Milbank Elementary - 03

Milbank Elementary - 03 is a public elementary school in Milbank, South Dakota, serving 429 students in grades PK through 5. At a 12.3-to-1 student-teacher ratio, class sizes stay small enough to support consistent, individualized instruction — and the school's results make clear that advantage is being used well. The composite score sits at 9.2 out of 10, placing the school in the "Exceptional" tier.

Among all 574 public schools in South Dakota, Milbank Elementary ranks 9th, outperforming 99% of schools statewide. It also ranks 9th out of 271 elementary schools in the state and holds the top spot among Milbank's three public schools. Those rankings are earned across two strong sub-scores: a 9.3 for academics and a 9.7 for growth.

The growth score carries particular weight. It measures how much students progress relative to comparable peers — a 9.7 means students here are advancing faster than at nearly every other school in South Dakota, regardless of incoming ability level. For parents evaluating elementary options, that upward trajectory is often a stronger signal than raw test scores alone.

Located in a rural area, Milbank Elementary - 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.