Elk Point-Jefferson High School - 01

Elk point-Jefferson school district is the best school my children have attended in several states. EPJ s standards are high and they manage to recruit the top teachers in the state. The administration is not top-heavy and has great leadership keeping the students as priority one. I would not choose a private school over EPJ even if I had the opportunity!
—Submitted by a parent

I always felt schools in general were good but until I had a child who was struggling did I learn that schools also have a lot to learn. I took for granted that the school would do what they said they would - but I soon found out you have to monitor them. Yes I understand there are many students to deal with but the changes my child needed were very mild and I have had to fight to get them. Kids who struggle do not have the same experience as the kids who don't. My child has encountered very little support from staff and other students. There has been only one person that has really tried to help and reach out. There is more to a school than a tough curriculum. I feel children should feel safe at school and there are many who don't.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is no doubt tough and the grading scale is high but not all children learn in the same way and in this area the school struggles. There are many students who don't fit the norm and are disregarded. My children have went on to higher education on their own not by help from the school. It is the home that influences a kids sucess the most. There are very few teachers who take special interest in students anymore. I have lived in this community all my life and in the past 2 years have seen many students leave this school because of the enviorment.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Great teachers. Great kids.
—Submitted by a former student

Our school has a very high level of expectation for our communities' children. We have found that the caring, nurturing attitude of both the middle and high school staff has given our children a tremendous advantage when they move on to college. The staff is incredibly competent and aware of the needs of students to be successful in the world of work and independence. We have been particulary impressed with the focus on helping students plan for college and career ambitions. One of the reviews posted indicated a 'narrow view' by the staff. The efforts that the staff provides at Elk Point-Jefferson are much too important to attack in such a rude fashion. There are better ways to deal with negative feelings than to post them without the benefit of a defense. Knowledgeable people make competent decisions on the facts.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not a parent but I am a student. I now attend Mitchell High and recently attended Elk Point- Jefferson. I am glad I had the opportunity to learn in such a small school. Elk Point is a good place to meet people and to really get to know your teachers. At Mitchell I do not know any of my teachers personally like I did at Elk Point, which makes it easier for one to adjust and to ask for help when they need it. If I had a choice I would be back at Elk Point right now.
—Submitted by Brandi Irwin, a former student

I think we have an excellent schooling program. I am a student here not a parent, so I see first hand everday what goes on in the classrooms. We have one of the toughest schools in our district. I believe that our school should stay as tough as it has. I think that my fellow students and ones to come should be encouraged to do what they want to in life when it comes to career areas. They should be encouraged to become doctors, lawyers, engineers...Etc.! We should not grow up through life thinking we have to live in south dakota forever. Let us expand our horizons with the intelligance we are provided!!!
—Submitted by a student