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 14,853 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 Lake Preston Elementary - 02. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
There are 43 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: #2 - 42. - 4.
Adventure Elementary - 10
(Math: 88% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (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: #2 - 42. - 4.
Lake Preston Elementary - 02
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥90% (Top 1%)
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: #2 - 42. - 4.
Warner Elementary - 02
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
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: #55.
Fred Assam Elementary - 06
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 5%)
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: #66.
Inspiration Elementary - 08
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-4
3401 S Sparta Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
(605) 582-5890
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
(605) 582-5890
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Brandon Valley High School - 01
(Math: 72% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 72% (Top 5%)
Reading: 82% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
301 S Splitrock Blvd
Brandon, SD 57005
(605) 582-3211
Brandon, SD 57005
(605) 582-3211
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
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: #9 - 109. - 10.
Arlington Elementary - 02
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-6
306 S Main St
Arlington, SD 57212
(605) 983-5741
Arlington, SD 57212
(605) 983-5741
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
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)
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
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 (22-23)
$1,916 MM
Spending (22-23)
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student (22-23)
$13,121
Spending / Student (22-23)
$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 Lake Preston 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: Piedmont Valley Elementary - 05 vs. Black Hawk Elementary - 03, George Mcgovern Middle School -09 vs. Memorial Middle School - 04, Stevens High School - 42 vs. Central High School - 41
Recent Articles

Why Public Schools are Launching Marketing Campaigns
Advertising and marketing are not traditionally associated with public schools, but more and more campuses are launching campaigns to attract students. Learn about the growing marketing movement and why public schools are scrambling to advertise themselves.

Why Parents are Choosing Montessori Charter Public Schools
Learn about the Montessori Method, the growing number of Montessori charter schools, and why parents are considering this individualized approach to education.

Who Oversees Public Schools?
We explore the various models of governance of public schools in the U.S. today, breaking down the responsibilities of the federal, state and local governments.