Serving 394 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Kennedy Elementary - 08 ranks in the top 30% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 394 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 39%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Kennedy Elementary - 08 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Kennedy Elementary - 08's student population of 394 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
394 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Rankings
Kennedy Elementary - 08 ranks within the top 30% of all 636 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Kennedy Elementary - 08 is 0.58, which is more 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
#167 out of 636 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
42%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
American Indian
18%
14%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
5%
8%
Black
n/a
3%
White
61%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
15%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
29%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
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 Kennedy Elementary - 08's ranking?
Kennedy Elementary - 08 is ranked #167 out of 636 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Kennedy Elementary - 08?
394 students attend Kennedy Elementary - 08.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Kennedy Elementary - 08 students are White, 18% of students are American Indian, 15% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Kennedy Elementary - 08?
Kennedy Elementary - 08 has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Kennedy Elementary - 08 offer ?
Kennedy Elementary - 08 offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Kennedy Elementary - 08 part of?
Kennedy Elementary - 08 is part of Pierre School District 32-2.
School Reviews
Review Kennedy Elementary - 08. 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

43 Fantastic ESL Resources for Students
We've put together this ESL resource guide to help students, from teens to adults, get the help they need to achieve their goals with learning English

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.