For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 978 students in Butte County, SD.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Butte County, SD are Newell Elementary - 02, South Park Elementary - 03 and Belle Fourche Middle School - 07. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Butte County, SD public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Butte County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary school average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Butte County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Newell Elementary - 02
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
501 Dartmouth Ave
Newell, SD 57760
(605) 456-0102
Newell, SD 57760
(605) 456-0102
Gr: PK-5 | 125 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
South Park Elementary - 03
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1816 Valley Dr
Belle Fourche, SD 57717
(605) 723-3382
Belle Fourche, SD 57717
(605) 723-3382
Gr: 1-4 | 396 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #33.
Belle Fourche Middle School - 07
(Math: 33% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1302 Ziebach St
Belle Fourche, SD 57717
(605) 723-3367
Belle Fourche, SD 57717
(605) 723-3367
Gr: 5-8 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #44.
Newell Middle School - 04
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
501 Dartmouth Ave
Newell, SD 57760
(605) 456-0102
Newell, SD 57760
(605) 456-0102
Gr: 6-8 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Butte County, SD?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Butte County, SD include Newell Elementary - 02, South Park Elementary - 03 and Belle Fourche Middle School - 07.
How many public elementary schools are located in Butte County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Butte County.
What is the racial composition of students in Butte County?
Butte County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary schools average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.