Serving 426 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Lowell Elementary - 28 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35-39% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 426 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 73%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lowell Elementary - 28 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Lowell Elementary - 28's student population of 426 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
426 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Lowell Elementary - 28 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lowell Elementary - 28 is 0.78, which is more 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
#480 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
13%
14%
Asian
3%
2%
Hispanic
33%
9%
Black
13%
3%
White
27%
66%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)29.3%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lowell Elementary - 28's ranking?
Lowell Elementary - 28 is ranked #480 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Lowell Elementary - 28 often compared to?
Lowell Elementary - 28is often viewed alongside schools like Cleveland Elementary - 14 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Lowell Elementary - 28?
426 students attend Lowell Elementary - 28.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Lowell Elementary - 28 students are Hispanic, 27% of students are White, 13% of students are American Indian, 13% of students are Black, 10% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lowell Elementary - 28?
Lowell Elementary - 28 has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Lowell Elementary - 28 offer ?
Lowell Elementary - 28 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lowell Elementary - 28 part of?
Lowell Elementary - 28 is part of Sioux Falls School District 49-5.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Lowell has an active Cub Scout program. It is open to all boys, first through fifth grades. Cub Scouts meet on the first, third and fourth Thursdays of each month during the school year. Meetings are held at 6:30 pm in the Cafeteria. Hope to see you there!
Review Lowell Elementary - 28. 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
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
