For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 264 students in De Smet, SD.
The top ranked public elementary schools in De Smet, SD are Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary - 02 and De Smet Middle School - 03. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
De Smet, SD public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in De Smet have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary school average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Elementary Schools in De Smet, SD (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary - 02
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
407 Ingalls Ave Sw
De Smet, SD 57231
(605) 854-3963
De Smet, SD 57231
(605) 854-3963
Gr: PK-5 | 178 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
De Smet Middle School - 03
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
405 3rd St Sw
De Smet, SD 57231
(605) 854-3423
De Smet, SD 57231
(605) 854-3423
Gr: 6-8 | 86 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in De Smet, SD?
The top ranked public elementary schools in De Smet, SD include Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary - 02 and De Smet Middle School - 03.
How many public elementary schools are located in De Smet?
2 public elementary schools are located in De Smet.
What is the racial composition of students in De Smet?
De Smet public elementary schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary schools average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles

10 Advantages of Public Education in 2025
Explore 10 key benefits of public education in 2025, with fresh statistics, expert insights, and real-world examples for parents and educators.

COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on U.S. Public Schools (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.