For the 2025 school year, there are 7 blue ribbon public high schools serving 547 students in South Dakota.
Blue ribbon schools have been recognized by the Department of Education for achieving superior standards of academic excellence. Read more about this national school awards program and how blue ribbon schools work.
The top ranked blue ribbon public high schools in South Dakota are Ethan High School - 01, Burke High School - 01 and Timber Lake High School - 01. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Dakota blue ribbon public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 54% (versus the South Dakota public high school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 67% (versus the 63% statewide average).
South Dakota blue ribbon public high school have a Graduation Rate of 74%, which is less than the South Dakota average of 81%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Armour High School - 01, with ≥80% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in South Dakota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public high school average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Best Blue Ribbon Public High Schools in South Dakota (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Ethan High School - 01
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
320 S 2nd St
Ethan, SD 57334
(605) 227-4211
Ethan, SD 57334
(605) 227-4211
Grades: 9-12
| 87 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Burke High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
900 Washington St
Burke, SD 57523
(605) 775-2645
Burke, SD 57523
(605) 775-2645
Grades: 9-12
| 95 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Timber Lake High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
500 Main St
Timber Lake, SD 57656
(605) 865-3654
Timber Lake, SD 57656
(605) 865-3654
Grades: 9-12
| 110 students
Rank: #44.
Castlewood High School - 01
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
310 E Harry St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Grades: 9-12
| 106 students
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Armour High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
604 3rd St
Armour, SD 57313
(605) 724-2153
Armour, SD 57313
(605) 724-2153
Grades: 9-12
| 52 students
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Harding County High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
12474 Tipperary St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Grades: 9-12
| 62 students
Rank: #77.
White Lake High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
410 E 4th St
White Lake, SD 57383
(605) 249-2251
White Lake, SD 57383
(605) 249-2251
Grades: 9-12
| 35 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked blue ribbon public high schools in South Dakota?
The top ranked blue ribbon public high schools in South Dakota include Ethan High School - 01, Burke High School - 01 and Timber Lake High School - 01.
How many blue ribbon public high schools are located in South Dakota?
7 blue ribbon public high schools are located in South Dakota.
What is the racial composition of students in South Dakota?
South Dakota blue ribbon public high schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public high schools average of 35% (majority American Indian).
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