Average
#37 of 56 private schools in SD
Zion Lutheran School
Elementary School
4550 MOUNT RUSHMORE RD, Rapid City, SD 57701
Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on 22 schools in Rapid City. Learn more
Enrollment
129
Student-Teacher
14.5:1
Score
5.6
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
129
Student-Teacher
14.5:1
Score
5.6
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2021-22
Updated 2021-22
How this school compares
In Rapid City
#6 of 9
public schools
South Dakota elementary schools
#20 of 33
About Zion Lutheran School
Zion Lutheran School is an elementary school located in the heart of Rapid City, South Dakota. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, Zion Lutheran has a total enrollment of 129 students and maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.5:1, which allows for personalized attention and support. With nine full-time equivalent teachers, the school aims to foster a nurturing environment that encourages learning and growth.
While detailed test score data is not available, Zion Lutheran School continues to focus on holistic development and academic progress for all its students. The school’s MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and state ranking suggest there is room for improvement in terms of standardized test performance, but the community remains dedicated to supporting each child's unique needs. Set within a small city setting, Zion Lutheran School benefits from being part of a close-knit neighborhood where students can easily engage with local resources and activities.
The school’s location offers both urban conveniences and a tight-knit feel, making it an inviting place for families seeking a supportive educational environment.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 129 students, Zion Lutheran School 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.
As a private school, Zion Lutheran School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.
Compare to Public Schools
BetaHow Zion Lutheran School compares to 16 public schools serving similar grades in Rapid City, SD
Student Demographics
Nearby Elementary Schools
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Zion Lutheran School (this school) | 5.6 |
| Grandview Elementary - 06 | 4.9 |
| Corral Drive Elementary - 21 | 5.1 |
| South Park Elementary - 16 | 5.0 |
| Meadowbrook Elementary - 10 | 5.5 |
| Woodrow Wilson Elementary - 17 | 4.7 |
| Robbinsdale Elementary - 14 | 4.6 |
| Canyon Lake Elementary - 04 | 4.6 |
| Jefferson Building - 64 | 6.9 |
| Wellfully - 65 | — |
| South Canyon Elementary - 15 | 4.6 |
| Horace Mann Elementary - 07 | 3.8 |
| General Beadle Elementary - 01 | 4.5 |
| Pinedale Elementary - 11 | 5.7 |
| Knollwood Heights Elementary - 08 | 4.8 |
| Rapid Valley Elementary - 12 | 5.6 |
| Valley View Elementary - 13 | 3.9 |
Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.
Score Breakdown
What This Rating Measures
This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in SD.
Data Unavailable
View data sources
Score basis: Private school model
Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data
Components scored: 4 of 5
Ranking pool: Private schools in SD
Test Scores
Test score data not yet available for this school.
Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)
Location
4550 MOUNT RUSHMORE RD, Rapid City, SD 57701
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Zion Lutheran School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 5.9/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Meadowbrook Elementary - 10 (rated 5.5/10, 2.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Corral Drive Elementary - 21 (rated 5.1/10, 1.8 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Rapid City, see our Rapid City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Rapid City | 0.2 mi | 5.9 |
| ST THOMAS MORE MIDDLE SCHOOL Rapid City | 1.7 mi | 6.5 |
| Grandview Elementary - 06 Rapid City | 1.7 mi | 4.9 |
| Woodrow Wilson Elementary - 17 Rapid City | 2.2 mi | 4.7 |
| South Park Elementary - 16 Rapid City | 2.0 mi | 5.0 |
| Corral Drive Elementary - 21 Rapid City | 1.8 mi | 5.1 |
| Meadowbrook Elementary - 10 Rapid City | 2.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Southwest Middle School - 38 Rapid City | 1.8 mi | 6.2 |
| South Middle School - 36 Rapid City | 2.1 mi | 6.4 |
| Lincoln Building - 44 Rapid City | 2.8 mi | — |
| Rapid City Online High School - 92 Rapid City | 2.9 mi | 5.5 |
| Robbinsdale Elementary - 14 Rapid City | 2.4 mi | 4.6 |
| ST PAULS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Rapid City | 2.3 mi | 4.5 |
| Canyon Lake Elementary - 04 Rapid City | 2.7 mi | 4.6 |
| Jefferson Building - 64 Rapid City | 3.0 mi | 6.9 |
| West Middle School - 37 Rapid City | 3.0 mi | 5.2 |
| Central High School - 41 Rapid City | 3.5 mi | 4.0 |
| CHILDREN'S HOUSE MONTESSORI Rapid City | 3.4 mi | 4.7 |
| Stevens High School - 42 Rapid City | 3.3 mi | 4.8 |
| Wellfully - 65 Rapid City | 3.6 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 57701 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$52,733
Median Home Value
$229,900
Median Rent
$892/mo
Population
45,221
College Educated
28.2%
Homeownership
59.4%
Avg Commute
17.2 min
Poverty Rate
18.8%
Median Age
37.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Zion Lutheran School has a median household income of $52,733. It is an area where 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $229,900, with a median rent of $892/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.8%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 17 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 |
|---|---|
| Canistota Elementary - 02 Canistota, SD | 5.6 |
| HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Huron, SD | 5.5 |
| Highmore Elementary - 02 Highmore, SD | 5.5 |
| Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary - 02 De Smet, SD | 5.5 |
| White River Elementary - 02 White River, SD | 5.5 |
| Buffalo Elementary - 02 Buffalo, SD | 5.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Zion Lutheran School
What grades does Zion Lutheran School serve?
Zion Lutheran School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Zion Lutheran School?
Zion Lutheran School has an enrollment of approximately 129 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Zion Lutheran School?
The student-teacher ratio at Zion Lutheran School is 14.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.
How does Zion Lutheran School rank in SD?
Zion Lutheran School is ranked #37 out of 56 private schools in SD.
What is Zion Lutheran School's MySchoolScout rating?
Zion Lutheran School has a composite rating of 5.6 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.
Is Zion Lutheran School a private school?
Yes, Zion Lutheran School is a private coeducational school with a Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.
Is Zion Lutheran School a religious school?
Zion Lutheran School has a Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod religious affiliation.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (4,515/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Rapid City). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 129
- Gender Split
- 48% M / 52% F
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 9
- Type
- private
- Coed Status
- coed
- Affiliation
- Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
- School Day
- 6.8 hours
- Days Per Year
- 170 days
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- PENNINGTON
- Phone
- (605) 342-5749
- Data Year
- 2022–2023
Resources & Links
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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