For the 2025-26 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 (2025-26)
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 Middle School - 01, Douglas Preschool - 08 vs. Douglas High School - 03, Douglas Middle School - 01 vs. Douglas High School - 03
Recent Articles
Charter Schools vs Public Schools 2025: Key Differences & Trends
Explore updated 2025 insights comparing charter schools vs public schools, enrollment, academic outcomes, funding, and real-world examples for families and educators.
Are Public Schools Ready for the 21st Century? 2025 Update
Explore 2025 insights on whether public schools are ready for the 21st century, covering performance, technology, equity, funding, and future-ready learning.
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.