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Average

#37 of 56 private schools in SD

Zion Lutheran School

Elementary School

4550 MOUNT RUSHMORE RD, Rapid City, SD 57701

Private Estimated Score

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

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

Beta

How Zion Lutheran School compares to 16 public schools serving similar grades in Rapid City, SD

Student-Teacher Ratio
14.5:1
This School
vs
14.4:1
Public Avg
Avg School Size
129
This School
vs
335
Public Avg
Avg School Scout Rating
5.6
This School
vs
4.9
Public Avg

Student Demographics

White 85.3% vs 0%
Black 2.3% vs 0%
Hispanic 2.3% vs 0%
Asian 2.3% vs 0%
Zion Lutheran School Rapid City Public Avg

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.

Classroom Attention
? Student-teacher ratio calibrated against other private schools. Lower ratios mean more individual attention. (30% of overall score)
C 3.1 / 10
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio 14.5:1
Instructional Commitment
? Total annual instructional hours based on school day length and days per year. (15% of overall score)
B- 4.5 / 10
View breakdown
School Day Length 6.8 hours
Annual Instructional Hours 1,156
Diversity & Inclusion
? Racial and ethnic diversity of the student body using Simpson's diversity index. (20% of overall score)
A- 8.0 / 10
View breakdown
Diversity Index 22%
Community Context

Data Unavailable

School Profile
? Enrollment size and grade span breadth — indicators of program depth and peer community. (15% of overall score)
A- 8.3 / 10
View breakdown
Enrollment 129
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)

White 85.3%
Two or More 4.7%
Native American 3.1%
Black 2.3%
Hispanic 2.3%
Asian 2.3%

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Data Year
2022–2023

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.

Read our full methodology

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