Serving 332 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, Jefferson Elementary - 09 ranks in the top 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65-69% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 332 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 10%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Jefferson Elementary - 09 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Jefferson Elementary - 09's student population of 332 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
332 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
Jefferson Elementary - 09 ranks within the top 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Jefferson Elementary - 09 is 0.19, 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
#236 out of 619 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
3%
8%
Black
n/a
3%
White
90%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
14%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jefferson Elementary - 09's ranking?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 is ranked #236 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Jefferson Elementary - 09?
332 students attend Jefferson Elementary - 09.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Jefferson Elementary - 09 students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Jefferson Elementary - 09?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Jefferson Elementary - 09 offer ?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Jefferson Elementary - 09 part of?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 is part of Watertown School District 14-4.
School Reviews
Review Jefferson Elementary - 09. 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
