The top reported proficiency rate is 39% in Science. The lowest is 31% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Susan B. Anthony Elementary - 66
Susan B. Anthony Elementary sits on South Dakota Avenue in Sioux Falls, serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade as part of the Sioux Falls School District. It is a relatively new school in the district, opened to help absorb ongoing enrollment growth that has made Sioux Falls the largest district in the state. The district operates dozens of schools across the city, and Susan B. Anthony was added to expand capacity at the elementary level. This matters for families because new construction can shift boundary assignments and class sizes as the district keeps adjusting to population pressures.
The student body is diverse by South Dakota standards. White students make up roughly half of enrollment, with Black students forming the next largest group. American Indian and Alaska Native students, Hispanic students, and students of two or more races each represent meaningful shares of the population. Nearly half of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, which gives a sense of the economic mix the school serves. The school does not have charter or magnet status; it is a standard neighborhood elementary. Data on English learners and special education enrollment was not available in the provided materials, so a parent wanting detail on those services would need to ask the school directly.
On state assessments, Susan B. Anthony posts proficiency rates that sit below state midpoints in both English language arts and mathematics. Science results are somewhat stronger, with a higher share of students reaching proficiency, though far fewer students were tested in science since that assessment applies to a narrower grade band within the school. Participation was full across all subjects. No multi-year trend data was available, so it is not possible from the provided data to say whether these results represent improvement, decline, or stability over time. Average scale scores were also missing. A parent evaluating academic fit may want to look into how the school supports students below proficiency and what growth measures the district tracks internally.
Sioux Falls itself is the most populous city in South Dakota and has grown rapidly since the late 1970s, more than doubling in population over that span. The city's economy shifted from an industrial base to one anchored by healthcare, finance, and retail, though manufacturing and food processing remain present. Sanford Health and Avera Health are the largest employers, with Wells Fargo and Citigroup also maintaining major operations, partly drawn by the absence of a state corporate income tax. The metro area accounts for more than a third of the state's population and continues to expand southward into Lincoln County.
For families considering the housing market around the school, the area is moderately priced relative to state and national benchmarks. Home values in the school's zip code sit below the state average and well below the national figure, and rents are also modest. Renting costs less per month than carrying a mortgage at current rates, which may factor into decisions for families not yet ready to buy. The broader city is largely car-dependent outside the downtown core, though Sioux Area Metro runs bus service Monday through Saturday. Falls Park, the Big Sioux River, a long paved loop trail, and the Washington Pavilion downtown serve as civic and cultural anchors. Augustana University and other higher education institutions are spread across the city.
The district brief notes that Susan B. Anthony's opening was part of a response to sustained enrollment growth, with facility and capacity decisions ongoing. What the provided data does not include is detail on the school's specific programs, staffing ratios, discipline policies, attendance patterns, or Title I status. Those gaps mean the picture here is necessarily partial. A parent weighing this school against others in the district would benefit from visiting, asking about intervention and enrichment offerings, and understanding how the school fits into the district's broader capacity and boundary planning.
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