South Dakota is the #41 largest school system in the United States, serving 146,041 students across the 734 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 92 private schools, serving 14,962 students). 91% of all K-12 students in South Dakota attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in South Dakota is 43%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 51%.
The top-ranked public schools in South Dakota are Challenge Center - 51, Adventure Elementary - 10, and Warner Elementary - 02. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
There are 45 Blue Ribbon Schools, and 19 special education schools.
Minority enrollment is 33%, with the majority being American Indian and the student-teacher ratio is 14:1.
Top Ranked Public Schools in South Dakota (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Challenge Center - 51
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 2-5
3101 S 4th Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 367-6170
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 367-6170
Rank: #22.
Adventure Elementary - 10
(Math: 86% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 86% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
27220 472nd Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
(605) 432-2567
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
(605) 432-2567
Rank: #33.
Warner Elementary - 02
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
110 1st Ave Sw
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Rank: #44.
Fred Assam Elementary - 06
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 80-84% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-4
7700 E Willowwood St
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
(605) 582-1500
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
(605) 582-1500
Rank: #55.
Lake Preston Elementary - 02
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 70-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
300 1st St Ne
Lake Preston, SD 57249
(605) 847-4464
Lake Preston, SD 57249
(605) 847-4464
Rank: #66.
Howard High School - 01
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
500 N Section Line
Howard, SD 57349
(605) 772-5515
Howard, SD 57349
(605) 772-5515
Rank: #7 - 97. - 9.
Arlington Jr. High - 03
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 70-79% (Top 10%)
Grades: 7-8
306 S Main St
Arlington, SD 57212
(605) 983-5598
Arlington, SD 57212
(605) 983-5598
Rank: #7 - 97. - 9.
Faulkton Elementary - 02
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 70-79% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-5
1114 Court St
Faulkton, SD 57438
(605) 598-6266
Faulkton, SD 57438
(605) 598-6266
Rank: #7 - 97. - 9.
Whitewood Elementary - 04
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 70-79% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-5
603 Garfield St
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Rank: #1010.
Warner Middle School - 03
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: 6-8
110 1st Ave Sw
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Overview
This State (SD)
# Schools
734 Schools
# Students
146,041 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
10,645 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (SD)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
Graduation Rate
82%
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.53
# American Indian Students
20,873 Students
% American Indian Students
14%
# Asian Students
2,252 Students
% Asian Students
2%
# Hispanic Students
11,917 Students
% Hispanic Students
8%
# Black Students
4,730 Students
% Black Students
3%
# White Students
97,780 Students
% White Students
67%
# Hawaiian Students
197 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
# Two or more races Students
8,292 Students
% of Two or more races Students
6%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (SD)
Total Revenue
$1,916 MM
Spending
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$13,121
Spending / Student
$12,623
Best South Dakota Public Schools by County (2025)
Popular neighborhoods: All Saints (5 schools), Beadie Greenway (2 schools), North End West (1 schools), Riverside (1 schools), Whittier (1 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in South Dakota?
The top-ranked public schools in South Dakota include Challenge Center - 51, Adventure Elementary - 10, and Warner Elementary - 02.
How many public schools are located in South Dakota?
734 public schools are located in South Dakota.
What percentage of students in South Dakota go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in South Dakota attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in South Dakota?
Minority enrollment in South Dakota is 33%, with the majority being American Indian.
Which public schools in South Dakota are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in South Dakota include: George Mcgovern Middle School -09 vs. Memorial Middle School - 04, Stevens High School - 42 vs. Central High School - 41, Piedmont Valley Elementary - 05 vs. Black Hawk Elementary - 03
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
