Best Aurora County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 564 students in Aurora County, SD.
The top-ranked public schools in Aurora County, SD are Corsica-stickney Elementary - 02, Plankinton Elementary - 02 and White Lake High School - 01. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Aurora County, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Aurora County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).

Best Public Schools in Aurora County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Corsica-stickney Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
506 Main St
Stickney, SD 57375
(605) 732-4221
Gr: PK-5 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Plankinton Elementary - 02
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
404 E Davenport St
Plankinton, SD 57368
(605) 942-7743
Gr: PK-6 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #33.
White Lake High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
410 E 4th St
White Lake, SD 57383
(605) 249-2251
Gr: 9-12 | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Aurora Plains Academy High School - 05
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1400 E 10th St
Plankinton, SD 57368
(605) 942-5437
Gr: 9-12 | 6 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #55.
Plankinton High School - 01
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
404 E Davenport St
Plankinton, SD 57368
(605) 942-7743
Gr: 9-12 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #66.
White Lake Elementary - 02
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
410 E 4th St
White Lake, SD 57383
(605) 249-2251
Gr: PK-5 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #77.
White Lake Middle School - 03
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
410 E 4th St
White Lake, SD 57383
(605) 249-2251
Gr: 6-8 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #88.
Plankinton Jr. High - 03
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
404 E Davenport St
Plankinton, SD 57368
(605) 942-7743
Gr: 7-8 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #99.
Aurora Plains Academy Middle School - 04
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1400 E 10th St
Plankinton, SD 57368
(605) 942-5437
Gr: 4-8 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: n/an/a
Dakota Reach - 06
Special Education School
1400 E 10th St
Plankinton, SD 57368
(605) 942-5437
Gr: 9-12 | 3 students Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: n/an/a
Dakota Reach Middle School - 07
Special Education School
1400 E 10th St
Plankinton, SD 57368
(605) 942-5437
Gr: 5-8 | 3 students Minority enrollment: 33%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Aurora County, SD

Aurora County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
506 E Main
Stickney, SD 57375
(605) 732-4221
Gr: K-6 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
506 E Main
Stickney, SD 57375
(605) 732-4221
Gr: 9-12 | 25 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
506 E Main
Stickney, SD 57375
(605) 732-4221
Gr: 7-8 | 16 students
506 E Main
Stickney, SD 57375
(605) 732-4221
Gr: PK | 7 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Aurora County, SD?
The top-ranked public schools in Aurora County, SD include Corsica-stickney Elementary - 02, Plankinton Elementary - 02 and White Lake High School - 01.
How many public schools are located in Aurora County?
11 public schools are located in Aurora County.
What is the racial composition of students in Aurora County?
Aurora County public schools minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public schools average of 33% (majority American Indian).

Recent Articles

Public School Transportation & Commute Planning Guide
Public School Transportation & Commute Planning Guide
Learn how public school transportation and commute planning can help families prepare for the coming school year safely and efficiently.
New Public School Safety Protocols 2025–26 Guide
New Public School Safety Protocols 2025–26 Guide
Learn how new public school safety protocols for 2025–26 affect students, parents, and schools nationwide.
How Technology Transforms Education in 2025
How Technology Transforms Education in 2025
Explore how technology shapes learning today, with updated data, policy context, trends, and real-world implications for students, educators, and families.