Serving 502 students in grades 6-8, South Middle School - 36 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 24% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is equal to the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 502 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 56%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Middle School - 36 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
South Middle School - 36's student population of 502 students has declined by 25% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
502 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
South Middle School - 36 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 636 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Middle School - 36 is 0.72, 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
#557 out of 636 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
42%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
51%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
42%

Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1

American Indian
21%
14%

Asian
1%
2%

Hispanic
14%
8%

Black
2%
3%

White
44%
67%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
18%
6%

All Ethnic Groups



Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
31%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Middle School - 36's ranking?
South Middle School - 36 is ranked #557 out of 636 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are South Middle School - 36 often compared to?
South Middle School - 36is often viewed alongside schools like Southwest Middle School - 38 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend South Middle School - 36?
502 students attend South Middle School - 36.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of South Middle School - 36 students are White, 21% of students are American Indian, 18% of students are Two or more races, 14% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of South Middle School - 36?
South Middle School - 36 has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does South Middle School - 36 offer ?
South Middle School - 36 offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is South Middle School - 36 part of?
South Middle School - 36 is part of Rapid City Area School District 51-4.
School Reviews
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