Brookings School District 05-1

The Brookings School District 05-1 in South Dakota consists of 6 schools, including 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school, serving a diverse student population. The district's schools show a mix of high-performing and lower-performing outcomes, with the elementary schools facing declining statewide rankings in recent years.

Among the standout schools, Medary Elementary - 05 stands out with the lowest student-teacher ratio and the highest historical rankings, reaching the top 25% of South Dakota elementary schools in the past. Dakota Prairie Elementary - 07 also has a strong student-teacher ratio and the highest 3rd-grade math proficiency rates in the district. In contrast, Camelot Intermediate - 06 and Hillcrest Elementary - 04 have seen their statewide rankings decline, now ranking in the bottom third of South Dakota elementary schools.

The district's schools serve a diverse student population, with white students making up 71.21% to 85.2% of the student body, and significant percentages of Hispanic, African American, Asian, and Native American students. While the middle and high schools have maintained consistent 2-star ratings, the higher per-student spending at these levels does not necessarily translate to better academic outcomes, suggesting that factors beyond just funding, such as instructional practices and school leadership, may play a crucial role in student achievement.