Bethesda Lutheran School and Early Learning Center is a Christian school serving children ages 3-Grade 4. Its mission statement is "Partnering with families to share the love of Jesus and provide an excellent Christ-centered education." National Lutheran Schools Accreditation Board and the State of South Dakota accredit it. The South Dakota Department of Social Services licenses Bethesda's Child Care.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked SD School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 26 students
- Yearly Tuition: $3,100
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Bethesda Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia
Year Founded
1980
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
26 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 21%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
10 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition is Kindergarten – Grade 4 - Registration fee $125
Member Tuition: $155/month
Non-member Tuition: $310/month
Preschool tuition Registration fee $225
and $200 a month
Acceptance Rate
90%
National avg.: 85%
School Notes
- Preschool for children ages 3-5 is available from 8:00 - 12:00. Accredited by National Lutheran Schools Accreditation Board.
- School-year Child Care services are available from 7:15 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. and again from noon to 5:30 P.M. for $4.00 per hour.
- Weekly & monthly rates are available. Child Care is also available every Friday from 7:15 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.
- Child Care and Enrichment services are available during the summer.
- The South Dakota Department of Social Services licenses Child Care.
- Charges are incurred for the entire hour regardless of how much of the hour the child is in attendance. If a child is picked up after 5:30 p.m., a fee of $5 per every 15 minutes late will be charged at pick-up time.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Bethesda Lutheran School cost?
Bethesda Lutheran School's tuition is approximately $3,100 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Bethesda Lutheran School?
The acceptance rate of Bethesda Lutheran School is 90%, which is lower than the national average of 95%. Bethesda Lutheran School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in South Dakota with low acceptance rates.
What is Bethesda Lutheran School's ranking?
Bethesda Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Dakota for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for Bethesda Lutheran School?
The application deadline for Bethesda Lutheran School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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