elementary - 02 vs. Douglas Middle School - 01, Douglas Preschool - 08 vs. Douglas Middle School - 01
Recent Articles
School Vouchers 2026: Updated Pros and Cons
Explore school vouchers in 2026, including updated pros, cons, policy changes, and what families should know before choosing.
Education Funding in America (2026 Update)
A 2026 update on education funding in America, including federal, state, and local trends, equity gaps, and what parents should know.
What It Takes to Run a Public School Day-to-Day
Explore what it takes to run a public school daily, from leadership and staffing to budgeting, safety, and student support systems.