Average
#400 of 574 schools in SD
Jefferson Elementary - 09
Elementary School · Watertown School District 14-4
1701 N Maple St, Watertown, SD 57201
Enrollment
332
Student-Teacher
18.4:1
Score
5.5
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Enrollment
332
Student-Teacher
18.4:1
Score
5.5
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Watertown
#6 of 8
public schools
South Dakota elementary schools
#193 of 271
In district
#6 of 8
Watertown School District 14-4
Academic performance
7.5 / 10
Very strong
About Jefferson Elementary - 09
Jefferson Elementary - 09 is a regular public elementary school in Watertown, South Dakota, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. With an enrollment of 332 students and a student-teacher ratio of 18.4:1, the school provides personalized attention to its young learners. Jefferson Elementary has 18 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment.
Academically, Jefferson Elementary scores in the 47th percentile among South Dakota schools, with an overall MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and an academic score of 7.0 out of 10. Students perform at around 60% proficiency in math and 50% proficiency in ELA/reading across all grade levels, indicating areas for improvement but also highlighting the potential for growth. The school is situated in a remote town setting, which may offer unique community bonds and support systems for its students.
Jefferson Elementary - 09 stands as an integral part of Watertown's educational landscape, focusing on nurturing young minds within a close-knit community.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Jefferson Elementary - 09 — Students at Jefferson Elementary - 09 score 54% 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: 5.6/10.
How Jefferson Elementary - 09 Compares
See how Jefferson Elementary - 09 performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 62% (2019) to 62% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 57% (2019) to 47% (2022).
Location
1701 N Maple St, Watertown, SD 57201
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Jefferson Elementary - 09 may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Waverly-South Shore Elementary - 02 (rated 8.2/10, 8.8 miles away, in nearby Waverly), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lincoln Elementary - 05 (rated 7.8/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, McKinley Elementary - 06 (rated 7.6/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Watertown, see our Watertown schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 14.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 57201 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$64,809
Median Home Value
$223,600
Median Rent
$903/mo
Population
26,375
College Educated
21.3%
Homeownership
66%
Avg Commute
14.1 min
Poverty Rate
10.4%
Median Age
39.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Jefferson Elementary - 09 has a median household income of $64,809. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $223,600, with a median rent of $903/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.4%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 14 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 |
|---|---|
| Endeavor Elementary - 07 Sioux Falls, SD | 5.5 |
| Groton Area Elementary - 02 Groton, SD | 5.5 |
| Laura B. Anderson Elementary - 10 Sioux Falls, SD | 5.5 |
| Meadowbrook Elementary - 10 Rapid City, SD | 5.5 |
| SACRED HEART SCHOOL Yankton, SD | 5.5 |
| Washington 4-5 Center - 20 Huron, SD | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Jefferson Elementary - 09
What grades does Jefferson Elementary - 09 serve?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.
How many students attend Jefferson Elementary - 09?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 has an enrollment of approximately 332 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Jefferson Elementary - 09?
The student-teacher ratio at Jefferson Elementary - 09 is 18.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Jefferson Elementary - 09 rank in SD?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 is ranked #400 out of 574 schools in SD.
What is Jefferson Elementary - 09's MySchoolScout rating?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 has a composite rating of 5.5 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 Jefferson Elementary - 09?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Jefferson Elementary - 09 has 60.3% math proficiency and 50.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Jefferson Elementary - 09 a charter school?
No, Jefferson Elementary - 09 is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Jefferson Elementary - 09 a Title I school?
No, Jefferson Elementary - 09 is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Jefferson Elementary - 09?
16.9% of students at Jefferson Elementary - 09 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
- City Safety
- Elevated (1,332/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Watertown). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 4th
- Enrollment
- 332
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 18
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 16.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Codington County
- Phone
- (605) 882-6390
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Watertown School District 14-4- District Enrollment
- 3,690
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,402
- District Rank
- #6 of 8
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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