For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 75 students in Union Center, SD.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Union Center, SD are Opal Elementary - 15, Hereford Elementary - 08 and Central Meade County School - 09. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Union Center, SD public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Union Center have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary school average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Union Center, SD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Opal Elementary - 15
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
18010 Opal Rd
Union Center, SD 57787
(605) 269-2264
Union Center, SD 57787
(605) 269-2264
Gr: K-8 | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Rank: #22.
Hereford Elementary - 08
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
15998 Cross S Rd
Union Center, SD 57787
(605) 269-2264
Union Center, SD 57787
(605) 269-2264
Gr: K-8 | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Rank: #33.
Central Meade County School - 09
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
19625 Ball Field Road
Union Center, SD 57787
(605) 269-2264
Union Center, SD 57787
(605) 269-2264
Gr: K-8 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Union Center, SD?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Union Center, SD include Opal Elementary - 15, Hereford Elementary - 08 and Central Meade County School - 09.
How many public elementary schools are located in Union Center?
3 public elementary schools are located in Union Center.
What is the racial composition of students in Union Center?
Union Center public elementary schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary schools average of 36% (majority American Indian).
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.