For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 1,538 students in Codington County, SD.
The top-ranked public preschools in Codington County, SD are Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06, Florence Elementary - 02 and Waverly-south Shore Elementary - 02. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Codington County, SD public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 61% (versus the South Dakota public pre school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Codington County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of South Dakota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public preschool average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Codington County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5 12th St Sw
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6350
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6350
Gr: PK-K | 296 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
Florence Elementary - 02
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
515 Main Ave
Florence, SD 57235
(605) 758-2412
Florence, SD 57235
(605) 758-2412
Gr: PK-5 | 179 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
Waverly-south Shore Elementary - 02
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
319 Mary Pl
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 886-9174
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 886-9174
Gr: PK-5 | 128 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #44.
Henry Elementary - 02
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
111 N Cedar
Henry, SD 57243
(605) 532-5364
Henry, SD 57243
(605) 532-5364
Gr: PK-5 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Codington County, SD?
The top-ranked public preschools in Codington County, SD include Mckinley Early Childhood Center - 06, Florence Elementary - 02 and Waverly-south Shore Elementary - 02.
How many public preschools are located in Codington County?
7 public preschools are located in Codington County.
What is the racial composition of students in Codington County?
Codington County public preschools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public preschools average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.