Excellent
#2 of 574 schools in SD
Top 1% in state
Lake Preston Elementary - 02
Elementary School · Lake Preston School District 38-3
300 1st St NE, Lake Preston, SD 57249
Enrollment
104
Student-Teacher
10.4:1
Score
9.7
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
104
Student-Teacher
10.4:1
Score
9.7
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Lake Preston
#1 of 3
public schools
South Dakota elementary schools
#2 of 271
In district
#1 of 3
Lake Preston School District 38-3
Academic performance
10.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Lake Preston Elementary - 02
Lake Preston Elementary - 02 is a public elementary school in Lake Preston, South Dakota, serving 104 students in prekindergarten through fifth grade. With a student-teacher ratio of 10.4 to 1, students get consistent, close contact with teachers throughout the school day. The academic results here are among the strongest in the state.
Lake Preston Elementary - 02 ranks second out of 574 public schools in South Dakota and second out of 271 elementary schools statewide — a performance level reached by almost no school in the state. Its composite score of 9.7 out of 10 earns an Exceptional rating, with a perfect 10.0 for academics and a 9.8 for student growth. That growth score matters: it reflects how much students actually advance year over year, not just where they start.
For families comparing options in the area, the numbers are straightforward. This school outperforms 100 percent of public schools in South Dakota, placing it at the top of an extremely competitive field. Parents researching elementary schools in Lake Preston will find this is the highest-rated option in the community.
Small enrollment, an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio, and sustained academic achievement make Lake Preston Elementary - 02 one of the most compelling elementary choices available anywhere in South Dakota.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 104 students, Lake Preston 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, Lake Preston 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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Lake Preston Elementary - 02 — Students at Lake Preston Elementary - 02 score 90% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
41.3%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.8/10.
How Lake Preston Elementary - 02 Compares
See how Lake Preston Elementary - 02 performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 64.5% (2019) to 95% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 64.5% (2019) to 84.5% (2022).
Location
300 1st St NE, Lake Preston, SD 57249
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Lake Preston Elementary - 02 may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Howard Elementary - 02 (rated 8.3/10, 25.3 miles away, in nearby Howard), a more accessible option. Another option is Hamlin Elementary - 09 (rated 7.5/10, 20.8 miles away, in nearby Hayti), a more accessible option. Additionally, Arlington Elementary - 02 (rated 7.2/10, 11.7 miles away, in nearby Arlington), a more accessible option. For more schools in Lake Preston, see our Lake Preston schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 26.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Preston High School - 01 Lake Preston | 0.0 mi | 7.7 |
| Lake Preston Middle School - 03 Lake Preston | 0.0 mi | 8.3 |
| De Smet High School - 01 De Smet | 9.2 mi | 7.6 |
| De Smet Middle School - 03 De Smet | 9.2 mi | 3.2 |
| Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary - 02 De Smet | 9.2 mi | 5.5 |
| Arlington Elementary - 02 Arlington | 11.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Arlington High School - 01 Arlington | 11.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Arlington Jr. High - 03 Arlington | 11.7 mi | 8.1 |
| Arlington Preschool - 04 Arlington | 11.7 mi | — |
| Hamlin Middle School - 02 Hayti | 20.8 mi | 4.7 |
| Hamlin High School - 01 Hayti | 20.8 mi | 5.0 |
| Hamlin Elementary - 09 Hayti | 20.8 mi | 7.5 |
| Collins Colony Elementary - 06 Willow Lake | 20.5 mi | — |
| Willow Lake Elementary - 02 Willow Lake | 22.6 mi | 4.0 |
| Willow Lake High School - 01 Willow Lake | 22.6 mi | 5.8 |
| Willow Lake Middle School - 03 Willow Lake | 22.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Howard High School - 01 Howard | 25.0 mi | 8.3 |
| Howard Jr. High - 05 Howard | 25.0 mi | 8.1 |
| Howard Elementary - 02 Howard | 25.3 mi | 8.3 |
| Shannon Colony Elementary - 08 Winfred | 26.5 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 57249 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$74,545
Median Home Value
$202,500
Median Rent
$535/mo
Population
1,007
College Educated
19.1%
Homeownership
80%
Poverty Rate
11.1%
Median Age
51
Community Profile
The community surrounding Lake Preston Elementary - 02 has a median household income of $74,545. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $202,500, with a median rent of $535/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.1%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Onida Elementary - 04 Onida, SD | 9.7 |
| Waubay Elementary - 02 Waubay, SD | 9.6 |
| Eureka Elementary - 02 Eureka, SD | 9.4 |
| Selby Elementary - 02 Selby, SD | 9.2 |
| Montrose Elementary - 02 Montrose, SD | 9.1 |
| Frederick Area Elementary - 02 Frederick, SD | 9.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lake Preston Elementary - 02
What grades does Lake Preston Elementary - 02 serve?
Lake Preston Elementary - 02 serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Lake Preston Elementary - 02?
Lake Preston Elementary - 02 has an enrollment of approximately 104 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Lake Preston Elementary - 02?
The student-teacher ratio at Lake Preston Elementary - 02 is 10.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Lake Preston Elementary - 02 rank in SD?
Lake Preston Elementary - 02 is ranked #2 out of 574 schools in SD.
What is Lake Preston Elementary - 02's MySchoolScout rating?
Lake Preston Elementary - 02 has a composite rating of 9.7 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 Lake Preston Elementary - 02?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Lake Preston Elementary - 02 has 74.7% math proficiency and 71.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Lake Preston Elementary - 02 a charter school?
No, Lake Preston Elementary - 02 is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Lake Preston Elementary - 02 a Title I school?
No, Lake Preston Elementary - 02 is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Lake Preston Elementary - 02?
41.3% of students at Lake Preston 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 104
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 10
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 41.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Kingsbury County
- Phone
- (605) 847-4464
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Lake Preston School District 38-3- District Enrollment
- 188
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,235
- District Rank
- #1 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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