McLaughlin Elementary - 02

McLaughlin Elementary - 02, a mid-tier primary school in McLaughlin, South Dakota, run under McLaughlin School District 15-2, hosts 203 students, covering grades pre-K through 5.

Across the 3 schools in McLaughlin School District 15-2 (443 students total), McLaughlin Elementary - 02 accounts for its share of the district's footprint.

Demographically, McLaughlin Elementary - 02 logs that the student body is overwhelmingly Native American (95%). Other groups include 3% multiracial.

In terms of school funding signals, McLaughlin Elementary - 02 logs 19 full-time-equivalent teachers, putting the student-to-teacher ratio at about 11.0:1. The state averages around 15.4:1, so this campus is tighter than the state norm typical. Around 100% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, a commonly cited indicator of low-income enrollment.

With demographic context factored in, McLaughlin Elementary - 02 tracks the demographic baseline. The model predicts 22.1% given the school's FRL share; actual proficiency is 11.5%.

In the surrounding community, community-level numbers for Corson County indicate median household income runs about $46,406, 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate sits near 34%. In all, Corson County runs 11 public schools (combined enrollment of about 858 students), of which McLaughlin Elementary - 02 is one.

The closest other public school is McLaughlin Middle School - 03, roughly 0.1 miles away. Within five miles, there are 2 other public schools.

The school occupies a small-town site.

Trend over the last 7 years. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at McLaughlin Elementary - 02 has fell 7%, going from 218 students in 2018 to 203 in 2025.

In the discussion threads here, recent activity here tends to focus on classroom updates, athletics, and weather closures. Members of the school community can share what they know.