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Northwestern Elementary - 04

Summary:

Northwestern Elementary - 04 is a public elementary school in Mellette, South Dakota, serving 119 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Northwestern Area School District 56-7, which is ranked 40 out of 126 districts in the state and has a 3-star rating.

Northwestern Elementary - 04 has consistently performed well on the Smarter Balanced Assessments, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics often exceeding the state and district averages. In the 2023-2024 school year, the school's proficiency rates were 59.19% in ELA and 55.1% in Math, compared to the state averages of 50.04% and 42.95%, respectively. The school's performance is particularly strong in 5th-grade ELA and Math, with proficiency rates of 66.67% in both subjects, significantly higher than the state averages. The school has shown steady improvement in its statewide ranking, moving from the 117th position out of 201 South Dakota elementary schools in 2012-2013 to the 55th position in 2023-2024, with a 4-star rating.

Compared to nearby schools, Hutterville Colony Elementary - 06 has significantly lower academic performance, while Redfield Elementary - 03 has lower academic performance than Northwestern Elementary - 04. On the other hand, Warner Elementary - 02, a high-performing school in a neighboring district, significantly outperforms Northwestern Elementary - 04 in both ELA and Math. Northwestern Elementary - 04 has seen a steady increase in per-student spending, from $9,496 in 2019-2020 to $12,501 in 2022-2023, which is higher than the state average, and maintains a relatively low student-teacher ratio, which may contribute to its academic success.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 221 3rd St
       Mellette, SD  57461

(605) 887-3467

District: Northwestern Area School District 56-7

SchoolDigger Rank:
55th of 201 South Dakota Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $12,501 Help


Students who attend Northwestern Elementary - 04 usually attend:

Middle:    Northwestern Middle School - 02
High:    Northwestern High School - 01

Student/teacher ratio:  12.4 Help
Number of students:  124

Racial breakdown:

White:
94.4%
Two or more races:
4.0%
African American:
0.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  15.3% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Northwestern Elementary - 04 ranks better than 72.6% of elementary schools in South Dakota. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 67.14. (See more...)
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Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (94.4%), two or more races (4%), African American (0.8%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 15.3% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Northwestern Elementary - 04 is 12.4. (See more...)
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Compare Northwestern Elementary - 04 employs 9.9 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Northwestern Elementary - 04 is $12,501.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Northwestern Elementary - 04:

SchoolDigger ranks Northwestern Elementary - 04 55th of 201 South Dakota public elementary schools. (See Northwestern Elementary - 04 in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


White students:


Northwestern Area School District 56-7:

SchoolDigger ranks Northwestern Area School District 56-7 40th of 126 South Dakota school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Northwestern Elementary - 04

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Rank History for all students at Northwestern Elementary - 04

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 54.73 112th 194 42.3%
2006 52.58 130th 197 34.0%
2007 36.70 154th 194 20.6%
2008 34.14 162nd 194 16.5%
2009 37.01 151st 196 23.0%
2010 25.58 179th 206 13.1%
2011 46.69 140th 205 31.7%
2012 45.94 151st 214 29.4%
2013 53.77 117th 201 41.8%
2015 63.74 73rd 209 65.1%
2016 70.57 47th 206 77.2%
2017 60.28 84th 207 59.4%
2018 55.66 98th 204 52.0%
2019 58.72 78th 206 62.1%
2021 57.36 92nd 202 54.5%
2022 51.32 102nd 202 49.5%
2023 72.15 54th 204 73.5%
2024 67.14 55th 201 72.6%
See the entire list of South Dakota Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Female students at Northwestern Elementary - 04

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 55.34 84th 163 48.5%
2019 45.65 90th 155 41.9%
2021 43.60 91st 151 39.7%
2023 71.30 35th 154 77.3%
See the entire list of Best South Dakota Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Northwestern Elementary - 04

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 67.19 46th 157 70.7%
See the entire list of Best South Dakota Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Northwestern Elementary - 04

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 39.29 124th 186 33.3%
2019 46.97 109th 191 42.9%
2021 51.90 94th 185 49.2%
2022 44.69 109th 184 40.8%
2023 64.92 62nd 185 66.5%
2024 62.14 64th 184 65.2%
See the entire list of Best South Dakota Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: South Dakota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Northwestern Elementary - 04 Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: South Dakota Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Northwestern Elementary - 04

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 141 141
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 134 134
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 152 152
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 152 152
1993 147 0 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 149
1994 154 1 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 157
1995 135 1 0 1 2 n/a n/a 0 139
1996 135 1 0 1 2 n/a n/a 0 139
1997 128 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 128
1998 128 0 0 0 5 n/a n/a 0 133
1999 128 1 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 131
2000 125 1 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 128
2001 144 1 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 146
2002 112 0 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 113
2003 112 0 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 113
2004 121 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 121
2005 126 0 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 127
2006 119 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 119
2007 117 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 117
2008 114 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 0 114
2009 137 0 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 139
2010 119 0 1 0 2 n/a n/a 0 122
2011 125 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 130
2012 127 1 0 1 0 0 3 0 132
2013 136 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 139
2014 124 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 126
2015 114 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 118
2016 109 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 114
2017 112 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 116
2018 118 1 0 1 0 0 4 0 124
2019 119 1 0 2 2 0 5 0 129
2020 114 1 0 2 1 0 5 0 123
2021 112 1 0 2 1 0 8 0 124
2022 106 0 0 0 1 0 8 0 115
2023 113 0 0 2 1 0 3 0 119
2024 117 1 0 1 0 0 5 0 124

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Northwestern Elementary - 04

