Serving 846 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17 ranks in the top 20% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 57% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 64% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 846 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 36%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 57% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 64% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17's student population of 846 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 49 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
846 students
Total Classroom Teachers
49 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue and Gold
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
Average Class Size
15 students
School Rankings
Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17 ranks within the top 20% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17 is 0.56, 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
#88 out of 619 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
12:1
American Indian
3%
14%
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
12%
9%
Black
9%
3%
White
64%
66%
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17's ranking?
Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17 is ranked #88 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17 often compared to?
Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17is often viewed alongside schools like Oscar Howe Elementary - 58, Cleveland Elementary - 14, Rosa Parks Elementary - 15 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
57% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17?
846 students attend Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17 students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Black, 3% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17?
Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17 has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17 offer ?
Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17 part of?
Rf Pettigrew Elementary - 17 is part of Sioux Falls School District 49-5.
School Reviews
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