Rapid City, SD: Only 43% of students proficient in English, 35% in math

Nov 9, 2026, Rapid City, SD, KOTA: Rapid City Schools Trail State in Test Scores, Attendance

Rapid City Area Schools students scored below state averages in English language arts and math, while attendance also remained a challenge, according to the district’s latest school report card data.

The 2025-26 South Dakota School Report Card shows 43% of RCAS students met proficiency standards in English language arts, compared with 50% statewide. In math, 35% of district students met proficiency standards, compared with 45% across South Dakota.

District leaders said other assessments show some encouraging results.

Students in grades 2 through 8 scored at the 56th percentile nationally in both math and reading on the NWEA MAP assessment in spring 2026. Kindergarten and first-grade students also scored above national benchmarks on the Acadience assessment.

“Our national assessment results show encouraging signs, while our state assessment results remind us there is still work to do,” Superintendent Dr. Jami Jo Thompson said. . . .