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 141 7.0 20.1 n/a
1990 134 9.3 14.4 n/a
1991 152 9.2 16.5 n/a
1992 152 9.2 16.5 n/a
1993 149 8.3 18.0 n/a
1994 157 8.8 17.8 n/a
1995 139 8.3 16.7 n/a
1996 139 8.3 16.7 n/a
1997 128 8.3 15.4 27.3
1998 133 6.9 19.3 44.4
1999 131 7.6 17.2 38.2
2000 128 7.9 16.2 38.3
2001 146 8.4 17.4 34.2
2002 113 8.1 14.0 45.1
2003 113 8.1 14.0 45.1
2004 121 8.4 14.4 34.7
2005 127 9.0 14.1 33.9
2006 119 9.3 12.8 37.8
2007 117 9.6 12.2 44.4
2008 114 9.6 11.9 44.7
2009 139 10.6 13.2 43.9
2010 122 10.4 11.6 34.4
2011 130 10.2 12.7 30
2012 132 10.1 13.0 33.3
2013 139 10.0 13.8 30.9
2014 126 10.1 12.4 33.3
2015 118 10.0 11.8 7.6
2016 114 11.0 10.3 34.2
2017 116 10.5 10.9 34.5
2018 124 9.4 13.0 29.8
2019 129 9.2 13.8 22.5
2020 123 9.4 12.9 21.1
2021 124 9.0 13.7 24.2
2022 115 8.7 13.1 5.2
2023 119 8.6 13.7 10.1
2024 124 9.9 12.4 15.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Northwestern Elementary - 04

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 141 7.0 20.1 n/a
1990 134 9.3 14.4 n/a
1991 152 9.2 16.5 n/a
1992 152 9.2 16.5 n/a
1993 149 8.3 18.0 n/a
1994 157 8.8 17.8 n/a
1995 139 8.3 16.7 n/a
1996 139 8.3 16.7 n/a
1997 128 8.3 15.4 27.3
1998 133 6.9 19.3 44.4
1999 131 7.6 17.2 38.2
2000 128 7.9 16.2 38.3
2001 146 8.4 17.4 34.2
2002 113 8.1 14.0 45.1
2003 113 8.1 14.0 45.1
2004 121 8.4 14.4 34.7
2005 127 9.0 14.1 33.9
2006 119 9.3 12.8 37.8
2007 117 9.6 12.2 44.4
2008 114 9.6 11.9 44.7
2009 139 10.6 13.2 43.9
2010 122 10.4 11.6 34.4
2011 130 10.2 12.7 30
2012 132 10.1 13.0 33.3
2013 139 10.0 13.8 30.9
2014 126 10.1 12.4 33.3
2015 118 10.0 11.8 7.6
2016 114 11.0 10.3 34.2
2017 116 10.5 10.9 34.5
2018 124 9.4 13.0 29.8
2019 129 9.2 13.8 22.5
2020 123 9.4 12.9 21.1
2021 124 9.0 13.7 24.2
2022 115 8.7 13.1 5.2
2023 119 8.6 13.7 10.1
2024 124 9.9 12.4 15.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Northwestern Elementary - 04

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2020 $649 (6.8%) $8,847 (93.2%) $9,496
2021 $642 (5.8%) $10,385 (94.2%) $11,027
2022 $942 (8.1%) $10,681 (91.9%) $11,623
2023 $1,447 (11.6%) $11,054 (88.4%) $12,501

Data source: South Dakota Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Northwestern Elementary - 04

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Ranks 78th of 206 Elementary schoolsRanks 54th of 204 Elementary schools
 11.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Northwestern Elementary - 04)63.241.7
 21.5%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)63.246.2
 17%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (South Dakota)49.145.3
 3.8%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Northwestern Elementary - 04)68.466.7
 1.8%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)68.469.2
 0.8%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (South Dakota)52.751.1
 1.6%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Northwestern Elementary - 04)55.662.5
 6.9%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)55.662.5
 6.9%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (South Dakota)50.347.2
 3.1%
4th Grade Mathematics (Northwestern Elementary - 04)38.962.5
 23.6%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)38.962.5
 23.6%
   4th Grade Mathematics (South Dakota)4947.7
 1.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Northwestern Elementary - 04)42.972.7
 29.9%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)42.965.4
 22.5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (South Dakota)54.148.7
 5.4%
5th Grade Mathematics (Northwestern Elementary - 04)61.954.6
 7.4%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)61.950
 11.9%
   5th Grade Mathematics (South Dakota)40.539.4
 1.2%
5th Grade Science (Northwestern Elementary - 04)52.445.5
 6.9%
   5th Grade Science (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)52.442.3
 10.1%
   5th Grade Science (South Dakota)42.139.9
 2.2%
All Grades English Language Arts (Northwestern Elementary - 04)53.562
 8.5%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)54.152.5
 1.5%
   All Grades English Language Arts (South Dakota)53.249.7
 3.5%
All Grades Mathematics (Northwestern Elementary - 04)56.960
 3.1%
   All Grades Mathematics (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)51.941.8
 10.1%
   All Grades Mathematics (South Dakota)44.941.9
 3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students129119
 7.8%
African American10
 100%
American Indian21
 50%
Asian00
Hispanic22
Pacific Islander00
White119113
 5%
Two or More Races53
 40%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients22.5%10.1%
 12.4%

Schools Near Northwestern Elementary - 04








Frequently Asked Questions about Northwestern Elementary - 04

Students who attend Northwestern Elementary - 04 usually go on to attend:

Middle : Northwestern Middle School - 02
High : Northwestern High School - 01

Students at Northwestern Elementary - 04 are 94% White, 4% Two or more races.

Northwestern Elementary - 04 ranks 55th of 201 South Dakota elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

In the 2023-24 school year, 124 students attended Northwestern Elementary - 04.


Rate Northwestern Elementary - 04!



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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the South Dakota Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.




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