For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 1,302 students in Lake County, SD.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Lake County, SD are Madison Elementary - 07, Chester Middle School - 03 and Graceville Colony - 07. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake County, SD public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Lake County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% 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 Lake County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Madison Elementary - 07
(Math: 50% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
700 Nw 9th St
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7721
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7721
Gr: K-5 | 515 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
Chester Middle School - 03
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
102 2nd Ave
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Gr: 6-8 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Graceville Colony - 07
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
23843 - 446a Ave
Winfred, SD 57076
(605) 256-2267
Winfred, SD 57076
(605) 256-2267
Gr: K-8 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Rank: #44.
Chester Elementary -02
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
102 2nd Ave
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Gr: PK-5 | 154 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #55.
Shannon Colony Elementary - 08
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
43945 235th St.
Winfred, SD 57076
(605) 772-4443
Winfred, SD 57076
(605) 772-4443
Gr: K-8 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #66.
Madison Middle School - 02
(Math: 39% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
830 Ne 9th St
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7717
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7717
Gr: 6-8 | 270 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #77.
Rustic Acres Elementary - 04
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
24243 456th Ave
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Gr: K-8 | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: n/an/a
102 School St
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Gr: K-8 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Rank: n/an/a
102 School St
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Gr: PK-5 | 116 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
102 School St
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Gr: 6-8 | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Lake County, SD?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Lake County, SD include Madison Elementary - 07, Chester Middle School - 03 and Graceville Colony - 07.
How many public elementary schools are located in Lake County?
10 public elementary schools are located in Lake County.
What is the racial composition of students in Lake County?
Lake County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary schools average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Which public elementary schools in Lake County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Lake County include: Shannon Colony Elementary - 08 vs. Graceville Colony - 07
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