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GreatSchools Rating

Vandenberg Elementary - 02

Public | 4-5 | 391 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars


Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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4 reviews of this school


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Posted December 7, 2006

I can't say enough positive things about Vandenberg Elementary. My daughter's teacher is by far the best teacher she has ever had or hope to have in the future. She is not only extremely dedicated but also has a special way of connecting to her class and making them feel so warm and welcomed. The academics are top notch and the small size of the school and classrooms creates a very personal and close knit atmosphere. We feel very blessed to have our daughter in such an exceptional school. We could not have asked for a better situation. Thank you so much! Holly Bartlett
—Submitted by Holly Bartlett, a parent


Posted March 16, 2006

Both of my children attended Vandenberg School and have nothing but wonderful things to say about the school, its programs and staff. The curriculum is right on target and testing scores prove this. The teachers and principal have always been helpful when there is a question about my childen's education. The Special Education department is very highly qualified as well. I would recommend this school at the top of the list for any child's education.
—Submitted by Lyn, a parent


Posted March 16, 2006

Both my daughter and son attended Vandenberg School. It has excellent academic programs. The reading and writing programs are awesome as is the care of my children by their classroom teachers. Science is hands on and the STARBASE program is exciting. They have friends and enjoy the new playground. Their love of music and art has been encouraged in the classroom, band and after school chorus. In fourth grade they went to the Black Hills Symphony. A before and after school program supports my work schedule. And I have no worries about my children's safety. There are many extra activities including Books for Bingo, Splash Down, Field Day, Family Dance Night and Concerts. The front office staff offers a warm greeting and invites me in. I always feel welcome in the school.
—Submitted by Tam, a parent


Posted February 15, 2006

We have had two children attend this school and had issues with both. The academic's are lower than we are used to coming from Alaska. Both Children are reviewing work they learned in past grades and nothing really challenging. Teacher quality has been lacking and they are not challenging all of their students. Extracurricular activities are less than ideal if available at all. Faculty and leadership has little interest in seeking help from parents and instituting any program or offer for assistance outside of their set perameters. Safety has been good but discipline has been inconsistent. Overall this has been the worst school my children have attended and we're considering home schooling. Other schools in this small district have been better in all catagories other than academics. Planning to change districts or home school before years end.
—Submitted by Todd, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

199 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
81%

2008

 
 
84%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

199 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
77%

2008

 
 
92%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 South Dakota used the Dakota State Test of Educational Progress (Dakota STEP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The Dakota STEP is standards-based, which means it is aligned to South Dakota's educational standards and measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state. The standards-based Dakota STEP results are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See South Dakota's state standards

Source: South Dakota Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 77% in 2012.

155 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
74%

2008

 
 
78%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

155 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
77%

2008

 
 
91%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 South Dakota used the Dakota State Test of Educational Progress (Dakota STEP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The Dakota STEP is standards-based, which means it is aligned to South Dakota's educational standards and measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state. The standards-based Dakota STEP results are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See South Dakota's state standards

Source: South Dakota Department of Education

Math

All Students81%
Female79%
Male82%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic80%
Multiracial72%
Native Americann/a
White82%
Economically disadvantaged69%
Students with disabilities54%
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students77%
Female78%
Male75%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic80%
Multiracial81%
Native Americann/a
White76%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Students with disabilities50%
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 South Dakota used the Dakota State Test of Educational Progress (Dakota STEP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The Dakota STEP is standards-based, which means it is aligned to South Dakota's educational standards and measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state. The standards-based Dakota STEP results are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the South Dakota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See South Dakota's state standards

Source: South Dakota Department of Education

Math

All Students75%
Female73%
Male76%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracial85%
Native American71%
White74%
Economically disadvantaged65%
Students with disabilities27%
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students72%
Female74%
Male72%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracial69%
Native American71%
White73%
Economically disadvantaged57%
Students with disabilities39%
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 South Dakota used the Dakota State Test of Educational Progress (Dakota STEP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The Dakota STEP is standards-based, which means it is aligned to South Dakota's educational standards and measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state. The standards-based Dakota STEP results are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the South Dakota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See South Dakota's state standards

Source: South Dakota Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 79% 81%
American Indian/Alaska Native 7% 12%
Black 7% 2%
Hispanic 4% 3%
Asian/Pacific Islander 3% 1%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 50%N/A35%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A14
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

600 North Ellsworth Rd
Box Elder, SD 57719
Phone: (605) 923-0060

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