Top Rankings
Leola School District 44-2 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there is 1 public preschool serving 56 students in Leola School District 44-2. This district's average pre testing ranking is 10/10, which is in the top 10% of public pre schools in South Dakota.
Public Preschool in Leola School District 44-2 have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the South Dakota public pre school average of 44%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 45% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 2% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public preschool average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
7 Schools
145 Schools
# Students
210 Students
30,673 Students
# Teachers
22 Teachers
2,364 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
9:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Leola School District 44-2, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 50% has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#38 out of 148 school districts
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
42%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥50%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.09
0.54
% American Indian
n/a
13%
% Asian
n/a
1%
% Hispanic
2%
9%
% Black
n/a
5%
% White
95%
66%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $20,733 is higher than the state median of $13,146. The school district revenue/student has grown by 9% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $17,619 is higher than the state median of $12,647. The school district spending/student has grown by 9% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$4 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$4 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$20,733
$13,146
Spending / Student
$17,619
$12,647
Best Leola School District 44-2 Public Preschools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Leola Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
820 Leola Ave
Leola, SD 57456
(605) 439-3477
Leola, SD 57456
(605) 439-3477
Gr: PK-5 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Recent Articles

Bullying, Name-Calling & Put-Downs: Parent Guide 2025
Practical tips for parents to address bullying, name-calling, and put-downs—with 2025 data, policies, and expert strategies.

What Is a Magnet School? (2025 Guide)
Explore what a magnet school is, how it works, and its benefits in 2025. Clear explanation for parents, students, and educators.

Cooperative Learning in 2025: Evidence, Best Practices & Challenges
Explore cooperative learning in 2025—new data, updated practices, expert insights for educators and families.