South Dakota is the #41 largest school system in the United States, serving 145,783 students across the 749 public schools for the 2024 school year (there are 89 private schools, serving 13,676 students). 91% of all K-12 students in South Dakota are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in South Dakota is 43%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 52%.
The top ranked public schools in South Dakota are Challenge Center - 51, Warner Elementary - 02 and Valley Springs Elementary - 04. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
There are 44 Blue Ribbon Schools and 19 special education schools.
Minority enrollment is 31% (majority American Indian) and the student:teacher ratio is 13:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(SD) School Average
American Indian
14%
Asian
2%
Hispanic
7%
Black
3%
White
69%
Two or more races
5%
Top Ranked Public Schools in South Dakota (2024)
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.
Warner Elementary - 02
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
110 1st Ave Sw
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Rank: #33.
Valley Springs Elementary - 04
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥90% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-4
301 Valley Dr
Valley Springs, SD 57068
(605) 757-6285
Valley Springs, SD 57068
(605) 757-6285
Rank: #44.
Tabor Elementary - 05
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥80% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥80% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-5
227 N Lidice St
Tabor, SD 57063
(605) 463-2271
Tabor, SD 57063
(605) 463-2271
Rank: #55.
Dell Rapids Elementary - 02
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-4
309 W 15th St
Dell Rapids, SD 57022
(605) 428-5473
Dell Rapids, SD 57022
(605) 428-5473
Rank: #66.
Warner Middle School - 03
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%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
Rank: #7 - 127. - 12.
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 - 127. - 12.
Avon High School - 01
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥80% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
210 Pine St
Avon, SD 57315
(605) 286-3291
Avon, SD 57315
(605) 286-3291
Rank: #7 - 127. - 12.
Cedar Grove Colony Elementary - 14
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥80% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-8
36926 266th St
Platte, SD 57369
(605) 337-2468
Platte, SD 57369
(605) 337-2468
Rank: #7 - 127. - 12.
Ethan High School - 01
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥80% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
320 S 2nd St
Ethan, SD 57334
(605) 227-4211
Ethan, SD 57334
(605) 227-4211
Best South Dakota Public Schools by County (2024)
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, Warner Elementary - 02 and Valley Springs Elementary - 04.
How many public schools are located in South Dakota?
749 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 are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in South Dakota?
Minority enrollment in South Dakota is 31% (majority American Indian)
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