Below Average
#471 of 574 schools in SD
Estelline Middle School - 03
Middle School · Estelline School District 28-2
PO Box 306, Estelline, SD 57234
Enrollment
53
Student-Teacher
13.2:1
Score
4.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
53
Student-Teacher
13.2:1
Score
4.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Estelline
#2 of 3
public schools
South Dakota middle schools
#117 of 144
In district
#2 of 3
Estelline School District 28-2
School environment
7.9 / 10
Very strong
About Estelline Middle School - 03
Estelline Middle School - 03 is a small middle school located in the remote rural area of Estelline, South Dakota. Serving students from sixth to eighth grade, the school has an enrollment of just 53 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 13.2:1 with four full-time equivalent teachers. The school's MySchoolScout Rating is 4.2 out of 10, placing it at number 434 among South Dakota’s 586 schools, which reflects the need for continued academic growth and support.
In terms of test performance, 44% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 47% meet proficiency standards in Math. These scores indicate areas where the school is focusing on student development to help improve overall academic achievement. Despite its small size and remote setting, Estelline Middle School - 03 provides a close-knit community atmosphere that fosters individualized attention for each student.
The school’s rural location offers a unique environment with strong ties to the local community, making it an integral part of life in Hamlin County.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 53 students, Estelline Middle School - 03 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, Estelline Middle School - 03 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
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Estelline Middle School - 03 — Students at Estelline Middle School - 03 score 42% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 50%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
22.6%
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: 2.9/10.
How Estelline Middle School - 03 Compares
See how Estelline Middle School - 03 performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 62% (2019) to 42% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 42% (2022).
Location
PO Box 306, Estelline, SD 57234
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Estelline Middle School - 03 may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Deubrook Jr. High - 02 (rated 8.4/10, 15.7 miles away, in nearby White), which scores notably higher. Another option is Clear Lake Middle School - 04 (rated 6.0/10, 16.1 miles away, in nearby Clear Lake), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Sioux Valley Middle School - 04 (rated 5.3/10, 17.6 miles away, in nearby Volga), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Estelline, see our Estelline schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 19.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Estelline High School - 01 Estelline | 0.0 mi | 4.8 |
| Estelline Elementary - 02 Estelline | 0.0 mi | 5.1 |
| POINSETT COLONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Estelline | 4.6 mi | — |
| Claremont Colony Elementary - 04 Castlewood | 9.7 mi | — |
| Red Willow Colony School - 09 White | 8.6 mi | — |
| Castlewood Elementary - 02 Castlewood | 12.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Castlewood High School - 01 Castlewood | 12.2 mi | 7.8 |
| Castlewood Middle School - 03 Castlewood | 12.2 mi | 4.4 |
| Sioux Valley High School - 01 Volga | 17.6 mi | 6.9 |
| Sioux Valley Middle School - 04 Volga | 17.6 mi | 5.3 |
| Sioux Valley Elementary - 02 Volga | 17.6 mi | 6.2 |
| Deubrook Elementary - 03 Toronto | 12.6 mi | 4.5 |
| VOLGA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Volga | 17.9 mi | 5.6 |
| Deuel High School - 01 Clear Lake | 16.1 mi | 6.2 |
| Clear Lake Elementary - 02 Clear Lake | 16.1 mi | 8.0 |
| Clear Lake Middle School - 04 Clear Lake | 16.1 mi | 6.0 |
| Deubrook High School - 01 White | 15.7 mi | 8.0 |
| Deubrook Jr. High - 02 White | 15.7 mi | 8.4 |
| Hillcrest Elementary - 04 Brookings | 19.4 mi | 5.1 |
| Medary Elementary - 05 Brookings | 19.8 mi | 7.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 57234 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$79,167
Median Home Value
$169,600
Median Rent
$625/mo
Population
1,372
College Educated
29.1%
Homeownership
88.1%
Avg Commute
27.5 min
Poverty Rate
7.2%
Median Age
35.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Estelline Middle School - 03 has a median household income of $79,167. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $169,600, with a median rent of $625/month. The local poverty rate of 7.2% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dupree Jr. High - 04 Dupree, SD | 4.9 |
| Selby Middle School - 03 Selby, SD | 5.0 |
| Corsica-Stickney Jr. High - 03 Corsica, SD | 4.8 |
| Avon Middle School - 05 Avon, SD | 5.1 |
| Canistota Middle School - 03 Canistota, SD | 5.1 |
| Gettysburg Middle School - 03 Gettysburg, SD | 5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Estelline Middle School - 03
What grades does Estelline Middle School - 03 serve?
Estelline Middle School - 03 serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Estelline Middle School - 03?
Estelline Middle School - 03 has an enrollment of approximately 53 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Estelline Middle School - 03?
The student-teacher ratio at Estelline Middle School - 03 is 13.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Estelline Middle School - 03 rank in SD?
Estelline Middle School - 03 is ranked #471 out of 574 schools in SD.
What is Estelline Middle School - 03's MySchoolScout rating?
Estelline Middle School - 03 has a composite rating of 4.9 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 Estelline Middle School - 03?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Estelline Middle School - 03 has 47.0% math proficiency and 43.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Estelline Middle School - 03 a charter school?
No, Estelline Middle School - 03 is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Estelline Middle School - 03 a Title I school?
No, Estelline Middle School - 03 is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Estelline Middle School - 03?
22.6% of students at Estelline Middle School - 03 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
- Average (557/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 53
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 4
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 22.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Hamlin County
- Phone
- (605) 873-2201
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Estelline School District 28-2- District Enrollment
- 275
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,690
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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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