Average
#335 of 574 schools in SD
Chester Elementary -02
Elementary School · Chester Area School District 39-1
102 2nd Ave, Chester, SD 57016
Enrollment
148
Student-Teacher
14.8:1
Score
5.9
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
148
Student-Teacher
14.8:1
Score
5.9
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Chester
#3 of 6
public schools
South Dakota elementary schools
#159 of 271
In district
#3 of 6
Chester Area School District 39-1
Academic performance
7.8 / 10
Very strong
About Chester Elementary -02
Chester Elementary -02 is a charming elementary school nestled in the heart of Chester, South Dakota. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, this rural school prides itself on fostering a close-knit community where every child feels valued and supported. With an enrollment of 148 students and a student-teacher ratio of 14.8:1, Chester Elementary ensures that each child receives personalized attention to help them thrive academically and socially.
The dedicated staff at Chester Elementary includes ten full-time equivalent teachers who are committed to providing a strong educational foundation for their students. While the school’s MySchoolScout rating is 5.4 out of 10, placing it in the 52nd percentile among South Dakota schools, there is room for academic growth and improvement. On average, 60% of students meet or exceed proficiency levels in ELA/Reading, while 54% do so in Math.
Chester Elementary -02 stands out as a community-focused school in its rural setting, where the bond between teachers, students, and families is strong and supportive.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 148 students, Chester Elementary -02 is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
Located in a rural area, Chester Elementary -02 may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Chester Elementary -02 — Students at Chester Elementary -02 score 57% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
16.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores SD EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from SD state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.5/10.
How Chester Elementary -02 Compares
See how Chester Elementary -02 performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 57% (2019) to 57% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 67% (2019) to 57% (2022).
Location
102 2nd Ave, Chester, SD 57016
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Chester Elementary -02 may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Colman Elementary - 03 (rated 8.0/10, 8.2 miles away, in nearby Colman), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST THOMAS SCHOOL (rated 6.3/10, 11.9 miles away, in nearby Madison), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Tri-Valley Elementary in Colton - 02 (rated 6.2/10, 11.6 miles away, in nearby Colton), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Chester, see our Chester schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 12.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Chester High School - 01 Chester | 0.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Chester Middle School - 03 Chester | 0.0 mi | 6.8 |
| Chester Area Cyber School - 92 Chester | 0.0 mi | 5.9 |
| High Plains - 06 Chester | 0.0 mi | 4.9 |
| Colman-Egan High School - 01 Colman | 8.2 mi | 8.1 |
| Colman-Egan Jr. High - 02 Colman | 8.2 mi | 6.1 |
| Colman Elementary - 03 Colman | 8.2 mi | 8.0 |
| Tri-Valley High School - 01 Colton | 11.6 mi | 7.7 |
| Tri-Valley Intermediate School - 03 Colton | 11.6 mi | 3.6 |
| Tri-Valley Elementary in Colton - 02 Colton | 11.6 mi | 6.2 |
| Rustic Acres Elementary - 04 Chester | 8.6 mi | 3.1 |
| Madison Middle School - 02 Madison | 11.8 mi | 5.5 |
| Madison High School - 01 Madison | 11.8 mi | 3.4 |
| ST THOMAS SCHOOL Madison | 11.9 mi | 6.3 |
| Dell Rapids Elementary - 02 Dell Rapids | 11.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Madison Elementary - 07 Madison | 12.5 mi | 5.3 |
| MADISON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Madison | 12.1 mi | — |
| ST MARY GRADE SCHOOL Dell Rapids | 12.2 mi | 4.3 |
| ST MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Dell Rapids | 12.2 mi | 4.1 |
| Dell Rapids High School - 01 Dell Rapids | 12.2 mi | 6.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 57016 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$92,125
Median Home Value
$225,600
Median Rent
$1,107/mo
Population
680
College Educated
31.4%
Homeownership
90.5%
Poverty Rate
1.2%
Median Age
51.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Chester Elementary -02 has a median household income of $92,125. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $225,600, with a median rent of $1,107/month. The local poverty rate of 1.2% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Andes Central Elementary - 02 Lake Andes, SD | 5.9 |
| CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Rapid City, SD | 5.9 |
| Elkton Elementary - 02 Elkton, SD | 5.9 |
| OUR LADY OF LOURDES ELEMENTARY Porcupine, SD | 5.9 |
| Marion Elementary - 02 Marion, SD | 6.1 |
| Menno Elementary - 02 Menno, SD | 6.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Chester Elementary -02
What grades does Chester Elementary -02 serve?
Chester Elementary -02 serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Chester Elementary -02?
Chester Elementary -02 has an enrollment of approximately 148 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Chester Elementary -02?
The student-teacher ratio at Chester Elementary -02 is 14.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Chester Elementary -02 rank in SD?
Chester Elementary -02 is ranked #335 out of 574 schools in SD.
What is Chester Elementary -02's MySchoolScout rating?
Chester Elementary -02 has a composite rating of 5.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Chester Elementary -02?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Chester Elementary -02 has 53.7% math proficiency and 60.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Chester Elementary -02 a charter school?
No, Chester Elementary -02 is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Chester Elementary -02 a Title I school?
No, Chester Elementary -02 is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Chester Elementary -02?
16.9% of students at Chester Elementary -02 qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Low (145/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 148
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 10
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 16.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Lake County
- Phone
- (605) 489-2411
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Chester Area School District 39-1- District Enrollment
- 542
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,311
- District Rank
- #3 of 6
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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