For the 2026-27 school year, there are 3 vocational public schools serving 469 students in South Dakota.
Vocational schools offer a series of courses which directly prepare individuals in paid or unpaid employment in jobs that have requirements other than a baccalaureate or advanced degree.
The top-ranked vocational public schools in South Dakota are Lead-deadwood Career & Technical Education - 10 and Lakota Tech High School - 10. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Dakota vocational public schools have an average math proficiency score of 10% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 16% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public school average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Best Vocational Public Schools in South Dakota (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lead-deadwood Career & Technical Education - 10
Vocational School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
22023 Job Corps Ctr
Nemo, SD 57759
(605) 578-2371
Nemo, SD 57759
(605) 578-2371
Gr: 9-12 | 54 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #22.
Lakota Tech High School - 10
Vocational School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
206 School St
Batesland, SD 57716
(605) 455-6697
Batesland, SD 57716
(605) 455-6697
Gr: 9-12 | 414 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: n/an/a
Cte - 37
Vocational School
4700 W Career Cir
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
(605) 367-5504
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
(605) 367-5504
Gr: 9-12 | 1 student
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked vocational public schools in South Dakota?
The top-ranked vocational public schools in South Dakota include Lead-deadwood Career & Technical Education - 10 and Lakota Tech High School - 10.
How many vocational public schools are located in South Dakota?
3 vocational public schools are located in South Dakota.
What is the racial composition of students in South Dakota?
South Dakota vocational public schools minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public schools average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.