At a glance
Reported students
333
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
23.34
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
14.3:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
01–04
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
South Dakota elementary enrollment
75th percentile
Compared with 316 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
347
Jefferson Elementary - 09: 333 reported students.
State peer staffing position
73rd percentile
14.3:1 reported; state peer median 12.7:1. Ratio is not class size.
Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22
These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.
- Students
- 447
- Teachers (FTE)
- 27
- Student–teacher ratio
- 16.6:1
What the reported data says about Jefferson Elementary - 09
Jefferson Elementary - 09 is a public elementary school serving grades 01–04 in Watertown. It is one of 8 current school records connected to Watertown School District 14-4. NCES reports 333 students for 2024–25.
Among 316 elementary schools in South Dakota with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 149.5 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 75th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 14.3:1, above the South Dakota median of 12.7:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are White (83.5%) and American Indian or Alaska Native (5.7%). English learners represent 0.4% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 9.8%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports gifted and talented programming. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking Jefferson Elementary - 09
- 1How do the reported 14.3:1 student–teacher ratio and 23.34 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Which advanced, gifted, career, arts, and computer-science courses are available this year, and how do students qualify?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 0.6 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4What meal assistance, transportation, after-school, and family-support services are currently available?
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 0.4%
- Students with disabilities
- 9.8%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 32.7%
- Lunch program
- Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 0.6
- Nurses (FTE)
- 0.25
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 0
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White83.5%
- Hispanic4.2%
- Black0.3%
- Asian0.6%
- American Indian / Alaska Native5.7%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0%
- Multiracial5.7%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Programs reported by the school
Gifted and talented
Offered
CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Other schools in Watertown School District 14-4
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Lincoln Elementary - 05
Elementary · Grades 01–04
361 reported students
McKinley Early Childhood Center - 06
Elementary · Grades PK–KG
296 reported students
Mellette Elementary - 07
Elementary · Grades 01–04
267 reported students
Sunrise Colony - 15
Elementary · Grades KG–08
20 reported students
Watertown Intermediate School - 13
Middle · Grades 05–06
532 reported students
Watertown Middle School - 02
Middle · Grades 07–08
575 reported students
Public schools near Jefferson Elementary - 09
Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.
| School | Grades | Students | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown Middle School - 02 Middle · Watertown School District 14-4 | 07–08 | 575 | 0.8 mi |
| Mellette Elementary - 07 Elementary · Watertown School District 14-4 | 01–04 | 267 | 0.9 mi |
| Lincoln Elementary - 05 Elementary · Watertown School District 14-4 | 01–04 | 361 | 1.1 mi |
| Watertown Intermediate School - 13 Middle · Watertown School District 14-4 | 05–06 | 532 | 1.2 mi |
| McKinley Early Childhood Center - 06 Elementary · Watertown School District 14-4 | PK–KG | 296 | 1.7 mi |
| Waverly-South Shore Elementary - 02 Elementary · Waverly School District 14-5 | PK–05 | 128 | 8.8 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Jefferson Elementary - 09
What grades does Jefferson Elementary - 09 serve?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 reports grades 01–04 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as an elementary school in Watertown School District 14-4.
How many students attend Jefferson Elementary - 09?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 reported 333 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 75th percentile among 316 South Dakota elementary schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 447 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Jefferson Elementary - 09?
The calculated ratio is 14.3:1, based on 333 students and 23.34 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The South Dakota median for the same school level is 12.7:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is Jefferson Elementary - 09 a public, charter, or magnet school?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 is a public school. Enrollment is generally based on Watertown School District 14-4 attendance boundaries and transfer rules.
What share of Jefferson Elementary - 09 students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?
32.7% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.
Which school district is Jefferson Elementary - 09 in?
Jefferson Elementary - 09 is part of Watertown School District 14-4, based in Watertown, SD, which operates 8 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near Jefferson Elementary - 09?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Watertown Middle School - 02 (0.8 mi), Mellette Elementary - 07 (0.9 mi), Lincoln Elementary - 05 (1.1 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.