Serving 209 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤5% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 6-9% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 209 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Mclaughlin Elementary - 02's student population of 209 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
209 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Year Founded
1935
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 25, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. May 23, 2026
School Rankings
Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 is 0.12, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#611 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
12:1
American Indian
94%
14%
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
n/a
8%
Black
n/a
3%
White
2%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
7%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mclaughlin Elementary - 02's ranking?
Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 is ranked #611 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 6-9% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Mclaughlin Elementary - 02?
209 students attend Mclaughlin Elementary - 02.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 students are American Indian, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mclaughlin Elementary - 02?
Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 offer ?
Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 part of?
Mclaughlin Elementary - 02 is part of Mclaughlin School District 15-2.
School Reviews
Review Mclaughlin Elementary - 02. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
